Biosecurity and animal health

Just as with Humans, vaccination is key to preventing disease in animals.  Some common diseases such as Tetanus affect sheep as well as people.  While several vaccines are generally used, some vaccines are needed in areas where specific ovine diseases are endemic.  Working with our Veterinarian, we routinely administer the following vaccinations

All Sheep:

• Clostridium Perfringens Type C&D
• Tetanus

Breeding Ewes

• Campylobacter Fetus-Jejuni
• Chlamydia Psittaci

New-Born Lambs

• Selenium & Vitamin E
• Clostridium Perfringens Type C&D, and Tetanus

We recommend that you work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination program for your specific area.

A good practice to prevent the spread of disease is a regular testing program.  In addition to the testing required for interstate transportation of sheep, we regularly test our sheep for specific ovine diseases.  As outbreaks of specific diseases are reported, the testing program is modified to test for diseases of concern.  In addition to testing required for interstate shipping, we can (at the buyers request and expense) provide a biosecurity panel through the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of Washington State University which tests for:

• CL ( Caseous lymphadenitis)
• Small ruminant lentivirus ( CAE/OPP)
•  Johne's Disease

and optionally 

• Q-Fever

Please contact us for more information

Most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for the importation of live animals.  If needed, we will arrange with a local Veterinarian to accomplish the CVI and any required testing.  Some states also require a specific import permit for sheep.  We will coordinate with the Veterinarian to obtain the import permit as well as the CVI.  

You will be provided with a copy of the CVI and a complete health history of the sheep you purchase.  The health history contains information on the animal from birth to include vaccinations and any veterinary treatment received.

While not required for in-state (Oregon) sales, we can arrange for a Veterinary inspection upon request.

We will arrange for any required or requested inspections or testing and provide invoices for re-imbursement at the time of sale

While St Croix Sheep are known for their parasite resistance and hoof health, we routinely check for parasites and keep hooves trimmed.  We use the FAMACHA system along with periodic fecal samples to check for parasites.  If needed, the animal is given a de-wormer and later re-evaluated. 

For information on the FAMACHA system and how you might use it, visit the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control at https://www.wormx.info/famacha.     

The interval between hoof trimming will vary but generally, rocky terrain will reduce the frequency of trimming while soft soil will require more frequent trimming.  In south-eastern Oregon, we trim hoof every 5-6 months.  This is also a good opportunity to check the overall health of your sheep.