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Ovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis in sheep: the farmer's perspective
Helen J Williams1, Jennifer S Duncan1, Sarah Nichol Fisher1
1Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.
Veterinary Record Open
|November 2, 2019
Summary
Most sheep farmers have encountered ovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis (OIKC), a common sheep eye disease, particularly in winter. Farmer-reported risk factors and treatments varied, with limited perceived effectiveness, highlighting potential communication gaps.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Animal Husbandry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis (OIKC) is a significant sheep eye disease.
- Understanding farmer-reported data is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collect current, farmer-reported data on OIKC occurrence.
- To identify risk factors and treatment practices for OIKC.
- To assess the perceived effectiveness of OIKC treatments.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 135 sheep farmers across four livestock markets.
- Data on OIKC frequency, associated factors, and treatments were collected.
- Farmer-reported efficacy of common treatments was analyzed.
Main Results:
- 87% of farmers reported observing OIKC, with most cases in winter.
- Housing and forage feeding from racks were identified as potential risk factors.
- Common treatments included cloxacillin ointment, oxytetracycline injection, and tetracycline spray, with only 62% deemed highly effective.
- Farmers used diverse terminology for OIKC, indicating potential communication issues.
Conclusions:
- Ovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis is prevalent in sheep flocks, with seasonal variations.
- Farmer-identified risk factors and treatments require further investigation.
- Discrepancies in terminology between farmers and veterinarians may impede effective OIKC management.
