Insights on the health challenges of the dairy sheep farming in the Mediterranean countries of Europe

Abstract

Dairy sheep farming is a dynamic economic activity in the Mediterranean region, with a crucial environmental and social role. The sustainability of this productive sector is a challenge as its profitability is threatened by several different factors. Health management is one of the key technical levers to respond to these challenges, by reducing the impairment of animal performance, permitting improved feed efficiency and reduced level of veterinary and medicine inputs. The promotion of knowledge, the implementation of best practices and innovation exchange between stakeholders to enhance the willingness of sheep farmers to adopt technical solutions and practices are very important for improving the profitability of flocks. This study presents the outcomes of an extended online survey carried out with different stakeholders of the dairy sheep sector in France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. The main health and management issues for adult ewes and lambs among production systems, stakeholders’ categories and countries, and the main sources of information used by stakeholders to cope with the previous mentioned challenges were included to the questionnaire. Mastitis of the adult ewes, neonatal diseases and sheep shed management were recognized as the most important issues by the participants. Furthermore, this work provides insights on how to improve the understanding between farmers, veterinarians, advisors, and researchers in the Mediterranean region. In addition, our findings highlight the gaps in knowledge and suggest new topics for research and cooperation.