SHEEP farmers need to be more honest about the levels of jaagsiekte in their flocks if Scotland is to have any hope of tackling the disease.
That was the clear message from around the sheep industry this week, as breeding sale season once again is in full swing. 
“Basically, as far as I can see, the sheep world has a major problem to deal with when it comes to jaagsiekte,” explained concerned Ayrshire sheep breeder, Jim Kennedy. 
“From what I hear, it is rife in many breeds, but I feel that the biggest problem we have is that those with infection in their flocks aren’t being upfront enough about it. A lot of people are sitting on the issue, and although they are testing for it, these tests simply don’t seem to be accurate enough to be having a major effect. The tests verify that animals don’t have current symptoms, but not that they aren’t carrying the disease,” claimed Mr Kennedy. “Many of these animals are being sold through the market, and are coming down with symptoms within a matter of weeks. Some people are buying tups that aren’t making it to see lambing time.” 
He continued: “I don’t really know what can be done about it, but as far as I can see, the problem is at more than epidemic proportions. I think it’s time that the problem is brought into the open, so that the appropriate questions can start being asked. People need to be made more aware.”
Jaagsiekte, also known as ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, is an infectious and fatal lung disease of sheep. It is caused by a virus which infects cells in the lung making them form tumours. The tumour cells then produce more of the virus which can infect new areas of the lung or other sheep. 
The disease signs associated with OPA are loss of condition, difficulty breathing and, in around half of cases, production of clear or frothy fluid from the affected lungs appearing as discharge dripping or pouring from the nose. In many cases, the early stages of jaagsiekte are not apparent as the tumours are too small to cause any breathing problems – even though they are able to produce virus which can infect other sheep.
Moredun research scientist Dr Christina Cousens is in the midst of researching the disease. She explained: “We’re currently working on ultrasound scanning as a means of detecting the tumours in sheep.
“We can detect early tumours, which means these animals can be removed from the flock, and farmers can still get cull value for them. We are still working on an infection test. Our hope is that, year on year, by using a test-and-cull approach, infection levels will decrease, and the ultimate goal, would be to eradicate the disease completely. However, it is still too early to say whether that would be possible,” she conceded.
NSA regional chairman, John Fyall welcomed increased research: “Yes, it’s a problem that may be more applicable to some breeds than others, but all sheep breeders should be aware of what’s going on. 
“There is certainly clear evidence of issues that need to be dealt with. We need to have a clear dialogue so we can look at how to move forward. The more honest people are, the more the problem can be addressed.”