A condition of unknown aetiology, known as ‘the wet sheep carcass syndrome’ has led to the loss of about R500 000 as a result of the condemnation and trimming of carcasses, during the past 2 years. An affected carcass has a shiny, wet appearance due to the accumulation of watery fluid in subcutaneous tissues over the buttocks, sides and flanks. It cannot be diagnosed in the live animal.