Westmorland Veterinary Group - Farm Services

12/06/2024

We have Katie our local Selekt rep coming next week on Wednesday 19th and she is kindly servicing all the practices selekt pumps. If you have one on farm and would like it servicing please drop it in to us or pass over to one of the farm vets. Thank you!

29/05/2024

In other surgical news recently, Kathryn had a case of a calf with an umbilical hernia. This is a birth defect where the umbilical ring fails to close, allowing abdominal contents such as the intestinal tract to get trapped in the space between the skin and the abdomen where the muscle should be.

Size of hernia is considered alongside age and weight of the animal as to whether it requires surgery or not, as some will heal spontaneously if small enough.

In this case the calf needed the operation to fix their hernia. This is one of the few surgeries in farm animal medicine where we put the animal under a general anesthetic so we have full access to the area. The surgery was a success and we're happy to report calf is doing well 🐄👍🏻

22/05/2024

WARNING: graphic image of surgery of the eye.

Look at the amazing job one of our vet’s Cara did on an enucleation (removal of an eye recently…🐄👁️

Well, let’s have Cara explain what happened..
“An unresolved eye infection in this animal lead to corneal opacity, scarring and ulceration, a painful condition that ultimately can lead to blindness. Removal was needed to prevent further deterioration of the eye and to stop the animal injuring herself whilst she had impaired vision.”

Looking at that very neat stitching, we’re sure she’ll be a lot happier now she’s had it sorted!☺️

24/04/2024

Reception work is never boring in a vets!
This cute little lamb was being treated by one of our farm vets for an eye problem ably assisted by one of our reception team Megan.

15/04/2024

Amongst the rush of lambings and calvings we’ve had in the past month Beth also helped deliver this beautiful little one recently as their head was not presenting correctly! A great outcome and a happy mother and cria 🧡

25/03/2024

A reminder of our Easter opening hours this weekend, we hope you have a good weekend, preferably with some sunshine instead of all this rain! 🌧️ remember to get your orders in!

04/03/2024

This Thursday we have our smallholder pre lambing meeting discussing all things lambing; techniques, survival and disease protocols. Free for smallholder club members to attend and £20 a place otherwise, with light refreshments provided. Call the office if you’d like to come along!

01/03/2024

We are having issues with diversions on the phone lines. If you have an emergency please contact our on call vet Cara on 07770015355. Sorry for any inconvenience we should be back up and running soon.

29/02/2024

WARNING
⚠️GRAPHIC IMAGE OF SHEEP WORRYING⚠️

Today, one of our farm vets was called to treat this ewe that had been chased, cornered and bitten by a dog. There was no footpath through the field and the dog was off lead, out of sight of its owner. The ewes' injuries were so extensive and her chance of survival was so poor that there was no choice but to humanely euthanise her to prevent her suffering further.

Along with this ewes owners, we would like to remind everyone that it is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep; one which carries a maximum fine of £1000. Dogs that worry sheep can also be seized and detained by police to prevent further incidents occurring. Worrying includes attacking or chasing sheep and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep. It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.

28/02/2024

Look at this beautiful pair that Beth helped deliver at our Kendal branch this week. The advantage of having a lambing room at both practices means you can bring animals to us, which can often mean a shorter response time and no visit fee in hours!
With Beth on hand it was a great outcome! 🐑🩷

28/02/2024

Westmorland Workshop Trip - CANCELLED

Unfortunately we have been informed that this event at Willow Tree Farm by ADHB has been cancelled due to an Avian Flu outbreak. They are looking to rearrange the date of the event and on the day they will be doing a webinar also.

Apologies to those looking forward to the event, we will look to put on another trip in the future.

21/02/2024

WORKSHOP TRIP - VENTILATION PRACTICAL
Next month on the 14th of March we are taking a bus across to the practical workshop hosted by ADHB at Willow Tree Farm, Northallerton.

Jamie Robertson is a knowledgeable and sought after speaker and looking at the agenda it is sure to be a fantastic in depth look at ventilation as we all know too well how much difference temperature and air flow can affect our animals!

The agenda is as follows: for the 14th March

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Registration and Welcome

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM: Understanding Ventilation Principles
- Presentation on the importance of proper ventilation for dairy cow health and productivity
- Explaining the impact of inadequate ventilation on cow comfort and production
- Overview of ventilation system components and their functions

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Assessing Current Ventilation Systems
- Practical session: Farm walk to observe existing ventilation systems
- Identifying common issues and challenges in the current setup
- Group discussion and Q&A session

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch Break (Provided)
- Networking opportunity for attendees

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM: Strategies for Improving Ventilation
- Presentation on best practices and strategies for enhancing ventilation in dairy barns
- Case studies showcasing successful ventilation improvements and their impact
- Discussing cost-effective solutions for ventilation upgrades

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM: Practical Demonstration and Hands-On Session
- Demonstrations of practical methods to improve airflow and ventilation
- Hands-on activities involving adjustments to ventilation systems
- Interactive session with experts for troubleshooting and addressing specific concerns

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM: Conclusion and Next Steps
- Recap of key takeaways and actionable insights from the workshop
- Closing remarks by workshop facilitators
- Distribution of resources, handouts, or guides for further reference
- Feedback collection and invitation for future workshops or consultations

Please let the practice know if you would like to come along! We would hope to be back before 5 as the trip is an hour and a half so we could be back as early as 4.

