Tool designed to encourage farmers to discuss vaccination with their vet.
A new interactive map highlighting cases of Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) across the United Kingdom has been launched by Ceva Animal Health.
One of the most commonly diagnosed causes of abortion in sheep, EAE costs the UK farming industry some £20 million every year. There are several ways that EAE can infect a flock, but transmission is mostly via aborted tissue and the reproductive fluids of infected ewes.
Forming part of Ceva’s ‘For Flock’s Sake – Vaccinate!’ campaign, the new map uses data from the firm’s on-farm testing for the bacterium that causes EAE, Chlamydophila abortus. It reveals that the disease is prevalent across the UK, but Ceva warns that cases could be far higher as the map is only based on farms that it has tested positive for the bacterium.
Ceva hopes that resource will highlight the real threat of EAE and encourage farmers to discuss vaccination with their veterinary surgeon. Stephenie Clarke, product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Our new EAE interactive map will be updated on an ongoing basis and will be a useful tool to ensure that farmers are up-to-date with EAE cases throughout the UK.”
Positive cases of EAE are recorded on the map by county, providing farmers with a simple tool to check for EAE in their local area. The map will continue to be updated regularly as new farms test positive for the disease.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
