Bluetongue - Stay Vigilant
posted on Wed, 15 Nov 2023
Following on from recent news stating a new strain of Bluetongue had been identified in Europe, unfortunately a single cow has now tested positive for Bluetongue (BTV-3 strain) in Kent. A 10km temporary control zone has been declared around the premises where the animal was kept. Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants.
We seriously urge you to remain vigilant for...
Smallholders Training Day
posted on Tue, 31 Oct 2023
Join us for an on-farm practical training session for all smallholder clients! We aim to show you tips and techniques for managing your livestock and introduce you to our new smallholders club! The session will be led by Jess Hulse, lead of the new club. It is free of charge and will be held on the 10th November near Oakham. Full details of time and location will be given upon sign up. Places are limited so be quick to book your spot!
Unable to attend...
Vet Attestation Requirement
posted on Mon, 23 Oct 2023
Following changes in EU legislation, from 13th December 2023, all producers selling livestock to slaughter must have had an annual on-farm veterinary visit to allow their animals (and/or part of any animals i.e offal), to be exported out of the UK.
Unless producers have evidence of a membership with a qualifying assurance scheme, they will require a Veterinary Attestation certificate to certify that a annual on-farm visit has taken place. The visit is to verify the absence of notifiable diseases and provide general advice on farm biosecurity, meeting EU requirements. Included on the...
Housing Cattle To Do List
posted on Mon, 16 Oct 2023
With cattle due to come in for the winter, let’s think ahead about the husbandry tasks that will need completing. Housing is an excellent time to carry out many tasks that aren’t so simple during the grazing period. Here are some of the things you may include on your own to-do list.
- Herd Vaccinations
- TB Testing
- Pregnancy Diagnosis
- Parasite Control
- Trace Element Investigations
- Weight Checks & BCS
- Assess Feet
With a list this long, the key is to be prepared! Keep reading for more detail on our suggestions...
Respiratory Disease Plans
posted on Fri, 6 Oct 2023
Ahead of autumn housing, now is a good time to get a respiratory disease plan in place to give your herd the best possible defence this period against calf pneumonia.
Maintaining a well-ventilated, draught free environment plays a vital part in preventing respiratory disease taking hold. Ensure stocking levels are correct.
Vaccinations can play an important role in protecting a herd against the infectious agents that cause respiratory disease. The most appropriate vaccination protocol should be discussed with your vet.
Lungworm are particularly prevalent in autumn and...
Meet the Team
posted on Mon, 2 Oct 2023
Introducing Jim Bennett! Jim grew up on the Cotswolds where he worked on a dairy farm during secondary school. Having graduated from Nottingham Vet School, where he gained an even further interest in farm animal medicine, Jim joined the FVS team in September 2023 as a farm veterinary surgeon. He is really looking forward to developing as a farm vet with out FVS team.
Outside of work, Jim loves rugby and played for a local rugby team for five years. Since his move to Leicestershire, he as mixed things up a bit and taken up boxing at a club in Loughborough.
Jim has spent the...
Meet the Team
posted on Mon, 2 Oct 2023
Introducing Sonny Vinton! Originally from Northamptonshire, Sonny graduated this year from the University of Surrey - School of Medicine and joined the FVS team September 2023 as a farm veterinary surgeon. Following a very exciting placement spent with us over Easter, Sonny knew farm veterinary was the career for him! He is very excited to experience the busy spring period again, but this time as a qualified vet!
Outside of work, Sonny likes to watch the F1, he enjoys DIY and carrying out maintenance and modifications on his car, walking, camping and spending time with his cat. He...
Haemonchus Infection Warning
posted on Fri, 4 Aug 2023
Warning : Haemonchus Infection
Over the last week, we have diagnosed a number of cases of Haemonchus Contortus (Barber’s pole worm) in sheep flocks across the county.
This worm acts differently to most gut worms – it attaches itself to the stomach lining and sucks the blood from sheep, causing anaemia. In most cases, no scouring is seen but sheep become thin, weak, bottle jawed and collapse when stressed. Sudden death can also occur. Older sheep are just as susceptible as lambs.
Faecal egg counts can be used to diagnose a high worm egg count. This could indicate a...
Lungworm Risk Alert
posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2023
Stay vigilant for signs of lungworm in cattle at grass!!
Outbreaks can be difficult to predict, but with the current changes in weather from wet to dry and warm to wet again, it may result in greater infection pressure in a short space of time.
Unvaccinated livestock and those in their first and second grazing...
Tip of The Iceberg – Sheep Zoom Meeting 24th July 2023
posted on Mon, 3 Jul 2023
Have you had more ewes struggling to hold condition and wasting to nothing? Or maybe a higher incidence of mastitis or lameness this year? Join our vet Rebecca, to learn more about the possible iceberg diseases that could be affecting your flock.
So what is an iceberg disease?
There...