Campylobacter is a bacterial infection that causes late-term abortions and still births in ewes.
It’s the most common and leading cause of abortions in ewes on Australian farms and is commonly spread through faeces and aborted foetuses.
This can lead to contaminated pastures and water sources, which can lead to abortions that can spread quickly.
To get more lambs on the ground and maximise the productivity and profitability of a breeding flock, Coopers Animal Health recommends sheep farmers and producers insure their ewes with its vaccination Campyvax.
Studies have shown that vaccinating maiden ewes against Campylobacter can increase lambing percentages by an average of nine per cent.
“Campylobacter abortions in sheep is not a new issue; the bacterial infection as a cause of abortion was first found in the 1950s, however, is only now becoming a common concern for Australian sheep producers,” Coopers Animal Health vet Dr Jim Walsh said.
Average losses from campylobacter had been documented to between nine and 40 per cent, he said.
“Due to the increased value in sheep stock and strong rate of return on investment ... the vaccine allows for a more risk assessment approach to manage potential lamb losses particularly in intensively managed flocks and high stocking rates.”
Agronomist Andrew Speirs started noticing the prevalence and effects of campylobacter while working at agriculture consultancy Meridian Agriculture six to seven years ago, when more clients started joining ewe lambs.
“The first sign of campylobacter we see is from measuring lambing performance against scanning results and how many don’t reach the marking cradle,” he said.
After conducting numerous paddock trials with Campyvax in Merinos and Composite sheep, Mr Speirs said he saw positive results and was able to improve lambing numbers for one of his clients by 18 per cent.
“If you have the right genetics and you feed your flock well, the Campyvax vaccination program is the next piece of insurance you need to ensure you receive a return on your investment,” he said.
If sheep farmers or producers suspect or have identified campylobacter on their property, they can talk to their local veterinarian or rural reseller and discuss vaccination protocols.
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