Study reveals extent of sheep mortality

An examination of mortality in 33 Irish sheep breeding flocks has revealed average mortality of 7.9%, plus 7.6% loss of foetuses, for every 100 ewes.

The 2016 study by Department of Agriculture staff included examination of aborted foetuses, and sheep which died on farms, at regional veterinary laboratories.

Blood samples were also taken from a representative sample of ewes on each farm in January, for abortion agent tests.