Abstract
The objectives of this work were (a) to present the changes in climatic parameters from 1989 to 2019, in 444 locations throughout Greece, where small ruminant farms have been based and (b) to present associations of the changes in the climatic parameters with clinical data related to small ruminant health. Climatic variables (1989–2019) were obtained for 444 locations with small ruminant farms throughout Greece. During this period, significant increases were noted in temperature-related parameters (annually 0.05 °C for average temperature and 0.14 °C for temperature range) and precipitation (annually 0.03 mm). There were significant differences in climatic conditions between locations of farms in accord with the management system applied therein, as well as in accord with the breed of animals on the farms (e.g., higher average temperature in locations with Greek breeds, higher temperature range in locations with imported breeds). There were significant associations of temperature-related parameters with the annual frequency of cases of neonatal hypothermia seen at a veterinary teaching hospital, as well as with the average proportion of Haemonchus contortus larvae in faecal samples and the frequency of cases of H. contortus resistance reported by a veterinary parasitology laboratory.
Highlights
IntroductionGreece has a high number of sheep and goats, around 8,400,000 sheep and
Greece has a high number of sheep and goats, around 8,400,000 sheep and3,600,000 goats [1], which account for approximately 6.5% and 22.0%, respectively, of total numbers of small ruminants in Europe [2]
A variety of climatic factors can affect small ruminants, greater importance has been given to the potential effects of temperature
Summary
Greece has a high number of sheep and goats, around 8,400,000 sheep and. 3,600,000 goats [1], which account for approximately 6.5% and 22.0%, respectively, of total numbers of small ruminants in Europe [2]. The milk production from these animals amounts to 645,000 and 350,000 tonnes annually [2,3], respectively, 90% of which is used for cheese production. Despite the importance of small ruminant farming for the country, specific climatic changes in the environment of sheep and goat farms have not been reported. The potential effects of these changes on small ruminant health have not been reported. Changes in the environment of sheep and goats can affect their health and welfare and, their productivity. A variety of climatic factors can affect small ruminants, greater importance has been given to the potential effects of temperature
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