Farmer perceptions of clinical mastitis incidence, risk factors and epidemiology in meat-producing sheep flocks in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Background: Mastitis has a negative effect on sheep health and welfare and causes significant economic losses to farmers. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of clinical mastitis in meat-producing sheep flocks in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and describe its variation between farming systems, countries and management practices.

Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to sheep farmers recruited through veterinary practices and industry organisations.