Veterinary services to the Pennsylvania sheep industry

Questionnaires on ovine management and disease were distributed to sheep producers and large animal veterinarians in Pennsylvania. Returns indicated economic analysis of veterinary services to eastern farm flocks to be of primary importance. Although most producers were reluctant to request veterinary services because of cost, the average expenditure for veterinary services was reasonable ($143 per flock per year). Producers appeared to have little awareness of expected benefits from veterinary services. It was concluded that coordination of veterinary services and producer management should increase production and economic returns. Determination of cost/benefit ratios for individual and flock veterinary care would allow for formulation of sound flock health programs and would demonstrate effectiveness of such programs to producers and veterinarians.