Westpoint Farm Vets

24/01/2025

When you're nice and snug inside the womb and in absolutely no hurry to enter the world, it can feel like quite a rude awakening to be assisted!

23/01/2025

We love a proactive approach to parasite control!

Spent today with the brilliant taking bloods from some of my youngstock for BVD testing, as part of the government’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

We also spoke biosecurity and took a few dung samples so that faecal egg counts could be done, which will inform whether I need to worm my cattle or not.

I try and avoid using wormers where I can because of their negative impacts on invertebrates like dung beetles, and instead try to make sure my cattle are moved regularly while grazing and have access to anthelminthic (anti-worm) plants like chicory, bird’s-foot trefoil and willow.

Thus far the FECs have come back good which means I haven’t had to worry about it, which has been great for the inverts and my bank balance!

23/01/2025

We have now entered into the Seasonally Vector Low Period, meaning there is low midge activity and the transmission risk for bluetongue is very low.

This kicks off some alterations for those in restriction zones:

• Animals moving out of the restriction zone no longer require a post movement test.
• There is no requirement for the use of insecticides.
• Animals from the restriction zone do not need to use a designated slaughterhouse.

Some restrictions remain in place -
• Pre-movement testing in the restriction zone is required
• Licences are required to move animals or germinal products out of the restriction zone.
• Any post movement testing requirements set out in the licence or restriction notice if animals were moved out of the restricted zone on or before 20 January 2025 must still be completed
• A licence is necessary to freeze germinal products in the restriction zone.

This link takes you to a bluetongue case map that shows the GB premises that have had one or more cases of BTV3 confirmed by PCR. https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4867f4e1f680415898482df7aabb703d/page/Page/

Now that we are in calving and lambing season, you may encounter foetal deformities, stillbirths, abortions and neurological signs in calves and lambs, which could be related to BTV3, and therefore must be reported to 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales) or your local Field service officer in Scotland. We must still remain vigilant for any signs of BTV3, and report any suspicion of disease immediately.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/seasonally-vector-low-period-for-bluetongue-begins

UK Chief Veterinary Officer announces we are now in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus.

22/01/2025

A glorious day for some booster vaccines - we recommend clostridial vaccines for our camelid patients - as you can see, there were no objections from this herd after their visit from Ashford vet Tiff, and Tech Liv.

13/01/2025

Did you know that in the South East, our Tech Teams are able to scan sheep and goats for pregnancy? If you have small herds or flocks and want to be able to tailor your nutrition to their breeding status - get in touch with our techs!

09/01/2025

Clinical Director of Chelmsford, Ami has been nominated as Champion for Change by Veterinary Woman. Read her interview below!

Amy Sawran is Clinical Director at Westpoint Farm Vets in Chelmsford, a member of the Clinical and Farm Executive boards at VetPartners.

06/01/2025

Applications for our 2025 New Graduate Scheme are now OPEN.

If you want a supportive, tailored and welcoming new graduate experience in a dynamic and inclusive 100% farm practice, come and talk to us.

https://www.westpointfarmvets.co.uk/graduate-programme

We are 100% farm animal vets with practices nationwide. We aim to provide the highest level of farm veterinary service to keepers of food-producing animals.

03/01/2025

Our work would mean nothing if it wasn't completed with enthusiasm, compassion and great care for the animals we tend to and the clients we serve. Thank you for being with us - we appreciate each and every one of you.

02/01/2025

We are at the forefront of public health protection and infectious disease control on a national level.

31/12/2024

We stand with the farming community, and find ways to support agricultural charities and industry initiatives.

30/12/2024

We dedicate a huge amount of time to training and teaching, from farm teams, to students and other vets.

27/12/2024

Just because it's routine, doesn't mean there is a dull moment on farm...

26/12/2024

Our Vet Tech team are literal pioneers - they provide husbandry services to make your lives easier, optimising health, welfare and the economics of farming.

25/12/2024

From all of the Westpoint Team, we wish you the Merriest Christmas, and a calm and peaceful festive season.

24/12/2024

Proactive health planning is designed to optimise health and welfare, improve your vet spend and ensure you get the most value out of our time spent on farm.

23/12/2024

Emergency care - here when you need us the most.

20/12/2024

As 2024 draws to a close, let's look back at a year in the life of the Westpoint Farm Vets team...

16/12/2024

A little reminder of our festive opening hours 🎄

16/12/2024

A protection zone is now in place scross East Riding, Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Biosecurity measures should be in place to prevent contact between wild birds and captive stock, reducing the risk of disease spread.

If you have concerns over bird sickness or any unexplained deaths that you wish to report, please call 03000 200 301 in England. You can talk to us at any time about health concerns in your flocks.

