Alnorthumbria Farm Vets

26/06/2024

🪰 𝗙𝗟𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 🪰

Flies aren’t just an annoyance to livestock, they spread serious diseases like infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK, pink eye or New Forest eye) and cause fly strike.

The secret to effective fly control? Start early! Even if you aren’t seeing many flies yet, using prevention products early in the season will break the fly life cycle and reduce their numbers later in summer.

Don’t wait for fly populations to explode. You can use insecticide-impregnated ear tags, pour-on or spot-on products to keep flies at bay. If you would like to discuss which product would be best to use, please speak to one of our vets.

22/06/2024

It’s always good to see our Spring patients that needed some extra help coming into the world are out and thriving!!

I wonder why this particular calf had to come out the side door…🤔

21/06/2024

As soon as spring is over, the days get “warmer” and most cattle and sheep are outside grazing, things get quieter for most farm practices and vets will use their time to catch-up on Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This week Claire, Henrietta, and Anna travelled to Coventry for the CVS Farm Vet Day, an event where vets from all CVS practices across the country gathered to discuss and learn about ways to advance our general farm practice skills, including talks on maximising the benefits of data recording, advanced dairy diagnostics, liver fluke testing and improving our communication skills.

Anna delivered a talk about The 90+ Club, how it started and how it’s going, which generated a lot of interest and questions from all the vets in the room.

We're excited to bring these new insights and skills back to our practice, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of the growing bond and collaboration between practices.

20/06/2024

Last week The 90+ Club gathered again to review the 2024 calving results and enjoy some social time with beers and a barbecue. We had grand plans for a sunny outdoor meeting, but the British summer had other ideas. A huge shoutout to Alnwick RFC for saving the day and letting us use their facilities on such short notice.

Alongside our usual group performance review and discussion, Steve Carragher presented a summary of the calf failure of passive transfer (colostrum absorption) testing we've been conducting this spring.

If you're keen on joining our suckler benchmarking and discussion group, drop Anna a message at [email protected]
We’re always happy to welcome new members! The group’s next meeting will be around September-October.

18/06/2024

Last week Katherine joined Dyfed Farm Vets in South Wales as part of the new CVS Farm Vet Exchange Programme.

The programme gives vets the opportunity to spend time at another practice to develop their knowledge, skills and experience.

Katherine spent the week doing dairy fertility visits, LDA surgeries and even helped give some Cria’s plasma transfusions !!

She is ready to put her new skills to the test…all she needs now it’s to track down the elusive Northumbrian dairy cow 🐄 🥛

14/06/2024

🐑 𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗨𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 🐑

So far this year we have seen less Nematodirus than in previous seasons. This colder weather meant that the Nematodirus hatch has been more gradual, and lambs have been able to develop immunity to the worm. However, later-born lambs may still be at risk, and the SRUC Veterinary Services in St. Boswells have reported very high egg counts this week, with multiple cases confirmed in the PM room.

Nematodirus signs (diarrhoea, sudden death) could also be confused with coccidiosis, so we recommend using worm egg counts to monitor your lambs’ worm burdens, and check what treatment is needed (or not).

14/06/2024

📣 Calling all sheep farmers! Can you help The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) by answering this short survey? They are doing a research project looking at orphan lamb management.

🐑 Are you a sheep farmer? Can you help us with a research study on how orphan lambs in the UK are managed?
⏲️ This anonymous survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete
📅 Deadline: Midnight 30th June 2024

➡️ Complete survey here: https://rvc.uk.com/orphan-lambs

10/06/2024

Mandatory microchipping of cats becomes law as of today. Please contact your nearest branch to arrange microchipping of any un chipped cats 🐈

10/06/2024

Tickets now available from every branch!! Let’s raise some money for a good cause! ☀️ Starting at 6pm!

07/06/2024

Our June 2024 Farm Newsletter

06/06/2024

Another day, another show! Today, Ruth, Katie, and Jodie had an amazing time manning the Alnorthumbria stand at the 18th Children's Countryside Day in Wooler, an event organised by the Glendale Show - Glendale Agricultural Society for school children, to provide them with a hands-on learning experience about rural life, agriculture, and the countryside.

Ruth, Katie and Jodie were busy sharing their knowledge and passion for animals with the kids, helping them learn more about the veterinary world 🐑🌻.

05/06/2024

A sunny but breezy day at NSA Scotsheep! Come along and see us in the marquee (fortunately) on the outdoor stand field.

