Have you seen our recent Special Edition Newsletters?
posted on Mon, 22 May 2023
We have created three species specific newsletters focusing on the parasites that may affect your flock/herd this Spring/Summer. We have editions for sheep, dairy and beef cattle so you can get the most accurate information based on the livestock you keep. We cover some of the most common parasites and their associating diseases that you should be aware and cautious of as well as the steps we should all be taking to support the appropriate use of anthelmintics. It is important to remember every farm is different. You may have different species and populations of parasites to even your...
Fly Control – Don’t Delay!
posted on Tue, 4 Apr 2023
Why Treat?
Although we may just see flies as a nuisance, uncontrolled fly populations can significantly affect your livestock:
- Reduced milk yield by up to 20%
- Increased incidence of summer mastitis
- Reduced calf weaning weights by up to 9kg
- Reduced reproductive potential in sheep
- Downgraded quality of wool clip
- Welfare issues in both species
When to Treat?
Different species of flies are active at varying times of the year. This means a summer long threat is present with...
Are you prepared for lambing?
posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2023
With lambing just around the corner, it is important to ensure you are as prepared as possible. Make sure to have all of the necessary equipment, but also have the ability to recognise signs of disease. This is essential to ensure lambing runs smoothly and effectively. Even with the best planning, some things can still go wrong. It is important to recognise and know how to treat common conditions.
Common conditions in ewes include: Twin Lamb Disease; Low Calcium; Low Magnesium; Abortions; Prolapse.
Common conditions in lambs include: Hypothermia; Watery Mouth; Diarrhoea;...
Meet the team!
posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2023
David Mendez graduated from the University of Santiago, Spain in 2016 and joined our FVS team as a farm animal vet in November 2022. After graduating, David worked as a farm vet for 4 years in Spain. Argentina and Chile are among other countries in which he studied and worked. David came to work in the UK as a farm animal vet in 2020.
Alongside work, David is also studying a postgraduate degree in Msc International Animal Health with the University of Edinburgh. He also enjoys travelling, photography and walking with his dog.
Signs of when to call the vet – Lambing!
posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2023
Unfortunately, during lambing things don’t always go to plan. It is important for you to know when intervention is necessary, whether this by yourselves if you are confident to do so, or by a vet.
Has the ewe been straining for over an hour?
Has the lamb presented but not delivered?
Can you see signs of a prolapse?
Unusual behaviour?
Any signs of infection?
Christmas Opening Hours 2022
posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2022
The practice will be closed for the Christmas and New Year Bank holidays so please see below for our opening times.
Vets will still be available for emergencies 24/7.
We will be open again as normal from the 3rd of January 2023.
Mastitis in Ewes meeting Thursday 8th December
posted on Wed, 30 Nov 2022
Lambing time will soon be upon us and we would like to invite you to join us via Zoom to discuss the impacts mastitis can have on your flock. The session will be hosted by Rebecca Davenport from FVS and Matt Swanborough, Technical Vet from Hipra.
We will be discussing the causes of mastitis, further information we can gather from sample collection and preventative measures that may help to reduce the incidence...
TBAS: Let’s stop TB
posted on Thu, 17 Nov 2022
Everyone who farms cattle has concerns over TB and the thought of an upcoming TB test may fill you with dread. But this where TBAS comes in. We are now working with TBAS to help you regain some control and prevent TB from becoming a problem on your farm. The TB Advisory Service (TBAS) is a government funded project that offers practical, farm specific, cost effective advice regarding the control of TB on farm. This free advice and support is aimed at managing TB as an infectious disease that can be controlled and its risks mitigated through biosecurity measures.
What...
Meet the team!
posted on Thu, 6 Oct 2022
Jess joined the team as a farm animal veterinary surgeon in August. Originally from Southampton, Jess studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge University and has now made the move to Leicestershire to join us at FVS! Jess caught the bug for farm veterinary during her second year of university after completing placements on dairy farms.
Cricket, cycling and open water swimming are just some of the activities Jess gets up to in her spare time. She has a love for exploring and adventures whilst walking. Jess is out and attending many farm calls and hopefully will get a chance to meet...
Do you know the trace element status of your livestock?
posted on Wed, 14 Sep 2022
Trace elements are minerals such as copper, selenium, cobalt and iodine and are essential for life. Optimal flock and herd performance depends on trace elements being supplied correctly.
Blood sampling for trace elements is an extremely useful tool to assess what your pasture provides and if we need to supplement your livestock further.
When?
Cattle can be blood tested over the grazing season or at housing before any supplements are given.
Pre-tupping is the ideal time to blood test sheep so we have time to supplement if...