Sheep are susceptible to TB however infection of sheep with M. bovis is rare. There is no routine surveillance TB testing of sheep. Cases are usually identified at post slaughter inspection or at post-mortem in a veterinary laboratory.
There is a risk of transmission of M.bovis to humans if dairy products made from unpasteurised (raw) milk from TB-infected ewes are consumed. In England, compensation for sheep which are compulsorily slaughtered as TB reactors or TB affected animals is:
- £80 for a lamb aged 1 year or younger
- £130 for a breeding ewe over 1 year old
- £350 for a breeding ram over 1 year old
Post-mortem images of TB in sheep
TB lesions in sheep are primarily reported in the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes. Lesions are cream, yellow or green in colour and may be calcified (gritty).
Useful resources
- Defra guidance on managing TB in non-bovine animals, including movement restrictions and compensation
- The Tuberculosis in Animals (England) Order 2021
- The Tuberculosis (Non-bovine animals) Slaughter and Compensation (England) Order 2017