31/05/2024

Keep an eye out for our stand at Scotsheep 2024, we hope to see lots of friendly faces there throughout the day 🐑

NSA Scotsheep is a biennial event organised by NSA Scotland and will be the most important specialist event in the calendar for sheep producers in Scotland and North of England in 2024. The event will follow the successful format developed over recent years and will include an extensive trade stand area with over 160 commercial and educational trade stands, 32 sheep breed societies and 11 individual breeder and companies trades.

30/05/2024

It’s not just lambings and calvings happening this time of year but kiddings too!! 🐐 These beautiful Pygmy goat kids were born in the last couple of weeks and are thriving! Thank you to their owner for sending us these lovely photos to share! 😊

28/05/2024

We are sorry to announce the death of former partner Peter Malone who sadly died on the 14th of May 2024 aged 81.

After attending the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle Peter was accepted to study Veterinary Medicine at the Dick Vet in Edinburgh. After graduation Peter was recommended to the Muir and Curry practice in Alnwick by his surgery lecturer and started work straight after graduation. He was soon invited to join the partnership and spent his entire professional career looking after our clients and their pets and livestock.

Peter was not only an accomplished clinician, he also nurtured and encouraged undergraduates and younger vets and was a great inspiration to many. Rosemary, Peter’s wife, took out of hours phone duties throughout his working life and together they provided a welcome and fantastic hospitality for many young vets.

Outside of work Peter was a stalwart of Alnwick Harriers, the Round Table and Rotary. He would also make an occasional visit to the Tanners Arms. He loved the hills and completed at least one round of the Scottish Munros. He loved Scotland and bought a cottage and croft in Wester Ross where he and Rosemary moved following retirement in 1996 and built themselves a retirement house.

Peter was a relief postman for the area and was fondly known locally as Peter the Postie and on behalf of the Mountain Bothies Association he was the volunteer Maintainance Organiser for a local mountain bothy. More recently Rosemary and Peter moved to Cheshire to be close to family.

Peter was an inspiration to all those who knew him. A grafter, generous, fun to be with and one of the good guys. His legacy to veterinary provision in Alnwick is immense.

Our condolences to Rosemary, Julie and Roger and their families.

26/05/2024

For 3 years between the beginning of 2020 and the end of 2022 our team were involved in the “For Flock’s Sake” Sheep Scab project undertaken by Moredun Research Institute.

Their report has just been published in the Veterinary Record and showed that there was a significant reduction in the incidence of Sheep Scab overall and the reduction was particularly marked in the North. This highlights the importance of communication with neighbours, coordinated treatment and sharing results in reducing cases of Sheep Scab in our area.

We are proud to have been involved with the project and look forward to hopefully continuing its success in the future. 🐑

In response to the growing problem of sheep scab, a regional programme has successfully implemented a community-based approach to reduce the prevalence of

26/05/2024

Please join us for some Sports Day themed fun in support of RABI on the 12th of July 6pm at Alnwick Rugby Club. Either enter a team for the races or come and watch and enjoy a BBQ and drink! Everyone welcome ☀️🍗

14/05/2024

Now that we are getting towards the end of lambing, the minds of some of the vets have turned to the gamebird season! In preparation, Harry and Stephen went on a gamebird refresher day to ensure their skills are up to date and are here to help should you need it.

Many of you may already have the first deliveries of chicks on site, and so if you have any concerns at any point during the rearing cycle please do not hesitate to get in touch at any of our branches. We can receive birds at the practice or come out to site to suit you.

10/05/2024

Today marked the end of another year hosting Surrey Vet School final year farm rotations at Alnorthumbria, as we bid farewell to Chris and Will, our last two students of the term.

Over the past four weeks, they've fully immersed themselves in their elective farm rotation, handling all sorts of tasks: from examining sick animals to assisting with castrations, disbuds, scanning cows, and even the thrilling c-sections! They've also diligently handled background tasks in the lab, allowing vets to report results on time, especially this week that Becca was on holidays! Thank you for all the help guys!

From September to May each year we have the privilege of guiding aspiring vets like them along their journey through vet school. It's truly an honour to witness their growth. Next week, they'll officially complete vet school, and come July, they'll proudly graduate as fully qualified vets. To all final year Surrey students: we wish you a bright and successful future ahead! 😊⭐

08/05/2024

🌸 Happy National Receptionist Day 🌸

Today we celebrate all the hard work and trust we put into our reception teams!

They are the frontline of our practices, the first faces that greet you and voices you hear when you call us on the phones.

On behalf of all of the clinicians and management we would like to thank the wonderful team we have. Without you all of our days would be a lot harder.

