Horror in Cape Town: 19k cattle kept in barbaric conditions for over two weeks
21st February 2024
At the beginning of this week (19th February), a ship from Brazil anchored in the port of Cape Town, with 19,000 distressed cattle aboard. The animals have been kept in appalling conditions for weeks.
Avian influenza outbreak in Yorkshire: 48,000 free-range birds infected
21st February 2024
Avian influenza has been confirmed on a Yorkshire free-range farm consisting of 48,000 birds. It is the UK’s first case in months.
Making changes to manage digital dermatitis
19th February 2024
With lameness being common across a range of dairy systems, causing welfare issues and financial losses, Dr James Wilson offers some guidance on prevention and control – and shares trial results from an effective alternative to formalin and copper sulphate footbath solutions.
Q&A: What you need to know about Schmallenberg this season
15th February 2024
With numerous reports of Schmallenberg appearing in early lambing flocks this season, Farmers Guide spoke to Georgina Rigby, farm vet from Cross Counties Farm Vets – part of the VetPartners group. Mrs Rigby chairs the VetPartners Sheep Clinical Interest Group and runs the Cross Counties Flock Health Club. She also has a small flock of sheep at home.
Bluetongue TCZs being lifted in Norfolk and Kent
14th February 2024
Defra is contacting individual premises under restriction to inform them of the development.
FEB 2024
Lambing range “a literal lifesaver and an absolute must”
8th February 2024
Watery mouth is one of the biggest killers of newborn lambs, and since the primary treatment was delisted, there is a need to find alternative methods. Dr Tom Barragry, vet, veterinary pharmacologist and advisor to Provita Animal Health offers advice and outlines a range of products described by one farmer as a must-have in the lambing shed.
Farmers relieved as bluetongue spread now “highly unlikely”
6th February 2024
Defra has announced the loosening of bluetongue virus measures due to the drop of midge activity during colder months.
New lamb supplement launched to give newborns strong start
6th February 2024
The latest lamb energy and gut development supplement has been launched to give newborn lambs a strong start.
Schmallenberg: Farmers urged to be on guard as cases rise
2nd February 2024
Vets are urging farmers to be vigilant for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) – which can mimic other diseases including bluetongue – as a rising number of early lambing flocks are hit with deadly SBV this season.
FEB 2024
Two farms share tips on tackling pneumonia
1st February 2024
Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in dairy and beef calves and costs the industry around £50 million a year. In its most recent GB Calf Week, AHDB hosted a range of expert panels to offer top tips on how to tackle the disease. Sarah Kidby reports on improvements made on two farms.
Vaccination critical this season due to parasite risk
25th January 2024
Dairy farmers are being encouraged to vaccinate youngstock and naïve cattle against lungworm (husk) ahead of the 2024 grazing season after a significant rise in cases in recent years.
Poultry farmers win High Court battle against APHA on bird flu compensation
23rd January 2024
Poultry farmers have won a landmark legal challenge against the government in a battle over the proper compensation payable to poultry farmers affected by avian flu.