The most important problem in sheep farming in our country is the occurrence of brucellosis, Q fever, enterotoxemia, fluke, etc. The laboratories of the Institute are equipped with the latest equipment that enables rapid and efficient diagnosis of these diseases. Special attention was paid to the suppression of sheep brucellosis, which in previous years represented a serious health problem for humans and animals in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Brucellosis of sheep and goats

Узрочник бруцелозе оваца и коза је B. melitensis, and rarely B.abortusIn sheep, it also occurs B.ovis which causes contagious epididymitis in rams, occasional miscarriages and death of lambs. B. melitensis is the most pathogenic brucella and causes necrotic changes in internal organs. The clinical picture in sheep and goats resembles bovine brucellosis: abortions, retained placenta, orchitis and epididymitis occur, and rarely arthritis. Abortions occur at 3-4 months of gestation without previous symptoms. It is a severe zoonosis. The Institute uses the following for the diagnosis of brucellosis: Rose Bengal test, cELISA and iELISA test which are also accredited. You can read more about brucellosis here.

Sheep enterotoxemia

The causative agents of enterotoxemia in sheep can be: Cl. perfringens type D or C, and can also be caused by type E. Enterotoxemia can also occur in young lambs. The causative agents are found in the external environment, and are regular inhabitants of the intestinal microflora of domestic animals. Experience has shown that this disease occurs more often in the spring months. The disease manifests itself in two clinical forms: comatose and convulsive forms. The comatose form is characterized by apathy, depression, decreased appetite or complete cessation of food intake, animals do not move or lie down, lag behind the herd and stagger when walking. The diagnosis is difficult to establish based on the clinical picture. Pathoanatomical findings can indicate the disease only if nephromalacia is found. Bacteriological examination of intestinal contents and organs (kidneys, spleen, liver, hollow unopened bone, lymph nodes, heart) provides a reliable diagnosis. Vaccination of lambs is recommended.

Among viral diseases, attention was focused on bluetongue in sheep, as the disease was diagnosed in the Republika Srpska. The Institute has accredited the cELISA test for the diagnosis of this disease.