Animal Health News

Farmers have been advised to take extra steps to support calves born this late summer and autumn, with prolonged hot weather expected to impact survival and performance. 

With breeding sales and autumn livestock movements approaching, AIMS and other industry members are raising concerns over what they call an “ad hoc approach” to Bluetongue control measures—policies they say are causing significant costs and disruption across the sector.

An investigation has been launched following suspected fatal botulism cases in cattle on farms in Essex, Northamptonshire and Shropshire.

Farmers have been advised to take extra steps to protect calves from Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) ahead of housing this winter. Experts warn that the risks are heightened this year, with record beef prices making animal health and performance more critical than ever.  

The first laboratory-made vaccine to protect livestock against the Barber’s Pole worm – a highly damaging gastrointestinal parasite most commonly found in sheep and goats – has just been developed.

Livestock farmers have been warned about the deadly hemlock water dropwort poisoning following recent incidents reported by South West vets.

Getting hygiene and colostrum management right are key to tackling calf scour, explains Kate Ingram, Virbac’s veterinary technical adviser.

The deadline is imminent for those who haven’t yet vaccinated to enter the NSA’s main ram sale this year.

A Welsh farmer is reaping the rewards of introducing a preventative vaccination programme in his pedigree flock of North Country Cheviots – achieving improved flock health, a one-third reduction in feed costs, and a more condensed lambing period.

Auctioneers have welcomed news that a date has been set for easing certain movement controls on bluetongue susceptible animals in Scotland.

Poultry farmers and other bird keepers are being warned to tighten their biosecurity measures – particularly those involved in running a shoot or game bird rearing.

New research conducted by Project FEET highlighted that only 50% of farmers are using NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for active digital dermatitis.