Livestock News

English livestock farmers have been encouraged to sign up for free vet visits through the TB Advisory Service (TBAS) before the service’s funding ends. 

The discovery of a strain of avian influenza in a sheep for the first time should be a reminder to sheep keepers of the importance of biosecurity on holdings with poultry, said the National Sheep Association.

The National Pig Association has urged pig producers to make every effort to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) and to ensure they are prepared in case the virus does hit their own unit or one close by.

Three cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed close to the Slovakian and Hungarian border. The cases were identified in three separate premises housing cattle. 

The UK’s chief veterinary officer has confirmed a case of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep in Yorkshire following repeat positive milk testing.   

Farmer Tom asked ChatGPT to summarise farmers’ posts on the Farming Forum over the past six months, during which the sector has faced unprecedented challenges.

NFU Cymru said that “sobering” new figures showing a record number of cattle culled in Wales last year because of bovine TB further underline the need for change in strategy.

Farming leaders have stressed the importance of retailers keeping promises given to farmers, following news that Asda has moved away from its pledge to source only British poultry. 

A livestock vet, John Hemingway from Shropshire Farm Vets, is urging farmers to mark and test any ewes that abort this year or to submit abortion material immediately for analysis to identify the cause and prevent further catastrophic losses. 

Derbyshire Rural Crime Team is a part of a pioneering project that analyses canine DNA from livestock and can be used following dog attacks. 

A beef and sheep farmer from Norfolk has decided to move from a mixed arable to an all-livestock operation. His aim is to focus on improving farm resilience, soil health and stock performance.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has expressed concerns following the release of UK trade figures, which revealed a significant increase in sheep meat imported to the UK in 2024.