The health status of a farm is very important for economic and welfare reasons. By knowing the issues of your farm, you can work with your vet to establish preventative measures (with a Herd Health Plan) and reduce losses through mortality, abortion and the use of antibiotics. Farm animal post-mortem examinations (PME) are not used… Read more »
The presence of lung worm, gastrointestinal round worm and liver fluke are the leading cause of production losses for the cattle industry. The parasites cause a reduction in feed intake and utilisation of nutrients, animals infected may show signs of diarrhoea, respiratory disease, ill thrift and death. Lung WormLife-cycle Cattle are infected with lung worm… Read more »
We are excited to introduce Francis Sabbe and welcome him to our Westpoint practice in Louth as the new Practice Principal. Francis has over 30 years’ experience in farm medicine and is extremely well respected by his clients in his previous role as Senior vet/Clinical Director of farm animals in a large practice in Norfolk…. Read more »
To take part in our summer competition find our stand to pick up a free pair of sunglasses – all our shows are listed on our Events page. Simply take a selfie in your sunnies and tag us on Facebook or Twitter using #WestpointSummerSelfie You could be in with a chance of winning £200 to spend… Read more »
Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis – IBR – is a herpes virus that can cause respiratory disease in cattle of all ages or reproductive disease in breeding females. It is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus 1 – BHV 1 – and has a worldwide distribution. Initially the virus was recognised as causing severe upper respiratory tract disease… Read more »
Some may have started unpacking already, while others are waiting until later this summer, but all of us are looking forward to having lots of healthy, happy cria bounding around the fields again. Unpacking, though exciting, can be a little (or a lot!) tiring, and seems to come around quickly each year, so in this… Read more »
We have been seeing a steep rise in the number of flystrike cases over the past week. Green, blue and blackbottle flies are very quick to attack and deposit eggs on fleece and hair. Wet, scour-stained fleeces/fur is particularly attractive, as well as wounds or cuts, but these flies are not picky and can attack… Read more »
The SCOPS forecast is currently showing large areas of the UK as having a high or very high risk for Nematodirus in young lambs. Is your flock at risk of infection and what can you do to prevent adverse effects in your lambs? What is Nematodirus? Nematodirus battus is a roundworm that causes death and… Read more »
The dairy industry has seen a near complete shift from loose houses to cubicles for housing milking cows, and often for good reasons. Cubicles present a simple opportunity to increase the capacity of a cubicle house in a similar way to a dorm room in a Youth Hostel. When looking at how cows choose to… Read more »
Tackling lameness in sheep has become a real priority in recent times and much research has been undertaken to determine the most effective ways to control and prevent it. Its importance within the industry has been highlighted by The Farm Animal Welfare Council, who have set a target to reduce the number of sheep treated,… Read more »