Viral respiratory and enteric diseases of lambs in Hungary

In the last decade considerable changes have taken place in the sheep industry in Hungary. Increasing numbers of sheep have been concentrated in newly established farms where intensive fattening methods have been practi­ sed. At present about 90 per cent of sheep are concentrated in large farms. Approximately 60-70 per cent of the total income of the sheep industry comes from the meat product ion. An average daily weight gain of 240-260 grams has been reached. The fattening period to bring up lambs to 30-35 kilograms per head has shortened from the previous 160-180 days to 120-140 days. The intensive management , especially intensive indoor fattening method has crea­ ted various animal health problems. In these farms from time to time large numbers of animals with different immunological background are collected from different external sources creating situations which favour the occur­ rence of various infectious diseases.