🐄🐄🐄🐄🐄🐄

15/02/2024

As you may have noticed, we have changed phone systems, which means you are now asked to choose between farm and small animal. Please listen to all of the voice recording so you are aware of how it works and we ask you to please bare with us whilst we get used to how it works.
Thank you, from the team 😊

07/02/2024

As mentioned at the TB talk, coming up we have organised a meeting with Nick Pile to talk about badger vaccination, see details below.

In response to growing TB spread and concerns his local farmers came to Nick to enquire about badger vaccination, he then went to DEFRA to work to make it happen.

As always please let the office know if you would like to attend!

19/01/2024

Schmallenberg alert 🔔
Be aware that several vet practices around the country have reportedly seen this in early lambers.
The deformities the lambs may have can make birthing them difficult so be aware they may need assistance.

If you get lambs or calves that:

• Are born small, weak, deformed or blind. ('Dummy calf or lamb').
• Are stillborn and deformed.
• Die within a few days.

Contact your private vet immediately to rule out bluetongue. Schmallenberg can also cause these signs as well as bovine viral diarrhea or border disease in sheep.

We offer free testing for Schmallenberg. Discuss our free testing service with your private vet or contact your nearest APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre http://apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/surveillance/diagnostic/national-network.htm

10/01/2024

ADHB meeting: Change the goal, change the system❗️

ADHB have asked us to let you all know about their upcoming talk at J36.

“We all know that farming with the environment in mind is at the forefront of our industry, so join us to find out what that looks like in practice.”

With speakers..
Jason Rowntree, Michigan State University
Paul Allison, farmer, County Durham
Tom Stobbart, farmer, Cumbria
Kevin Holliday, farmer, Lake District

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
BASIS points are available for attending this event.

For more information and to book on visit:
https://ahdb.org.uk/events/change-the-goal-change-the-system-north

10/01/2024

Thank you everyone who attended the talk last night at Junction 36. It was a great night with brilliant attendance - don’t think we could fit many more in!

Sarah spoke very engagingly and passionately about TB, Helen added in the local picture and the audience had some very relevant questions.

On the subject of the TB Advisory Service:
We have TBAS advisors and can carry out TBAS visits, this involves evaluating your TB risk and discussing measures to prevent TB spread to your cattle, TB spread between cattle and spread from cattle to wildlife.
The best thing being this is completely free to yourself.

If you’re interested in this please phone to practice! Our vets will likely talk to you about this on farm also.

As Ben mentioned at the end of the talk, we will be having another talk on the topic of badger vaccination in Feburary. We will keep you posted!

06/01/2024

A reminder about the TB meeting happening this Tuesday at Junction 36, all are welcome!

Updated poster: Local farm practices farmgate and yan farm health have joined us in sponsoring the event alongside the NFU.

So please share far and wide and let the NFU or your respective practice know if you intend to come.

28/12/2023

APHA Suckler Ewe Mastitis Bacteriology Project - subsidised testing 🐏🦠🐑🧫

We’ve had an email letting us know about the details of the latest project being undertaken at APHA Penrith (and Starcross) looking at mastitis bugs in ewes!

The Small Ruminant Expert Group have asked vets to submit up to three samples from each cohort of ewes (e.g you may send more samples if you have different groups lambing at different times).

This would be a sample of milk taken cleanly before administration of antibiotics. The result would tell us what bacteria are involved and their resistance profile which can help us advise what treatment is best and possible causes of transmission.

Currently there are over 30 species of bacteria linked with causing mastitis in sheep. Transmission of bacteria through flocks can occur through the environment, from sheep to sheep or cross suckling lambs.

The aim of the project is to improve surveillance as well as look for any antibiotic resistance in the bacteria populations.

The testing is fully subsidised by the APHA so is free to the client.

Samples can be submitted between November 2023 and May 2024. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this, we can advise on taking a sample aseptically and we would submit the samples on your behalf.

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas from all of us at Westmorland 🎄

23/12/2023

Updated poster: Local farm practices farmgate and yan farm health have joined us in sponsoring the event alongside the NFU.

So please share far and wide and let the NFU or your respective practice know if you intend to come.

21/12/2023

🐄 JUNCTION 36 TB MEETING 9TH JAN🐄
North West Auctions

In response to the local situation we’ve got in touch with Sarah Tomlinson, the director of TBAS and the NFU about hosting a local meeting at junction 36.

Sarah will cover the science and background to TB testing, as well as managing risks such as purchases and management of your farm.

We appreciate this has been a difficult and worrisome time for everyone. A problem shared is a problem halved which is why we wanted to get everyone together as well as answer any questions.

