Livestock News

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said Defra’s recently launched consultation focuses on too small a part of the pork supply chain and ignores many of the complexities that contributed to the recent crisis in the pig sector.

Wormer resistance presents a growing threat to the sheep sector and has prompted Powys-based shepherd Ernie Richards to implement a more sustainable worming programme that supports flock performance while preserving wormer efficacy.

Researchers are looking to speak to a range of farmers and crofters to help improve retention rates and avoid penalties due to missing ear tags.

A recent poll has shown that 78.7% of UK dairy farmers found the majority of disease and poor health in their herd occurs in the first 60 days post-calving.

MSD Animal Health has announced that its Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live vaccine is now licensed for use in calves from the day of birth onwards.

A recent study led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that low-cost thermal imaging devices could be as effective in detecting lameness in dairy cattle as diagnostics up to 50 times more expensive.

Ruminant Health and Welfare has issued a botulism alert to farmers after rocketing fertiliser prices resulted in more poultry litter being used on grass crops.

As farmers face severe cost pressures, the Ruminant Health & Welfare group has issued a reminder of the legal requirement to provide calves with at least two milk feeds a day until 28 days of age.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at premises in Gwynedd and Pembrokeshire.

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has launched a campaign inviting farmers, veterinary and industry professionals to pledge their support for the Livestock Vaccination Guideline that is paving the way for improved welfare, productivity and sustainability on UK farms.

A mitigation strategy offering guidance to land managers, the public and ornithological and environmental organisations, has been set out by Defra and the Welsh government amid the growing threat of avian flu to wild birds.

Sheep farmers are being warned of a continued blowfly strike risk this autumn, with the likelihood of a period of mild and wet weather.