Reminder: An Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is now in force across the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

This means that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size, in addition to following any Protection/Surveillance zone restrictions that apply. See the press release on GOV.UK for details: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-in-four-counties.

A map of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone and wider disease control zones is also available on GOV.UK: https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d

05/11/2024

Don't forget that our second Smallholder Club webinar is on Monday 11th - Give us a call if you would like to register for the link.

11/10/2024

We are looking forward to seeing our clients from all over the region at our Post Harvest Party tomorrow.

Don’t worry, we have wet weather contingency! With games, stalls and an opportunity to chat and feed back to us over some great food and drinks we are sure it will be a lovely day.

We are also hosting the Eastern Alpaca Group for their craft fair, so be prepared to see some amazing fibre crafts and demonstrations too!

See you tomorrow!

🍺 Abbie, Amanda, Ami, Amy, Ian, Jess, Katie, Maddy, Mary-Anne, Mel, Mia, Olivia and Tia. 🍂

23/09/2024

A quick reminder about RSVPing for our post harvest party - give us a shout if you're coming along so we can make sure we have enough food for you!

We are very happy to take further stalls for your farm produce if you would like to display and sell your wares.

We are really looking forward to seeing you on the 12th October.

05/09/2024

Don't forget our upcoming FREE calving talk on the 12th September.

Get ready for Autumn calving, and make early preparations for Spring!

We will be joined by Celia Bradbury to discuss products including Sensiblex, which is marketed for use in unsuccessful cervical dilation in calving.

Date: 12th September
Time: 2pm
Location: Essex Young Farmers building
Price: Free!

Refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP direct to the practice on 01306 628 489

06/08/2024

Let's plan something to look forward to! The team at Westpoint Chelmsford would love to celebrate our brilliant clients with a family fun day on the 12th October.

We would love to hear from our clients who sell farm produce, as there will be an opportunity to hold stalls at our event at Essex Young Farmers.

If you're interested in hosting a stall, please give us a shout - otherwise, please SAVE THE DATE!

12/07/2024

An exciting new way of connecting with us from the comfort of your own home - we are launching Westpoint Webinars! The first will be a session on Parasitology for Smallholders. Get in touch to secure your spot!

31/05/2024

We are holding a camelid unpacking and cria care course on the 13th of June. Please see our flyer for further details.

RSVP asap to secure your spot and give us an idea of numbers.

23/05/2024

DEFRA have published their guide as to how a potential BTV3 outbreak might be managed in the UK.

For details of how this may affect you, especially in the East of England, follow the link below.

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22/05/2024

A reminder about upcoming road closures in Essex due to RideLondon - for further details on timings and closures, go to: https://www.ridelondon.co.uk/road-closures/interactive-road-closure-maps

17/05/2024

We are anticipating some disruption on our routes next weekend due to RideLondon - please look at the interactive event maps that detail local road closures.

Our response times may be affected by road closures on both Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th of May, but we will do our best to attend to your emergencies as swiftly as possible.

RideLondon was established by the Mayor of London in 2013 as an Olympic legacy event from the 2012 London Games. After seven editions, RideLondon has grown into the world’s greatest festival of cycling, featuring 100,000 riders of all ages and abilities enjoying a range of different mass participa...

30/04/2024

A reminder that the deadline for the items to improve animal health and welfare is TOMORROW at midday - items such as handling systems, calving gates, footbath systems could be eligible for this.

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund is a great initiative to help improve on farm conditions and systems, and there are significant amounts available. To apply, head to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-2024/apply-for-the-farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-fetf-2024

DON'T FORGET to apply for this round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund.

There are many eligible products that can help with farm productivity and animal welfare, including handling systems, footbaths, calving gates and more.

We are more than happy to help with letters of support to strengthen our clients' applications. Just give us a shout - but be mindful of the early deadlines of the 17th April. Follow for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-2024

12/03/2024

Our ever popular medicine handling and injection course is back to help you satisfy the requirements of farm assurance. This course can also be used as a handy refresher, training for your farm teams, and also as a guide for new owners.

Give us a call to book a spot!

12/03/2024

So pleased to have shown up in this incredibly insightful guide. Thanks to Farmers Weekly

📖 Our guide to female-friendly recruiting is brought to you with insights from Ewan Anderson, Westpoint Farm Vets Phil Garnham, Sarah Hendry, Hannah Robson, Sarah Want, Natalie Smith, Jane Craigie 💡
https://ow.ly/i6nv50QMmH1

29/02/2024

Our clinic is up and running; whether you want to have your donations conducted on farm, or in our lovely, calm, clean clinic, now is the time to book your plasma drive to safeguard the health of cria during unpacking season. If the worst should happen, it's best to be prepared with fresh, frozen plasma with antibodies specific to your herd.

If you'd like to find out more, give us a call!