News

8th April 2011

NSA have reported that Scabivax supplies will be very tight

Intervet Schering Plough, (ISP) the makers of orf vaccine Scabivax are reporting that recent batches of the vaccine have not met approved specification levels and as a result it is very unlikely that sheep farmers will have access to the vaccine this coming season. ISP have assured NSA that they are doing all they can to ensure the quickest possible return of supply.

Following on from abortion vaccine supply issues last autumn, this latest vaccine issue demonstrates the challenges facing manufacturers of vaccines and the serious consequences it can have for sheep farmers. ISP have issued the following information which may be of use in terms of trying to deal with orf in the absence of vaccine. Concerned members should also contact their vet for further advice.

Alternative orf control strategies - Sheep farmers concerned about an orf problem in their flock should contact their vet for appropriate disease control advice. Steps that farmers can take to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks:

• Orf is a virus that spreads via contact with infected material. The virus requires a break in the skin to infect an animal, so good hygiene and preventing access to rough pasture (e.g. grazing areas with thistles) will help.

• Keep lambing areas clean, dry and well bedded. Plenty of bedding reduces the chance of animals coming into contact with infected scabs. Wet conditions also predispose sheep to skin traumas, which will allow the virus to enter the body.

• Any infected ewes or lambs should be isolated immediately. This will reduce the risk of disease spread.

• Any affected lambs, or lambs from badly affected ewes, should be managed, if possible, in a manor that helps to reduce pain and discomfort. Ill animals should also be fed artificially, paying scrupulous attention to hygiene of teats, bottles and utensils. Astringents such as crystal violet dressings may be useful to speed up natural recovery.

• Orf is a self-limiting disease, so if secondary bacterial infections are controlled – for example, with the use of Engemycin Spray – natural healing should occur in 24 to 28 days.