James Derrick palpitates a ram's testicles for lumps indicating ovine bucellosis.
Boorowa Veterinary Clinic principal, Doctor Ron Merriman, believes ovine brucellosis is rampant within many commercial flocks.
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“Some commercial flocks could be 60 to 70 per cent affected,” he said.
His method of detecting infected rams is to palpitate their testicles during shearing.
“If some lumps are found the the rams should be blood tested by a vet,” he said.
“Secure fencing is just as important to keep nieghbours rams out.”
However, Mr Merriman says the “hip pocket nerve” is the best cure.
“If lamb breeders who normally gain 120 to 140pc lambing experience a drop to say 90pc, they can be sure it’s not entirely due to foxes,” he said.
“The drop occurs gradually over a number of seasons.”
