FlockCheck Results Highlight Continued Abortion Disease Risk Ahead of Tupping
MILTON KEYNES, U.K., 10 th September 2026 – Sheep farmers are being urged to review their flock’s abortion risk and vaccination strategy ahead of tupping after the latest FlockCheck diagnostic results 1 revealed continued high levels of exposure to the two most significant infectious causes of sheep abortion. The findings were shared during an MSD Animal Health-sponsored webinar on managing sheep abortion on 25 August 2026, where farmers heard the latest disease surveillance data alongside practical advice on reducing abortion losses ahead of the breeding season. The latest 2026 FlockCheck results 1 , based on samples from 845 animals, showed that 74% tested positive for exposure to Toxoplasma gondii , while 24% tested positive for exposure to Chlamydia abortus , the bacterium responsible for enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE). Both diseases are classified as NOAH Category 1 diseases, meaning vaccination should be considered as part of routine flock health planning. Sara Robson-Ingham, Veterinary Adviser at MSD Animal Health, said the latest figures demonstrate that infectious abortion remains a significant threat to flock productivity. “These results show that toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion continue to circulate widely within the national flock and reinforce why farmers should not become complacent,” she said. “Abortion diseases can have a devastating impact on flock performance, yet they are often underestimated because losses aren’t always investigated or recorded. Every abortion should be treated as a warning sign until proven otherwise.”
With many flocks now preparing for tupping, Ms Robson-Ingham says now is the time for farmers to review last season’s performance with their vet and assess their disease risk. “Late summer provides the ideal opportunity to vaccinate non-pregnant ewes. Vaccines need to be administered at least four weeks before tupping to ensure immunity is established before mating begins, so now is the time to act.”
She recommends reviewing barren rates, scanning and lambing performance, together with any abortion incidents from the previous season, before deciding on the most appropriate flock health plan. “If you’ve experienced abortions, higher barren rates than expected, or poorer scanning or lambing results, speak to your vet and investigate the cause. Vaccination should form part of a wider flock health plan based on your individual disease risk.”
The webinar also featured Jane Lindop, Veterinary Disease Investigator at the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC), who shared the latest findings from abortion investigations submitted to the laboratory. She highlighted that diagnostic rates have reached their highest level since 2020, with enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE), caused by Chlamydia abortus , accounting for 72% of diagnosed ovine abortion cases at WVSC 2 . Her presentation reinforced the importance of laboratory testing to identify the cause of abortion and better understand disease patterns within flocks.
The combined findings underline the importance of taking a preventative approach to abortion control. Enzovax ® provides protection against enzootic abortion for three to four years, while Toxovax ® provides protection against toxoplasmosis for at least two lambing seasons, making both vaccines an effective long-term investment in flock health and productivity.
Ms Robson-Ingham added: “Planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to protect flock performance. Taking the time now to review your records, discuss risks with your vet and put the right vaccination programme in place can help prevent significant losses next spring.”
To watch the webinar, visit https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P-I5t3G9mvE&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Source: industry press release.