Scientists confirm Schmallenberg still circulating
Tests were carried out on around 150 cattle and over 1000 sheep belonging to the Royal Veterinary College, where MSc student Corin Jack is studying Schmallenberg epidemiology. The tests looking for antibodies to the Schmallenberg virus were done using a commercially available testing kit. Professor Peter Mertens, who leads the Pirbright team, which receives strategic […]
New five-point plan to cut sheep lameness
Speaking at the sheep industry’s showpiece event yesterday ( Wednesday 4th July), consultant vet to FAI Farms Ruth Clements said the proven new protocol provided farmers with a comprehensive plan to cut lameness incidence significantly. “Lameness is a highly complex problem, which means a combination of steps is required to tackle the issue. But provided […]
Workshops outline ‘best start in life’ for calves
The importance of the first few hours of a calf’s life, and their effect on lifetime performance, was the message from Jud Heinrichs, Professor of Dairy Science at Pennsylvania State University, at a series of calf and heifer workshops arranged by Massey Feeds and Alltech UK in Cheshire and Lancashire. “A calf never gets over […]
EU’s innovation in animal health, key to averting future food and health crises
Europe benefits from the highest animal health standards in the world. Such was the consensus among stakeholders working in food safety, food supply and animal health at the annual conference of the International Federation of Animal Health in Europe (IFAH-Europe). The event, which attracted a 150 strong audience to the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in […]
5th Anniversary Meeting of the European Mastitis Panel (EMP)
Udder health on dairy farms remains a priority and the control of the infectious pressure of mastitis-causing pathogens is key to improving dairy herd productivity. This was the conclusion from the 5th European Mastitis Panel (EMP) meeting that took place near Bristol in southwest England. Fifteen experts from seven European countries participated in a two-day […]
New Dutch research supports the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics
Dutch scientists have found much lower levels of antibiotic use and prevalence of MRSA on organic pig farms compared with non-organic pig farms. Their research indicates that 3% of organic pigs in the Netherlands are carrying livestock-associated MRSA, compared with 38% of non-organic pigs. This type of MRSA was first found in 2003 and is […]
Ask the cows what they want for supper
Barenbrug’s agricultural product manager David Long considers the findings and implications for livestock producers and grass breeders. “Selecting the correct grass variety is widely accepted as being of major importance because of its potential influence on both animal and sward productivity. However the majority of grass-testing protocols test the performance of pure varieties in small […]
Animal disease research misses the human perspective say researchers
The interdisciplinary project, which was carried out as part of the UK Research Councils’ Rural Economy and Land Use Programme, examined three animal diseases: Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza and Cryptosporidiosis. The team found that although policy makers need up to date information in order to take timely decisions, putting the research into practice […]
Mapping a brighter future for vets in the food chain
The VDC was established in January 2011 following a recommendation in Professor Lowe’s report ‘Unlocking Potential’ in 2009 that a development council be set up to guide the long-term development of veterinary services. The Council brought together representatives from across the whole food supply chain for the first time: veterinary surgeons, regulators, government, producers, processors, […]