We are so thankful for everything you all do!

(Lindsay is notoriously difficult to photograph!!)

06/05/2024

🌼 May Newsletter 🌼

03/05/2024

A reminder that our farm branches will be closed next Monday for the Early May Bank Holiday. Our vets remain on call 24/7, please contact your local branch for any emergencies.

We hope everyone enjoys the weekend!

01/05/2024

PRICE DROP!!

Due to increased funding, we are now able to offer colostrum intake assessment for £50 + VAT (Unsubsidised price £250 + VAT).

Please call your nearest branch to book in 15 calves under 42 days old for our easy nose prick testing. 🐮

01/05/2024

SCHMALLENBERG

A reminder to sample all abortions in both cattle and sheep. Last week we had our first positive Schmallenberg case in cattle in the area.

Schmallenberg virus is transmitted by midges which typically peak in late summer/early autumn and cause foetal deformities, abortion, reduced milk yields, inappetence and weight loss.

Please contact the practice to arrange sampling of abortions in cattle and sheep or to blood sample live animals. Mapping of cases is really important to enable further funding and prevention of this emerging disease.

27/04/2024

Happy World Veterinary Day! Today we honour the work, dedication and expertise of veterinarians around the world, and their contributions to improving animal health and welfare as well as public health.

From dawn till dusk, come rain or shine, the Alnorthumbria farm vet team work tirelessly to ensure that every farm animal receives the care they deserve. So, to our amazing team of vets: thank you for your commitment to keeping animals healthy and farms thriving. Your passion and expertise make a world of a difference every single day! ⭐️

24/04/2024

Next up in our meet the team…*drum roll please*…

Becca Wright aka our Vet Tech!
_________________________________________________

Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech) what do you do? I get asked a lot! My role with in the farm team is to provide a professional supportive service to clients as well as our team of farm vets. I’m a grand hand for big days on farm, from being the scribe for the dreaded TB test to getting that vaccinating done. I love a vaccine programme and a spot of calf disbudding. I’m that person who spends hours looking down the microscope looking for those worm eggs that cause you all so much bother!

Our veterinary technician provides a wide range of husbandry tasks including but not limited to:
• Ear tagging
• Vaccinating cattle, sheep, goats
• Drenching
• Disbudding Calves
• Blood sampling sheep and cattle
• Castrating and tailing lambs
• Faecal egg counts
• Body condition scoring
• General husbandry
• RoMS Lameness mobility scoring cattle
• Assisting with sheep artificial insemination and advanced breeding
• Assisting with cattle artificial insemination

To find out more about how she can help on farm please give us a call 😊

23/04/2024

It’s Great British Beef Week 🇬🇧🐂

Headed by Ladies in Beef and AHDB. This nationwide campaign celebrates the versatility and exceptional taste of British beef, while highlighting the commitment and dedication of British beef farmers to sustainable practices.

Show your support and get involved but using the hashtags and

18/04/2024

⚠️ 𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗨𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 ⚠️
Have you checked the Nematodirus forecast recently? https://www.scops.org.uk/forecasts/nematodirus-forecast/

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗞: hatching is predicted to have started and is likely to peak within 7 days. Lambs grazing contaminated pastures (i.e. grazed by young lambs last year) will be exposed to a significant challenge.

Use weekly worm egg counts to monitor for Nematodirus, and monitor your lambs closely for any signs of scour or any sudden deaths.

12/04/2024

Following a very wet winter and one of the warmest February on record, experts in the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group are predicting the threat to lambs from nematodirus will be extremely variable across the UK in 2024.

Using the SCOPS Nematodirus Forecast at www.scops.org.uk/nematodirus will be really important to help prevent individual flocks being caught out, as well as checking the pattern of temperatures in recent weeks to decide if lambs are at risk.

The colour-coded dots on the forecast provide a guide to the risk level in your area. Find the dot that is nearest to you or most representative of your farm. The height above sea level of each weather station is provided, as every 100m increase in altitude delays hatching by about seven days. So of your nearest station is at 200m above sea level but your farm is at 100m, for example, hatching could be around seven days earlier than the forecast. South-facing fields also tend to have an earlier hatch.

Nematodirus risk factors
* Lambs are grazing pasture that carried lambs last spring.
* Lambs are old enough to be eating significant amounts of grass.
* Lambs are in groups where there is also likely to be a challenge from coccidiosis (e.g. mixed aged lambs).
* Lambs are under stress (e.g. triplets, fostered, on a young or older ewes).
* A sudden, cold snap followed by a period of warm weather.