Veterinary consultancy and health schemes in sheep: Experiences and reflections from a local German outlook

Based on the experiences on veterinary consultancy in numerous small ruminant flocks, a “hygiene guideline” was developed, as a modular standard procedure for establishing flock individual health plans. The hygiene plan can be used in whole or in modules according to the needs, the possibilities and the facilities of the flocks. For small flocks and for hobby shepherds, a health plan calendar has been developed. The current situation in the flocks of the “Sheep and Goat Flock Health Service-Hannover” is reflected under the light of the hygiene guidelines. These guidelines and the current situation in the health service are discussed with respect to general needs of health plans for small ruminant flocks. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.