Economic losses due to diseases in sheep farms

A study was conducted to estimate the economic losses due to diseases in the sheep farms of Northern Tamil Nadu. For this study four districts were selected viz., Villupuram, Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Thiruvallur. The data regarding socio economic status and economic losses were collected from 120 sample respondents (30 from each districts) selected randomly, using a pre tested and well-structured interview schedule. The collected data were tabulated and analysed using conventional analysis in the form of averages and percentages. The results revealed that most of the farmers were of the middle age group (51.67 per cent), had up to primary level of education (60 per cent) with marginal land holding (35.83). The results showed that average annual loss due to sheep diseases was Rs.3843.88, Rs.2427.34, Rs. 2446.66 in small, medium and large farms respectively. The loss due to mortality of animals was estimated to be Rs. Rs.3678.43, Rs.2142.86, and Rs. 1911.77 in small, medium and large farms respectively. The loss due to mortality was high to an extent of 85 per cent and loss due to cost of vaccination was low with 0.77 per cent and this could be due to lack of knowledge about occurrence of diseases and control methods. The overall loss per animal was Rs.301.58. The loss due to mortality, veterinary expenses, labour charges and cost of vaccination was Rs. 275.67, Rs.17.13, Rs.4.86, and Rs.3.92 respectively.