Animal Health News

Routine surveillance has identified two cases of bluetongue in cattle on a farm near Cantley, Broadland in Norfolk.

Following active surveillance within the temporary control zone (TCZ), two further cases of bluetongue have been identified taking the total number of UK cases to seven. Both cases are linked to a holding with previously confirmed cases of bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3).

Farmers urged to be vigilant as further cases identified through additional surveillance.

The Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) group has published its latest technical guide, which reflects significant changes in approaches.

Farmers in and around the Temporary Control Zone (TCZ), can now access and call a dedicated bluetongue hotline to get advice or ask questions linked to the current situation.

The first specific vaccine for protecting cattle against respiratory coronavirus will soon be available to UK farmers, and follows recent research suggesting BCoV plays a bigger role in BRD than previously accepted. Sarah Kidby reports.

After the first case of the new emerging bluetongue strain (BTV-3) was confirmed in England, a temporary control zone (TCZ) has been implemented. The Ruminant Health & Welfare group has put together some guidance.

Farmers are being urged to purchase livestock from responsible sources and be vigilant for signs of disease, as BTV-3 is confirmed at a farm in Kent.

Defra has downgraded the risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds, after a reduction in the number of findings.

Farmers experiencing a range of fertility issues in their dairy herds are being told to test for Q fever, as data from a recent study reveals 50% of herds tested were positive for the disease.

Mild weather at the start of autumn prolonged the parasite breeding season, warned Ben Strugnell of Farm Post Mortem.

As the weather turns, stock is being housed and winter rations formulated. Extra attention should be given to a smooth transition to reduce the risk of acidosis and the associated poor performance, experts say.