Sheep Biosecurity


​​Information on sheep diseases and biosecurity.​

In this topic

  • Grass Tetany/Grass Staggers
    Grass tetany, grass staggers or magnesium deficiency is less common in sheep than cattle. It can cause production losses or clinical disease in late autumn, winter and spring and can be complicated by low blood calcium levels.
  • Botulism
    Although instances of botulism affecting humans are rare, it is a common disease in animals and birds.
  • Brucellosis in Sheep
    Ovine brucellosis mainly affects rams, causing lesions in their reproductive organs, and can lead to abortions and low lambing rates.
  • Foot and Mouth Disease
    Information about foot-and-mouth disease and how to keep it out of Australia and Tasmania.
  • Goitre and Iodine Deficiency
    Occurs most commonly in lambs, but can also affect calves and other young livestock.
  • Green Feed Rickets
    Occurs mainly in unshorn lambs and weaners that are deficient in Vitamin D.
  • Hydatid Disease
    Hydatid disease, also known as hydatidosis or echinococcosis, is a parasitic infection of various animals, which can infect humans. Tasmania has been declared provisionally free of hydatid disease.
  • Hypocalcaemia in Sheep
    Low blood calcium levels in sheep causing disease
  • Internal Parasites in Sheep
    There are three broad types of internal parasite that can cause significant health issues in sheep in Tasmania - worms, flukes and protozoa.
  • Lameness in Sheep and Goats
    There are several diseases that show up as lameness, some of them highly infectious, so you should inspect any lame animals straight away.
  • Lice
    The basics for smallholders and hobby farmers.
  • Ovine Johne's Disease
    Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) is a chronic, incurable bacterial disease of sheep. The disease occurs in south-east Australia, including Tasmania.
  • Perennial Ryegrass Staggers
    Caused by toxins in the leaves of perennial rye grass. This is not the same disease as grass tetany.
  • Pregnancy Toxaemia
    A disease of ewes in late pregnancy. Early treatment is essential.