MSD Animal Health launches FlockCheck 2026
"(...) every breeding ewe should be considered at risk." - Kat Baxter-Smith.
MSD Animal Health has launched its FlockCheck diagnostic scheme early for the 2026 lambing season.
From 1 December 2025, sheep farmers across England, Scotland and Wales will have the opportunity to test their flocks for exposure to toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion (EAE). The scheme will close on 30 June 2026.
It is hoped that, by opening the scheme early, farmers and veterinary professionals will be able to get ahead of issues. This could help identify potential causes of lamb losses in both early and later lambing flocks.
The scheme will enable the veterinary industry to develop insights into key reproductive disease, which cam impact flock productivity and profitability.
Farmers are able to take part in the 2026 FlockCheck by speaking with their veterinary surgeon. Their veterinary surgeon should collect blood samples from six to eight aborted, unvaccinated ewes, from barren ewes, or from those producing weak lambs.
Data from the 2025 FlockCheck revealed that 79 per cent of the 400 tested flocks had been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii. Meanwhile, 35 per cent tested positive for exposure to Chlamydia abortus, which causes enzootic abortion.
From 2016-2025, APHA disease surveillance data identified toxoplasmosis and EAE as the top two most frequent sheep submission diagnoses. APHA’s finding also confirmed that 30 per cent of flocks didn’t know their barren ewe rate or reported a rate greater than 5% after lambing.
MSD Animal Health explains that biosecurity is not always enough to prevent infection from these parasites.
Sheep can become infected by ingesting parasite eggs, which may be shed by cats onto pasture, feed, or water. The eggs are resilient and can survive in the environment for over a year.
Dr Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary advisor at MSD Animal Health, said: “Toxoplasmosis, caused by infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, doesn’t just cause abortion – it’s also a major cause of early embryo loss, barren ewes and weak or sickly lambs.
“Almost all flocks in Great Britain are likely to have been exposed, so every breeding ewe should be considered at risk.”
Image © Shutterstock
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
