Large Animal Newsletter - June 2008
Blue Tongue; Update and Unrest
It is true to say that the number of new cases of Blue-Tongue has fallen, there have been no outbreaks locally.
HOWEVER, do not think that this disease will therefore go away or not affect you at all. There is still a real risk that further outbreaks, more local to us, will occur in the coming months. The main risk period is during the summer and early autumn.
Vaccinating susceptible animals is therefore VITAL for the protection of your animals, but also for the protection of everyone else's. Vaccine uptake needs to be above 80% to be fully effective. If less than 80% of animals are vaccinated there is a risk that Blue tongue will get into the wildlife population. If this were to occur, then you will be vaccinating your stock every year well into the future.
There have been a lot of rumours in the last few weeks about alleged side-effects or negative effects of the vaccine, after nationwide use of more than 8 million doses since early May, there have been NO sustained reports of any ill effects due to vaccination. Reports of abortions, milk drop, increased numbers of LDA have been circulating, any effect is more likely to be due to the handling of the animals, just think about the milk-drop often seen the day after a TB test!
The risk to unvaccinated animals is FAR greater if an outbreak were to occur than any potential adverse effects that vaccinating might have.
Fortunately nobody local has seen any cases, please do not allow yourself to become an expert on the symptoms of Blue-tongue through personal experience!
Have you Herd?
We now stock a very effective fly control product, Coopers spot-on. In light of the bluetongue situation, fly control is more important than ever.
Reduce the risk to your animals by using effective insecticide.
Farm Info
Please, can you all use the farmline if you woould like to book a visit, order medicines or speak to a farm vet. This line is specially for farmers, with experienced staff with farm knowledge who are there to help you.
01297-630515 between 8.00 - 13.00
Cow Talk
Pre-movement testing of cattle is here to stay and we have to learn to live with it. For those who buy in cattle there is the concern about their testing status. Always ask the vendor or auctioneer for the paperwork relating to the last test. Do not get caught out!
