Epididymitis, sometimes called ram’s disease, is a contagious sexually transmitted disease in sheep caused by the Brucella ovis bacterium. It leads to inflammation of the testicles in rams, and infertility.
While most bulls are tested for fertility and sexually transmitted diseases, relatively few rams are tested for epididymitis, possibly because sheep farmers are less concerned about lower fertility in their flocks (and losing money) than cattle farmers are.
But considering that a ram can mate with more than 30 ewes, the cost (about R250 a test) is well worth it.
Moreover, the disease is increasing in certain areas, as not all young rams are vaccinated.
PATTERN OF INFECTION
This story is from the October 11, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the October 11, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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