Research on Pleurisy/Pneumonia in Sheep Achieves Second Milestone

We are pleased to announce that our research project on pleurisy/pneumonia in sheep (Ovine Respiratory Complex, ORC) has achieved the second milestone.

We have completed 12 abattoir visits since starting the project in October 2020. During these visits we have inspected 27,932 sets of ovine lungs representing 142 abattoir lots. Samples have been collected from 592 sets of lungs. 

Sample collection and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing are confirming the findings of our previous research on ORC, with widespread detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in lungs from lamb and sheep carcases sourced from eastern and southern Australia. To date, 42% of samples and 66% of abattoir lots have tested positive for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, including lots sourced from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

Are your sheep showing signs of illness or abattoir feedback is suggesting pneumonia or pleurisy is present in your flock?

I offer PCR testing for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae as part of the farm animal disease investigations I provide.