News

Farmers urged to take up free testing and source livestock responsibly as case numbers increasing in Europe

A rising number of bluetongue cases in Europe has led the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer to call for renewed vigilance and responsible sourcing of livestock.

Both Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) and Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG) are disappointed by the lack of enzootic abortion (EAE) vaccine this tupping season and we are aware that this will have a significant impact on sheep farmers and their flocks that currently rely on effective vaccination to control disease.

The new podcast series from the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) offering yet another tool to the UK sheep industry on this essential topic.

Bluetongue guidance for shows and events in England has now been published on GOV.UK. This guidance only applies to movements of bluetongue susceptible animals (ruminants and camelids). Non-susceptible animals may attend shows as normal.

Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus.

Last November, APHA and The Pirbright Institute identified the first case of the disease in Great Britain through the annual bluetongue surveillance programme.

While the cold and quite often wet weather in early spring made lambing harder work than usual in many parts of the UK, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) Group says it also reduced the nematodirus threat to 2024-born lambs – something that has been demonstrated by the SCOPS Nematodirus Forecast.

Annnouncements made by the Prime Minister at yesterday’s Farm To Fork Summit related to the Pathway; new funding to support cattle, sheep and pig farmers to tackle endemic diseases and the Laying Hen Housing For Health and Welfare Grant. Minister Spencer also covered this in further detail as part of his speech to the Pig and Poultry Fair in Birmingham this morning.

AHWP have a newsletter Pathfinder. Sign up details are in the first issue and you can use content freely in practice newsletters/social media etc.

https://news.mailshot.defra.gov.uk/9724/Design/24v-4j782

More info on the Endemics Programme funding expected in the next issue.

Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus after the disease was found in cattle and sheep in Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk.

While it’s been a busy time on farm for many with spring lambing and calving taking place, the RH&W group working across the four nations continue in our collective efforts to share insights, explore research and progress welfare strategies.

Excited to share the news that we have just published the first issue of the brand-new newsletter for the Pathway; Pathfinder.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has unveiled its programme for BVA Live 2024, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 6-7 June. This year’s event will have a particular focus on contextualised care throughout each stream; recognising that appropriate and proportionate care is tailored to the needs of both the animal and the client, and includes an understanding of the owner’s finances, lifestyle, preferences, and their ability to provide suitable care.