September 2014
Contact Elise Matthews, Phone: (08) 8207 7837 Email: elise.matthews@sa.gov.au
Cancer
Cancerous growths (malignant tumours or neoplasms) are caused by a growth of
abnormal cells. Skin cancers (squamous cell carcinomas) are the most common
cancers seen in sheep and are most common in older animals. There are also other
less commonly seen types of cancers and those that may be found internally (and
therefore are not detectable on farm).
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES
On Farm
At the Abattoir
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Culling – sheep with visible cancers are not
fit to load and must not be transported for
slaughter. They must be culled on farm.
Death – usually due to flystrike as ulcerated
and weeping cancer lesions attract blowflies.
Reduced growth rate/weight loss – if the
cancer spreads or becomes infected.

Condemnation – if the cancer has
spread to other parts of the body/organs
(known as metastasis).
Trimming - if the cancer is localised (and
has not spread) the area affected is
trimmed resulting in a reduced
carcass/dressed weight.
WHAT CAUSES CANCER?
Squamous cell carcinomas are caused by excessive sun exposure. They grow
slowly over months and are found:
 On the face and ears
 On or near the vulva
TREATMENT
Surgical removal of cancers is usually reserved for valuable stud animals.
PREVENTION
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Leave tails long enough to cover the vulva when tail docking
Leave wool on the top of the tail when mulesing
Consider time of shearing,
Ensure paddocks contain adequate shade trees, especially in summer; and
Lowering the culling age will reduce the prevalence of cancers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact the Enhanced Abattoir Surveillance (EAS) Program manager Dr Elise
Matthews, your local veterinary practitioner, livestock consultant or local PIRSA
Animal Health Officer.
FOR ANY SIGNS OF UNUSUAL OR SERIOUS DISEASE, PLEASE
CALL THE ANIMAL DISEASE HOTLINE: 1800 675 888