Merino Ewe Mortality

The project will work closely with at least 42 commercial Merino businesses across WA, SA, VIC and NSW to investigate ewe mortality on-farm. Both producer reported data and veterinary investigations will be used to describe the pattern of periparturient mortality across farms. The second phase of the project will trial practical intervention strategies (on 14 commercial properties) to reduce ewe mortality with producer groups, informing revised best practice management. Phase three will quantify the economic impacts of Merino ewe mortality, and intervention strategies, at farm and industry levels. Research findings will leverage existing sheep extension programs to catalyse industry adoption of best practice management beyond the lifetime of the project.