Sheep medicine, quo vadis?

Authors: Finger KH
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 27, Issue 3, pp 21, Mar 1979
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: International, Veterinary profession
Article class: General Article

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Abstract: In Europe, during the 18th century, the farm animal population was seriously reduced by the spread of disease due to increased travel and wars between states. At that time, there were no specialists in animal health, but this need was soon met by the founding of veterinary schools in France, Germany and England. From that time on, in collaboration with experts in human medicine, veterinary surgeons developed methods of controlling the classical animal diseases. The diagnosis and treatment of the majority of the classical invasive and infectious diseases has been based on the Henle-Kochs postulates and, thanks to intensive international co-operation, are no longer a hindrance to world-wide trade in animals and meat. For many years, veterinarians have successfully combatted these diseases by immunoprophylaxis, chemotherapy and environmental hygiene, usually in combination, and supported by attacks on vectors and reservoirs of contagion. This approach still remains the basis for protecting man and animals against the threat of these classical infectious diseases. For sheep, a special situation has existed for thousands of years…

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