Can a Nosode Stop Orf Outbreaks? A Sheep Farmer’s Experience
Farm: Organic Mixed Farm, Coastal East Devon | Flock: 100 ewes, 160 lambs
Trial Period: 2018 | Conducted by: Nic Westlake, Sheep Farmer
A Soil Association certified organic farm repeatedly hit by Orf outbreaks trialled a homeopathic, nosode-based strategy to stop the disease in its tracks. The approach focused on early response and prevention, without the use of antibiotics or vaccines.
The approach:
- Homeopathic Borax and Nitric Acid used to treat skin lesions
- Orf Nosode used preventatively across the flock
- No conventional drugs or vaccines administered
- Aimed at halting spread and reducing duration of symptoms
The results speak for themselves:
- Orf outbreaks resolved in 5 days (typical duration: 6 weeks)
- No disruption to lamb growth or productivity
- £468/year saved on avoided vaccines
- Zero outbreaks since 2018 (ongoing to 2025)
Farmer verdict:
“I was amazed – the spread of Orf stopped in its tracks as soon as I used the Nosode.”
Read the full case study with details of the approach and long-term outcomes.