Epididymitis is a disease that affects one or both testicles of the ram and may cause complete or partial infertility. The primary symptom is the development of a lump in a portion of the epididymis. The lump or lesion most commonly affects the tail of the epididymis and may be detected by palpation of the scrotum. The testicle itself usually is not involved. Rams with epididymitis produce semen of poor quality; the use of such rams is a major cause of poor conception rates. Examine all rams in the flock before the breeding season and again at shearing time. Immediately separate any affected ram from other rams and mark for slaughter only. Epididymitis can be transmitted by homosexual contact.
