Mount Vets Back Yard Poultry

31/10/2022

Happy Halloween 🐔

31/10/2022

HOUSING ORDER ANNOUNCED

As from 00:01 on Monday 7th November, there will be a nationwide housing order across England for all poultry and captive birds to protect against Avian Influenza infection. 

Please follow strict biosecurity measures and comply with this housing notice.

Please contact our poultry department to discuss further.

🐓🐔🐣🐤🦆🦃

17/10/2022

Due to the increased risk of avian influenza from wild birds, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has come into force across Great Britain from noon today (Monday 17 October).

From this date, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures, as failure to do so could result in more cases. This applies to all bird keepers in England, Scotland and Wales, whether birds are kept commercially or as pets, regardless of whatever type or size. These measures include cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear and equipment, reducing the movement of people to and from areas, and preventing access by poultry to ponds and watercourses.

🐓🐔🦃🦆🦢🐣

16/09/2022

Should you vaccinate your backyard chickens?

We think so 👍👨‍⚕️

Backyard chickens may be exposed to many bacteria and viruses that we cannot treat successfully with medication.

Depending on the situation, we can tailor a vaccination programme to suit your flock ✍️

With many different vaccines available, we consider the following diseases to be top of the list to protect against:

1. Marek's disease
2. Salmonellosis
3. Infectious Bronchitis
4. Mycoplasma Gallisepticum
5. Newcastle's disease

If you would like to vaccinate your flock, give us a call to discuss an appropriate programme for your birds 📞

🐔🐣🐓🐤🦃

12/08/2022

12/08/2022

⚠️ATTENTION⚠️😷🐔

There have recently been 5 confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in Devon.

3 of these cases are very close to our practice. As a result, our poultry department has relocated to our Wellington branch.

If you live inside any of the BLUE 3km protection zones, you are obliged to house all poultry- please consider the extreme heat we are experiencing when complying with this.

We advise that this is also followed in the 10km surveillance zones.

If you own poultry you MUST take precautionary biosecurity measures to REDUCE YOUR RISK.

These may include:

-All food and water must be kept inside a covered poultry house

-Remove all standing water or fence off water courses on the premises

-Avoid all visitors to your poultry

-Wear poultry specific wellies and coverals when tending to your birds

-Use a covered disinfectant foot dip prior to entry to the poultry environment, with an approved disinfectant at the appropriate dilution for AI (see DEFRA approved list)

-Ensure all bedding, food and water is stored in such a way to avoid wild bird contamination before being used for your birds

-Avoid any shared equipment or personnel between your poultry and other sites containing poultry. Where this cannot be avoided, strict biosecurity, cleansing and disinfection must be practiced

-If you suspect the possibility of AI in your birds, you must report this to the report line: 0300 020 0301

Please take this seriously, and help others to follow these precautions.

Please call the practice for further advice: 01404 841011

⚠️🐔😷⚠️

11/08/2022

Avian Influenza (bird flu) is now a significant problem in Mid Devon. There are now 3 outbreaks in the Cullompton/Tiverton area. It is vitally important that anyone in the protection zone (PZ) or surveillance zone (SZ) follow the rules governing their birds as set out by
https://www.gov.Uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Good bio security is essential and must be maintained by all poultry keepers. The virus is primarily transmitted in bird faeces thus it is important to separate your birds and prevent them coming into contact with wild bird faeces especially from waterfowl eg ducks, geese. It is therefore our advice to keep your birds housed or in a protected run as long as it is not going to present welfare issues in this very hot weather. These precautions are needed to prevent the spread around the South West. If you require further information or if you are concerned that your birds may be ill please contact Mount Vets poultry department on 01404 841011

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

07/08/2022

Please be aware that a new case of Avian Flu has been confirmed in a premises near Cullompton and a protection and surveillance zone has been set up. Please look at the DEFRA website for information on your responsibility if you are within the zones. As the Colliton practice is just outside the protection zone and is within the surveillance zone we will be unable to accept any birds into the practice at present. If you need a vet to see your birds we can arrange to see you at our Wellington office. Please phone Colliton on 01404841011 to discuss if you have any issues but please do not come to the Colliton office without phoning first

23/06/2022

*CHANGE OF DATES*

We are running our next online Poultry Health & Welfare webinar courses on 12th, 17th & 26th August.

As online webinar courses, you are able to learn from the comfort of your home and are hosted by our Poultry & Gamebird Director, Stuart Young.

These courses are suitable for all staff employed on UK Lion egg farms. Designed to provide the standard level of knowledge required to look after commercially housed chickens, you will learn everything from the legalities to welfare standards and assessing the health of the bird, how to prevent issues and how to deal with them should they arise. Biosecurity is also covered, as well as information on notifiable diseases, what to watch out for and what to do in a disease outbreak. The courses will assist with assurance scheme compliance and increase customer confidence. The knowledge and skills gained by attending these courses can be implemented at work and as a result, the welfare and productivity of birds will benefit. Attendees will receive a training certificate, which is transferable between employers.

