Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Welfare: Respiratory Disease in Housed Flocks

Ovine respiratory disease complex is a major welfare and economic challenge in housed sheep, caused by multiple pathogens and exacerbated by poor ventilation and stocking density.

Key Facts

Respiratory disease is a leading cause of mortality in housed sheep and lambs
Pathogens including Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae are commonly involved
Stress from weaning, transport and housing precipitates disease outbreaks
Ventilation failures and excessive stocking density dramatically increase disease risk
Vaccination protocols tailored to the prevalent pathogens significantly reduce morbidity

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease in housed sheep causes significant suffering through fever, dyspnoea, lethargy and reduced feed intake. Chronic pleuropneumonia causes persistent pain and reduced quality of life. Prevention through ventilation design, appropriate stocking density, vaccination and stress reduction is more effective and welfare-protective than treatment after outbreak. Early identification through respiratory scoring enables targeted intervention.

What You Can Do

Ensure housed sheep have adequate ventilation without draughts
Avoid overstocking housed sheep, especially at high-risk transition periods
Work with your vet to develop a vaccination programme for respiratory disease
Learn to use respiratory scoring tools for early disease detection in flocks