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The study, which was led by Beth Reilly, Senior Teaching Fellow in Small Ruminant Health and Flock Management at the RVC, and JP Crilly, Lecturer in Small Ruminant Health and Flock Management, used an anonymous online survey distributed to sheep farmers across the UK via social media, with 421 farmers taking part.
The findings showed that 88.8% of respondents had identified orf lesions in their sheep, despite which only 23.8% consulted a veterinarian when orf was suspected.
Farmers reported a median treatment cost of £5 per affected lamb and £100 per affected flock, highlighting the ongoing economic impact of the disease.
Although uncomplicated orf cases do not require antibiotic treatment, topical antibiotic sprays were the most reported treatment used by 65.2% of respondents, while 26.7% used injectable antibiotics and 22.7% reported using both injectable and topical antibiotics.
A total of 13.6% of respondents reported using salt licks as part of orf treatment practices.
Only 34.5% of respondents reported using pain relief in affected animals.
The study also highlighted important human health considerations.
Nearly a third of respondents reported having contracted orf themselves.
Those who reported wearing gloves some or all the time were significantly less likely to contract orf, with their likelihood of infection only 64% of those who never wore gloves.
The researchers say that discussions between sheep farmers and veterinarians should be encouraged to cover current treatment options for orf lesions, the zoonotic risk, the importance of ensuring that other diseases with similar clinical presentations are not overlooked and that antimicrobials are used only when necessary.
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