If you would like to book on a module or all 3 modules
💻email: [email protected] or
☎call: 07587054487

Our back yard poultry department is set up to provide veterinary care and advice for your much loved

08/06/2022

The risk of Salmonella entering a flock is ever present, particularly in free-range systems. The consequences of a positive result are very serious, and at Mount vets we want to do everything we can to protect your flock.

Keep your farm bio-secure!

✅Prevent wild bird contact
✅Avoid co-grazing with other species
✅Keep vermin thoroughly in check
✅All staff members and visitors to wear appropriate PPE
✅Visitors to arrive in clean vehicles
✅All sheds should have a “step-over” system
✅Foot dips should be clean
✅Boots should be cleaned before using a foot dip

If you would like further information, please feel free to talk to us about specific issues on your farm and the risk of Salmonella by calling the office on 01404 841011 ☎

If you would like to keep up to date with the latest news and would like to receive our Poultry Newsletter please email [email protected] 📲

19/05/2022

We aim to give you the best service possible to treat your feathered friends.🐔🦆🐥🐓🦃

We would appreciate if you could take the time to give us a review, we'd love to hear your thoughts!

Click the link: https://g.page/r/CdlpPdZgRXJSEAg/review

16/05/2022

We ran our Lion Training Passport Poultry Health and Welfare Course on 13th May 2022! 🐓🥚

This course was designed to provide the standard level of knowledge required to look after commercially housed chickens. The attendees learnt everything from legalities to welfare standards and assessing the health of the bird, how to prevent issues and how to deal with them should they arise. At the end of the day our vet Stuart held a practical Post-mortem session to investigate further into the anatomy of the bird. Of course, most importantly everyone had a very good feed from The Keepers Cottage Inn!

We regularly hold courses; to find out more and register your interest for our Backyard or Commercial courses 📞call our office on 01404 841011 or 📲email [email protected]

13/04/2022

Avian Influenza outbreaks are still occurring in the UK, and are worryingly close to our very own practice 😞

Using a DISINFECTANT FOOT DIP can be very effective in mitigating the risk of AI getting into your flock.

Here are some tips on getting it right 👍:

1. Use a poultry specific disinfectant that kills Avian Influenza- we are happy to advise on suitable products

2. Use disinfectant at the correct dilution to be effective, as stated by the manufacturer for poultry orders

3. Keep the boot dip covered when not in use from UV light, evaporation and contamination

4. Only use CLEAN WELLIES when dipping boots, by rinsing with water and brush before hand. You cannot disinfect dirt!

5. Change your disinfectant regularly to ensure optimal results

Please contact us for further advice about reducing the risk of disease in your flock.

📞Call us: 01404841011

24/03/2022

Take a look at our new dedicated Gamebird Instagram page for more advice and updates!

https://www.instagram.com/mountvetsgamebird/

10/03/2022

We are holding a Lion Training Passport, Poultry Health & Welfare Course on Monday 11th April 10am-3.30pm. This course is suitable for all staff employed on UK Lion egg farms. Spaces are limited to allow maximum participation. 🐔🥚

At the end of the course you will receive a certificate, which is transferable between employers.

Course cost is £50 + VAT per person.

If you would like more information or would like to book.
📞Call Nicole: 07587054487 or
💻 Email: [email protected]

22/02/2022

We are pleased to offer our second series of Calf Health Forum Lectures.🐄

The perfect course for anyone who is responsible for the management of calves on farm. This short course will compromise of 4 modules, one every week on a Wednesday, beginning 30th March 2022.

Spaces are limited so make sure you book your place!
Email [email protected]
Call: 07587054487
For more information or to book.

20/02/2022

Pododermatitis 🤓 (Bumblefoot)

This is a common problem for lots of chickens, waterfowl and turkeys 😥

Why does this happen? 🤔

💡Altered pressure on the weight bearing surface of the foot, leading to a wound that bacteria can enter and cause infection 👎

👀 Look out for :

- Wet or dirty bedding or standing areas 🌧️
- over-weight birds
- pain in the opposite leg- causing excess weight bearing in the good one
- lack of movement and walking around

Depending on the severity, Bumblefoot may require a minor operation under local anaesthetic to clear the wound out, and a bit of clever bandaging afterwards to releave the pressure. 🤕

Pain relief and antibiotics are also needed! 💊

🐔🐤🦚🦃🦆🐓🐥

14/02/2022

Today marks the start of Mind your Head, Mental Health Awareness week.

