MPs told: Owen Paterson is ‘playing politics’ with wildlife protection
Owen Paterson made no attempt to meet the Independent Expert Panel following the publication of their highly critical report into last year’s pilot badger culls, according to panel member Professor Tim Coulson. Speaking at meeting on Monday hosted by the Badger Trust & Care for the Wild and attended by over 40 MPs, researchers and […]
The importance of early detection in tackling dairy cattle lameness
New analysis from sustainable farming research and development centre, FAI (Food Animal Initiative), funded by McDonald’s UK, shows regular mobility scoring can help farmers detect and tackle dairy cattle lameness earlier as well as reduce associated production losses. The publication of the analysis comes amidst growing concern from the dairy industry about the cost of […]
Pasture larval contamination approaches annual peak
The July NADIS Parasite Forecast, sponsored by Merial Animal Health, warns that the months of July and August will bring a peak in larval contamination on pastures. Wet summers are often related to an increase in gutworm burden and farmers are advised to check stock regularly. In cattle the incidence of type 1 Ostertagiosis peaks […]
New measures announced to help tackle bovine TB
Further measures to strengthen our bovine TB cattle controls and prevent the spread of disease have been proposed in a consultation. The proposals come as new statistics published today show that the tough measures taken to combat bovine TB are starting to have an impact, with the rate of new herd infections at its lowest […]
Positive response from Government as slaughter petition reaches 66,000 signatures
The campaign to end non-stun slaughter and provide consumers with better information about the welfare of animals at slaughter has received a positive response from Ministers. Responding to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) e-petition, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that it would prefer to see all animals stunned before slaughter, […]
Liver Fluke affects nearly 1 in 4 British Cattle
The figures for 2013 show that nearly one in four cattle – 24% – sent for slaughter at abattoirs across Britain had their livers condemned as a result of liver fluke. This is a significant rise over the 2012 figure of 19%1. These figures are a cause for concern for all British farmers, but particularly […]
Two veterinary pioneers combine to bid for bTB testing delivery role
A new national service company has been formed to bid for appointment as a Delivery Partner for bovine TB and other farm animal disease testing under AHVLA’s Veterinary Delivery Partnership programme. Xperior Farm Health is a joint venture between two established veterinary companies: Eville & Jones, and Westpoint Veterinary Group. Eville & Jones is an […]
87% say ‘badgers should not be killed’ as NFU meets anti-cullers in prestigious debate
Killing badgers is not necessary to eradicate bovine TB (bTB), according to the results of a prestigious debate about the badger cull which brought opposing sides of the argument – and a TV expert – together for the first time. Audience members at the Bristol University debate, which featured […]
NFU statement on Gloucestershire Police webcast
The NFU has issued a statement following last night’s webcast in which Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl questioned the Chief Constable and other senior officers about the policing of last year’s badger cull. NFU Deputy President Minette Batters said: “As a membership organisation, the NFU carefully considered all the legal options available to […]
