Maedi Visna (MV)

Here are all the facts you need to know about Maedi Visna (MV)

• Viral disease
• Introduced to the UK through imported sheep
• Spreads rapidly through flocks especially in commercial flocks
• Caused by Retrovirus
• Names comes from two Icelandic words which describes the signs of MV – Pneumonia & Wasting
• Highly contagious
• Difficult to diagnose
• Is very fatal
• Sheep have no immunity to MV
• No treatment against MV

Impact

• Increased culling rate
• Reduced growth weight in ewes and lambs
• Higher lamb mortality
• Increase in premature birth, arthritis, mastitis/tough udders
• Poor reproduction

If you see ewes losing condition after tuping time it could be a sign of MV. It is definitely worth consulting your vet and testing for MV.

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