The contribution of local animal populations to human drug-resistant Salmonella infections may previously have been overstated
A new study has shown that, contrary to popular belief, local domestic animals are unlikely to be the major source of antibiotic resistant Salmonella in humans. The result comes from a detailed study of DNA from more than 370 Salmonella samples collected over a 22-year period. By studying the genetic variation in the Salmonella bacteria […]
M&S demonstrates sustainability credentials with its fresh pork
The fresh pork sold through the retailer is produced by family farming business, Mercer Farming which achieved LEAF Marque certification last month. The LEAF Marque is an assurance system which recognises sustainably farmed products. It is based on LEAF’s Integrated Farm Management (IFM) principles, which use the best of modern technology and traditional methods to […]
‘One Health’ approach key to tackling antibiotic resistance, say vets
The Strategy follows the UK Chief Medical Officer’s report in March 2013 which highlighted the significant scale of the threat of antimicrobial resistance, and has been published jointly by Defra, the Department of Health, the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive. The Strategy sets out three strategic aims and outlines seven key areas […]
New project aims to end tail docking
A group of seven European research institutions, including Scotland’s Rural College and Newcastle University, have been awarded €2.5M for their collaborative project ‘FareWellDock’. They hope that by decreasing tail biting risk through environmental enrichment and developing better early warning tools of impending problems they can help farmers to stop tail docking. Tail docking is considered […]
FUW calls for more transparency on TB impact in North Pembrokeshire
Almost four years after biosecurity visits were first instigated in the area, and more than three years after a raft of extra cattle testing and controls were introduced as part of a programme which was originally to have comprised badger culling, information about the impact of the measures has been “sparse to say the least”, […]
Beltex and Dunbia renew Lamb Export Scheme offer
Last year’s scheme rewarded Beltex cross lambs with an average bonus of £2.19 per head across the board. The Beltex and Dunbia Lamb Export Scheme arrangement is for a year round supply of up to 5,000 cross lambs in total for the Belgium marketplace. To be eligible, all lambs must be sired by a registered […]
South Caernarfon Creameries announces milk price increase
Effective 1st September 2013, the new price increase of +0.62pence per litre, takes their standard milk price to 32.24 pence per litre. “This additional price increase further improves the position for our member farmers. Our member farmers are at the core of everything that we do. As our market returns improve we also improve the […]
Badger cull farmers to remain anonymous
Farmers involved in the badger cull will not be named and shamed by the RSPCA as a result of an investigation by the Charity Commission, following a detailed complaint made by the NFU. The NFU raised a number of concerns with the Charity Commission about the RSPCA’s campaigns on the badger cull and its activities […]
CLA backs badger cull companies as pilot starts
CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “These pilot badger controls are a vital start to the programme to tackle and eradicate Bovine TB, a disease that is devastating to farmers, rural businesses and landowners. “Managing bTB in badgers is an essential part of the strategy seeking to eradicate this terrible disease from livestock and wildlife in […]
