Morbidity profile in sheep flocks at an organised farm in semi-arid Rajasthan

A study was conducted at an organised farm in semi-arid Rajasthan with the objective to investigate the incidence risk of various diseases of sheep and to monitor the clinical efficacy. Over a period of 5 years (2012–17) a total of 4520 cases were treated for different ailments. Genotype-wise, the overall average annual morbidity ranged significantly (P<0.001) from 47.49±5.58% in Malpura to 73.91±16.13% in Avikalin. The effect of year on morbidity rate was significant (P<0.001) and the lowest and highest morbidity rates were observed in the year 201011 and 2008–09, respectively in all the flocks. The overall case culling rate (CRR) ranged nonsignificantly from 79.93±2.31% in Garole x Malpura (GM) to 83.83±2.25% in Malpura. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) varied significantly (P<0.05) from 10.44±1.84% in Malpura to 13.18±2.04% in GM. The disposal of animals on health grounds exhibited significant (P<0.05) influence of genetic group on case culling rate (CCR) and it varied from 4.72±1.00% in Avikalin to 6.89±1.48% in GM. In general, the % contribution of the systemic and specific diseases was statistically non-significant among different breeds. The affections of alimentary, respiratory and musculo-skeletal systems were predominant. Among specific diseases, around 4.00% cases were affected with facial mange. The system-wise CRR was >70% in affections of alimentary and musculo-skeletal systems in all genotypes. Among specific diseases, pneumo-enteritis and Johne's diseases showed poor recovery rate resulting in higher CCR irrespective of genotypes. The annual and monthly profiles of predominant causes of morbidity (debility, stomatitis, enteritis, pneumonia, urolithiasis, wounds, lameness and facial mange) were also ascertained. It was observed that sheep flocks in semi-arid region had more susceptibility to climatic stress causing high CFR and CCR in summer season compared to other seasons. The magnitudes of different indices were within acceptable limits and reflected role of day-to-day monitoring of health status and promptness in handling of such cases.