Together with Farm Safety Week, Mind Your Head has become a key focus in the farming calendar in the UK. The Farm Safety Foundation (or Yellow Wellies as many know them) manage and fund this campaign and work with around 400 partners across the UK. 2022 marks the 5th year that they will remind those living and working in farming communities of the importance of looking after their mental and physical health and how they intersect.

We want to encourage everyone working in the industry to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing each and every day – not just during Mind Your Head week.

For more information visit the Farm Safety Foundation: https://www.yellowwellies.org/

09/02/2022

Keep going with extra biosecurity measures to protect your birds from 🐥🦆🐦🐔🐓🦃

01/02/2022

Do you know someone who would love to join our next AI course?

Our next 4 day DIY AI course will run on 14th-17th March.
This DEFRA approved course is aimed at anyone who has no previous experience in the artificial insemination of cows. The 4 day course is run by our experienced farm vet Stuart Young and is full of theory and practical sessions to make sure you leave feeling confident and safe in all aspects of AI. The cost of the course is £500 + VAT, with a £50+VAT deposit to secure your space. (deposit will be taken off final amount)
For more information please visit our website: https://bit.ly/349rG0a

Our back yard poultry department is set up to provide veterinary care and advice for your much loved

28/01/2022

This little chicken had an eye infection, causing lots of swelling and discomfort. 👎

Fortunately this was only unilateral (one sided!), and so was unlikely to be a systemic infection, and just local to the area 👌🤞

If your chickens are showing similar signs, particularly in both eyes, its important to contact a vet as this could be a sign of an important disease called Mycoplasma Gallisepticum.
Contact our team if you would like more advice: 01404 841011

This little lady responded very nicely to a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories 😁
🐓🐔🐣🦆🦃

17/01/2022

A true poultry emergency! 🐔🚑

This peahen had chronic diarrhoea a while back which we eventually managed to solve

She came in to see us recently coughing, gasping and struggling to breathe with a big lump in her throat.

With some forceps and swabs, our vet Al managed to retrieve a big ball of swollen duck pellets from her throat! She’s certainly feeling much better.

Our Poultry and Gamebird vets are on hand 24hours a day 7 days a week for emergencies just like these and to provide care and advice.

📞Call our friendly team on 01404 841011 or visit our website to find out more: bit.ly/33GRfFA

14/01/2022

Do you keep chickens, ducks, geese, or are you a gamekeeper, or a backyard poultry owner? Please read the below for advice on from APHA. 🐓🦆

For any further advice contact our team at our Colliton branch on: 01404 841011

or visit our website: https://bit.ly/3qp9BE4

11/01/2022

From the 29th November 2021 housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from Avian Influenza were put into place across the UK.

This means that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors, or where this is not practical, to take steps to separate them from wild birds. Keeping your birds undercover away from wild birds is vital to minimise the risk of them becoming infected with avian influenza by wild birds.

But housing alone is not the only solution – it remains essential that you follow strict biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease spreading to your birds.

For more advice call us on: 01404 841011 or
visit our website: https://www.mountvets.com/poultry/

Find out the latest updates here: https://bit.ly/3ts89Tt

24/12/2021

Happy Christmas everyone 🎄🦆

🐔🐤🐓🐥🥚🦃

13/12/2021

Check out this great video for biosecurity tips to reduce the risk of Avian Influenza entering your flock!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t3Aq0iCaKS0&feature=youtu.be

This video explains how to correctly clean and disinfect your boots, or if you don't want to do this, how to make a boot change.

24/11/2021

⚠️ 🏠🐔 ⚠️

Poultry keepers must now do the following:

house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds

cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing

reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control

thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find. If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

💪 Stay safe 🦺

🐔🐥🐣🐓🦃🐤🦚🦆

06/11/2021

LOOK OUT- It's here again 👎

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has come into force across Great Britain as of 5pm on 3 November 2021.

This means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their birds from avian influenza. ⚠️

From 8 November 2021 no gatherings of poultry, galliforme birds or anseriforme birds are permitted. 🚫

Heres a few things you can do:

- avoid wild birds gaining access to your birds' feed and water
- clear up any spillages
- disinfectant your boots going in and out of the poultry area
- separate your waterfowl and other poultry
- if you suspect AI in your birds, you MUST report it!

Stay safe team 🙌

🐓🐤🦆🦃🐥🦚🦆🥚

16/10/2021

The nights are drawing in 🌙🥚

This means your chooks will start to take it a bit easier 😌

A drop in egg production can be a sign of something wrong in a flock 🤔 but this time of year it's normal for a slight decrease👌

Light helps chickens to produce eggs ☀️ by stimulating their pineal gland in their brain to produce melatonin, which then goes on to kick the ovaries into gear 🤓🚀🧠

🐔🐥🐤🐓🦚🦃🦆🥚

09/09/2021

When chickens do people things 😂🐓🐔🐤🐣