Animal Health News

Farmers are being urged to consult their vets about vaccinating livestock against the growing threat of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), with the number of cases having more than doubled since early September. 

A recent survey by the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) highlights the risk of serious losses to the sheep industry if iceberg diseases are not brought to the fore in disease management programmes. 

Livestock farmers have been urged to be extremely vigilant after two cases of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) were confirmed in Wales.

With ewe and ram sales in full swing, farmers are being reminded of the importance of effective quarantine protocols – not only to protect their existing flocks but also their new purchases.

Neogen’s range of cleaners and disinfectants is entering a new chapter as it becomes Quat Chem, part of the Kersia Group. 

The Food Standards Agency has released an update on the investigation into the botulism outbreak that resulted in the deaths of more than 700 cattle.

The Welsh and Scottish governments confirmed that, because lower temperatures are expected to prevent midges from spreading the bluetongue virus, movement restrictions on ruminants and camelids have been eased.

With the global pushback on antibiotic use and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, proven non-antibiotic products are now more important than ever in livestock health, writes independent veterinary advisor for Provita, Dr Tom Barragry.

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.