Sheep Respiratory Disease: Welfare and Prevention

Respiratory disease is a leading cause of illness and death in housed sheep. Prevention through ventilation, vaccination, and management substantially reduces flock suffering.

Key Facts

Ovine respiratory disease complex involves multiple pathogens including Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
Lambs are most susceptible, particularly in the first weeks of life and at housing
Crowded, poorly ventilated housing dramatically increases respiratory disease risk
Disease spreads through respiratory droplets — mixing unfamiliar sheep facilitates transmission
Vaccination against Mannheimia and Pasteurella reduces mortality significantly in risk flocks
Clinical signs include coughing, nasal discharge, rapid breathing, and fever

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease in sheep causes significant acute suffering — fever, pain from lung inflammation, difficulty breathing, and progressive weakness if untreated. Outbreak mortality can be substantial, and survivors may have permanently reduced lung capacity. Prevention through adequate ventilation (fresh air without draughts), appropriate stocking density, minimizing stress at housing, and targeted vaccination programs dramatically reduces flock disease burden. Prompt treatment of affected animals with antibiotics and NSAIDs reduces duration of suffering and improves recovery rates.

What You Can Do

Ensure housed sheep have adequate ventilation — visible condensation and coughing indicate poor air quality
Vaccinate sheep at risk of Mannheimia/Pasteurella infection according to veterinary advice
Minimize mixing of unfamiliar sheep, especially at housing when respiratory disease risk peaks
Treat respiratory signs promptly with appropriate antibiotics and NSAID pain relief