Please let us know either on farm or ringing if you intend to come along so we know rough numbers. And please, tell any friends, neighbours - any local farmers are welcome to come along!

It starts 7.30pm and refreshments will be provided ☕️

21/12/2023

Here’s a reminder of our opening hours this coming festive period, we hope that you all have a Merry Christmas 🎄

30/11/2023

A reminder that the 13th of December is fast approaching so if you need a VAN to contact us in good time ⏰

❗️REMINDER: Veterinary Attestations ❗️📝
From the 13th of December 2023, rules are changing about the declarations required for products of animal origin being exported to the EU. Farmers will no longer able to ‘self declare’.

The new rules require that if farms are not part of an accreditation scheme e.g. Red Tractor, a Statutory Health Attestation is required for any exported meat or animal by-products.

This applies to a large proportion of animals sold so these attestations will have to be supplied at auctions from that date. The health attestation has to be provided by a vet annually to confirm that a specific visit has been made to confirm that no notifiable disease is present and advise on biosecurity and animal health and welfare.

If you are not part of a scheme why not use the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway funding to pay for those visits and get the attestation in place? In addition, spending time with a farm vet discussing the health issues and challenges you face is never wasted- there is always a useful suggestion to be made here or there!
To discuss this more, please call in and speak to a farm vet 🐄🐖🐏

13/11/2023

Bluetongue is one of the notifiable diseases we have in this country and recently there has been a case identified as seen below.

What are we looking out for?
Sheep are more likely to show symptoms than cattle and are as follows (direct form APHA website):

Signs of bluetongue in sheep:
▪️ulcers or sores in the mouth and nose
▪️discharge from the eyes or nose and drooling from mouth
▪️swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck and the coronary band (where the skin of the leg meets the horn of the foot)

Other clinical signs include:
▪️red skin as a result of blood collecting beneath the surface
▪️fever
▪️lameness
▪️breathing problems
▪️abortion
▪️death

In cattle:
▪️lethargy
▪️crusty erosions around the nostrils and muzzle
▪️redness of the mouth, eyes, nose
▪️reddening of the skin above the hoof
▪️nasal discharge
▪️reddening and erosions on the teats
▪️fever
▪️milk drop
▪️not eating
▪️abortion

Whilst still relatively far away from us, we are asking clients to be vigilant and consider this when buying stock!
Any concerns or questions please give us a call.

Bluetongue has been confirmed in a single animal near Canterbury, Canterbury, Kent.

A 10km Temporary Control Zone has been put in place to minimise spread of disease and while we undertake further investigations to determine if there has been any local spread.

Livestock keepers must remain vigilant and follow the restrictions on animal movements.

More information, including how to spot and report the disease is available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue

08/11/2023

❗️REMINDER: Veterinary Attestations ❗️📝
From the 13th of December 2023, rules are changing about the declarations required for products of animal origin being exported to the EU. Farmers will no longer able to ‘self declare’.

The new rules require that if farms are not part of an accreditation scheme e.g. Red Tractor, a Statutory Health Attestation is required for any exported meat or animal by-products.

This applies to a large proportion of animals sold so these attestations will have to be supplied at auctions from that date. The health attestation has to be provided by a vet annually to confirm that a specific visit has been made to confirm that no notifiable disease is present and advise on biosecurity and animal health and welfare.

If you are not part of a scheme why not use the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway funding to pay for those visits and get the attestation in place? In addition, spending time with a farm vet discussing the health issues and challenges you face is never wasted- there is always a useful suggestion to be made here or there!
To discuss this more, please call in and speak to a farm vet 🐄🐖🐏

02/11/2023

These figures are testament to the hard work of farmers in reducing antibiotics whilst maintaining our high standards of animal health and welfare in the UK 🏆🥇

🐑 READ MORE: https://ow.ly/zuIg50Q2YtS

01/11/2023

MSD Roadshow is coming to Kendal next week! If you’re interested have a look below at signing up.

05/10/2023

Haemonchus Alert!
Haemonchus is a gut worm that we don't often hear about but we have recently diagnosed 2 cases. Unlike normal gut worms haemonchus lives in the abomasum and sucks blood from the animal. In acute infections the worm can cause severe blood loss, resulting in very sick animals and can be fatal.
The sick animals can often have very few symptoms, they won't be scouring, and are usually just lethargic and inappetent, with pale membranes, and a very high worm egg count. Haemonchus can only be diagnosed by sending a faecal sample off to the lab. Haemonchus can affect cattle, sheep, goats and alpacas, and animals do not get immunity to the worms so they can affect animals at any age.
If you have any concerns about your animals who are looking off the do not hesitate to get in touch with the practice to speak to one of our vets.

14/09/2023

Our vet Ben joined Bay Search & Rescue for a large animal rescue demonstration this morning at the county show! This followed from a cow rescue that Ben was called to attend at Ulpha Moss a while ago. Off the back of the rescue Ben has also been involved with teaching at the organisation to keep their staff safe around livestock 🐄🐂🐏🐖