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 […]
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 […]
England pulling together to tackle key dairy diseases
DairyCo is leading a new RDPE-funded campaign to promote better control of four major dairy diseases or conditions affecting the profitability of dairy farming – BVD, Johne’s Disease, lameness and mastitis. The initiative is the result of AHDB being awarded a number of tenders under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Skills Framework. This […]
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 […]
No Schmallenberg cases reported in Scotland so far this year
Monitoring by vets from Scotland’s Rural College indicates that so far this year there have been no cases of Schmallenberg virus infection (SBV) amongst Scotland’s new born calves and lambs. Up to 1st May 2014 the various veterinary surveillance centres operated by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services had received some suspect cases but all have tested […]
BVA launches petition to end non-stun slaughter
The campaign to end non-stun slaughter to improve animal welfare at the time of death has been stepped up with the launch of a government epetition by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), with the support of the RSPCA, at www.bit.ly/stunB4slaughter. European and UK legislation requires all animals to be stunned before slaughter to render them […]
BVA concern at CMO call for sick animals to be slaughtered not treated
The British Veterinary Association is calling for a clarification of remarks made by the Chief Medical Officer in which she called for sick animals to be slaughtered rather than treated as part of the strategy to reduce antibiotic resistance in humans. The Daily Mail reports that, speaking at the Cambridge Science Festival, CMO Dame Sally […]
