Ovine Pneumonia Welfare Management in Housed Sheep Flocks

Pneumonia is a major welfare and economic problem in housed sheep, particularly in autumn-housed breeding ewes and growing lambs.

Key Facts

Ovine pneumonia is commonly caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, often in combination
Subclinical pneumonia is widespread — post-mortem surveys reveal lung lesions in over 50% of slaughter lambs with no pre-mortem diagnosis
Housing transition, mixing, high stocking density and poor ventilation are the primary risk factors for outbreak occurrence
Early treatment with long-acting oxytetracycline or florfenicol combined with NSAIDs significantly improves welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Sheep conceal illness effectively, meaning pneumonia is often well-established before behavioural signs prompt farmer intervention. Subclinical pneumonia causes chronic welfare impairment through impaired gas exchange, growth suppression and immune compromise. Acute clinical pneumonia is a high-priority welfare emergency with mortality risk. Ventilation design that prevents draughts while maintaining air flow is the most effective environmental prevention measure. Regular clinical surveillance by trained shepherds detects cases earlier.

What You Can Do

Ensure housed sheep buildings have adequate cross-ventilation without draughts at animal level
Train farm staff to recognise early respiratory signs: elevated respiratory rate, nasal discharge, depression
Treat all suspected pneumonia cases promptly with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs
Vaccinate at-risk flocks against Mannheimia haemolytica in advance of housing