Articles

Stay informed with our topical articles, all written by our farm vets.

LIVER FLUKE IN CATTLE

Liver fluke or ‘fasciolosis’ is common in cattle, and according to NADIS costs the cattle industry £23 million each year. The lifecycle involves a snail host which thrives in wet, ambient temperatures and releases cercaria (swimming larvae) between August and October that infect cattle and cause disease that is seen from mid-winter onwards.

DIGITIAL DERMATITIS AKA “DIGI”

Wet and muddy conditions provide the perfect environment for Treponemes and other anaerobic bacteria to invade the soft tissues of the feet and cause lameness. Digital dermatitis is also infectious and can spread rapidly through housed herds.

Animal Health and Welfare Pathway

The Animal Health & Welfare Pathway is a government initiative aimed at supporting the continual improvement of farm animal health and welfare. You can book a 2-3 hour vet visit to discuss any key herd or flock health issues on your farm – fully funded by Defra.

Grass staggers

Stormy weather and lush pastures increase the risk of grass staggers, particularly in older lactating beef cows. Magnesium cannot be stored so a constant dietary supply is essential. Magnesium levels vary considerably in soil and grass.

Cobalt deficiency in growing lambs

Last year we found multiple farms having poor growth rates in their lambs over the late summer months. Through investigation with forage analysis and blood sampling, we found many were deficient in cobalt.

Environmental mastitis

Whilst the risk of environmental mastitis is present year-round, some farms see an increased incidence during periods of hot, humid weather. Warm, humid environments promote the survival and replication of mastitis-causing pathogens, particularly in bedding.

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