Livestock News

Two cows trapped in a slurry pit have been saved thanks to the heroic efforts of a Dorset farmer and local firefighters.

After a very wet winter and one of the warmest Februarys on record, parasite experts at the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group say the threat of nematodirus will be “extremely variable” in 2024.

Dog owners have been warned to be careful during walks and look out for the symptoms of Alabama rot after a spike of the deadly disease has been confirmed across the country.

Strong online and ringside bidding saw the day’s top price reach £5,600 at the Hereford bull sale in Southwest Scotland.

The National Pig Association (NPA) is calling on the main political parties to protect the borders from diseases such as African swine fever (ASF), as more than 65 tonnes of illegal meat have been seized at the port of Dover since September 2022.

At the beginning of February, a flock of sheep from Langford Farm, near Tavistock, in Devon were chased over three fields by out-of-control dogs. 45 animals were killed.

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 has been confirmed on a Yorkshire free-range farm consisting of 48,000 birds. It is the UK’s first case in months. 

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.

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.

Defra is contacting individual premises under restriction to inform them of the development.

The EU-spec SPP increased by 0.11p to 211.47p/kg after 16 consecutive weeks in decline.