November 2010

PRACTICE NEWS

On the clinical side the practice has been busy with the usual seasonal problems. We continue to see metabolic problems, usually grass staggers but sometimes complicated with milk fever, especially in overweight autumn calvers amongst whom there has been a higher caesarean section rate than normal. Old fashioned parasite issues are still to the fore with lungworm making a late appearance on a few units although liver fluke is emerging as the main issue on most farms, a couple of whom had not recognised a problem before this year. Early indications on the pregnancy testing front are encouraging with relatively few barren cows encountered despite the late spring and wet summer. IBR has been confirmed on a couple of units, often not appearing like the classic disease, but more part of the pneumonia complex. In both instances there was a history of purchased animals and a lack of vaccination for IBR. It remains easy and cheap to vaccinate against IBR, a single dose being all that is required to confer immunity within a few days. Intra-nasal vaccination is also available for RSV which also only requires a single dose and we have had considerable success in recent years using this later in the year or in younger calves.

COURSES

In conjunction with Farmskills we will be running a calving course on Wed 8th December. This has proved popular in the past with both the inexperienced and those wishing to improve their knowledge further. Places will be limited so please contact the surgery if you are interested. In conjunction with a number of other local practices we are endeavouring to set up and source funding for a new training organisation, the Tayside Agricultural Training Group. This will hopefully be offering a broader range of livestock courses next year including disbudding/castrating, Johne’s Disease control, neonatal care etc. If we are successful in attracting funding the courses will be subsidised by the local council. If anyone is interested in helping out in the management board of the new organisation please contact the surgery as we need local farmers to be involved. We would also appreciate suggestions as to what courses/training people would like.

Sheep Scab Warning

NFU Scotland have issued a warning of new outbreaks of Sheep Scab in the Aberdeenshire area and the union is asking farmers across the whole of Scotland to be vigilant and to protect their sheep stocks against possible outbreaks.

Newly purchased stock

All sheep should have been treated for sheep scab using an OP dip (Golden Fleece) or an Avermectin injection (Cydectin). Cydectin 2% LA injection has a persistent action against sheep scab mites for 60 days. To prevent bringing in resistant worms they should also be treated with a Monepantel drench (Zolvix) Then turn onto pasture which has already carried sheep this year. Also check for Caseous Lyphadenitis (CLA) around 3% of lowland flocks have reported CLA and the it spreads between flocks via purchased stock. Any sheep which develop abscesses below the ear should be checked.

Land Management Contracts The healthplan review deadline is 1st December 2009 please arrange an appointment if your review is still outstanding.

Show Time

Moredun Roadshow 9th November, Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan BVD 7.30-9.30pm BVD is present in over 90% of UK dairy and beef herds and is a serious threat to the health and productivity of your cattle. This meeting will explain what is known about this disease before describing the possible control strategies available. Dr Kim Willoughby from Moredun and Nigel Miller from NFU Scotland will also highlight the use of biosecurity, vaccination and cattle health schemes to help you protect your cattle from BVD infection and discuss the merits of the BVD eradication scheme recently launched in Scotland. 

AGRIscot 17th November, Ingleston – Come and visit us at the XL vet stand And learn about FarmSkills. We have a calving course planned for December and a lambing course for February. Please contact the surgery if you are interested.

Winter Fair 24th November,Ingleston – Come and visit us at the QMS stand to discuss lameness in sheep, footrot control & eradication and see demonstrations of the latest turning crates and the combi clamp.