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Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Black Sheep Farm Health

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Black Sheep Farm Health

We are an independent, locally owned dedicated farm only veterinary practice serving Northumberland
(11)

25/08/2024

Picture of the week 📸

Lovely to see the purple carpets of heather while out and about this past couple of weeks!

24/08/2024

If you have 5 mins to spare...

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/sruc/body-condition-scoring-uptake-survey

23/08/2024

Have you registered your flock?🐔

Bird keepers have been reminded that it will soon become a legal requirement to sign up to the new GB Poultry Register to curb avian influenza cases.

22/08/2024

21/08/2024

Pleasure to be working alongside The Northumberland Farmer Network, book your place now!

20/08/2024

NFU members are encouraged to take part in the NFU's survey before 26 September on lamb production and husbandry and management methods. This will help provide us with a comprehensive understanding of practices within the sector and the necessary information and data to highlight the detrimental imp...

17/08/2024

16/08/2024

Would you recognise ergot?

Ergot is a fungi that develop in the ears of cereals and produces a deadly hallucinogenic toxin. The risk of ergot infection is especially high in wet seasons, so be on the lookout when combining or buying grain for livestock feed. Grain bought from merchants is usually checked at intake, so the risk is lower

Signs in livestock result from damage to the nervous system caused by the toxin:
- Initial lameness, with high temperature and respiratory rate
- Extremities (tips of ears, tail and legs) may turn necrotic
- Loss of muscle strength, poor coordination, seizures and death.

For more information: https://ahdb.org.uk/high-risk-of-fusarium-and-ergot-after-wet-2024?utm_source=bl_enews_20240806&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=beef+%26+lamb+-+e-news+-+2024&utm_term=news&utm_content=text&_cldee=JLrNSaltln2HYUqrPGaWM_P1oujiFVCi9DxtsNKr6OwywvUEYq9tyZnEpx4lp8US&recipientid=contact-5eeb9115b5b2eb118236000d3a8747c3-d783784f000d4522a1184bb4b02c8832&esid=bb3281bd-0053-ef11-bfe3-000d3a0cb0ee

15/08/2024

Culling decisions pre-tupping have the potential to reduce problems throughout the rest of the year, and priorities vary from farm to farm. There is no end of reasons that a ewe may be culled, but key reasons include:

🐑Body condition – ewes not in adequate body condition at tupping they are likely to have reduced fertility and to rear fewer lambs, and so should be considered for culling.

🐑Age / teeth – older ewes are more prone to dental disease and more susceptible to other disease and infection, and they are less likely to rear lambs effectively.

🐑Udders – ewes with large teats, or large / low hanging udders are at greater risk of mastitis and cause extra work at lambing time. Ewes with lumpy or hard udders should be culled.

🐑Lameness – culling for lameness should be based on a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ policy.

🐑Barren ewes - ewes that have not reared a lamb should be culled.

🐑Prolapse – a ewe that prolapses once is very likely to do it again, cull affected ewes and do not retain ewe lambs from ewes that have pr*****ed.

14/08/2024

When is it time for a novel wormer?

Zolvix (Group 4) and Startect (Group 5) are often used in the autumn as ‘break drenches’ for lambs in order to remove the resistant worms that have survived exposure to other wormer groups through the grazing season.

For this reason, it is important that we use these ‘break drenches’ late in the grazing
season; weaning is usually too soon.

As with worming at other times of year, collect dung samples for WEC to determine if
treatment is necessary. When lambs will be moved to fresh pasture after dosing, aim to leave at least 10% untreated. Strong, clean lambs are good candidates to leave untreated.

Please get in touch to discuss how best to use a novel wormer in your flock.

13/08/2024

Promises to be an interesting Workshop, taught by Joe Henry.
Please let us know if you are planning to attend!

12/08/2024

Tup Testing Time! 🕙

With autumn fast approaching, it is time to begin preparations for tupping.

Preparation should begin 10 weeks before tupping to allow time to correct any problems and possibly buy replacement animals if required.

Examination and preparation of tups for breeding should centre around the 5T’s;
Toes, Teeth, Testicles, Tone and Treat.

New tups should be quarantined for 3 weeks. During this time tups should be monitored for signs of disease, particularly lameness, and receive appropriate quarantine treatments against worms, fluke and scab.

Fertility testing tups, involving physical examinations, semen collection and
assessment, provides valuable information used to determine if tups can cope with solo mating group or would be better used in groups or not used at all.

11/08/2024

Picture of the week 📸

Quite the patchwork of fields as harvest continues.

10/08/2024

📣BE VIGILANT: BLUETONGUE HIGH RISK PERIOD📣

With warmer temperatures, we are entering a high risk period for bluetongue virus (BTV). Both the activity of the biting midges that spread BTV and replication of the virus within midges are dependant on warm temperatures.

Advice remains the same, be aware of area of origin when buying animals in, particularly with tup and breeding sales not far away, animals will start moving between the lengths of the country. Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex should be considered high risk.

It is important to take action to report any signs, and always, remain vigilant and monitor livestock closely. Signs associated with BTV are listed in the images below.

Please get in touch with any concerns. More information about bluetongue virus can be found at https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/

09/08/2024

Don't forget to get teasers made in plenty of time!

Our new 'teaser' tags make it easy to identify which have had 'the snip'!✂

08/08/2024

Today is sponsored by Morrisons and Farmers Guardian, we are proud to be a part of and support British Agriculture and all it offers 🐮🐑🐑🚜

07/08/2024

🚨It has been confirmed that there will be no Cevac for the 2024 season🚨

The Sheep Vet Society have published advice for dealing with the absence of EAE vaccine.

🐑For flocks that have previously regularly vaccinated against EAE, there will this year be a small cohort of unvaccinated replacement ewes but the risk to them is low if the remainder of the flock is protected. They should be marked and vaccinated next year when they are not pregnant.

🐑Sheep Vet Society also have advice available for flocks that are considered higher risk for EAE, such as those that have experienced a recent EAE outbreak.

Please get in touch with any concerns.

06/08/2024

💰 Funding Available 💰

The second phase of Animal Health & Welfare Pathway, the ’endemic disease follow up’, has now opened.

The ‘endemic disease follow up’ is completed in the same species as the animal health and welfare review, within 10 months of completing the review.

In beef herds, regardless of BVD status, the follow up covers a biosecurity assessment
with a focus on BVD. In BVD positive herds, the follow up covers a full herd PI hunt in
addition to a biosecurity assessment.

In sheep flocks, the funding is more flexible; each flock can choose to pursue the most appropriate sheep health package. The options include ewe condition, reproductive performance, lamb performance, neonatal lamb performance, external parasites and lameness.

Link to apply for phase 2: https://apply-for-an-annual-health-and-welfare-review.defra.gov.uk/apply/endemics/start

05/08/2024

Here is this months newsletter... This month the newsletter covers:
- Funding Available; Endemic Disease Follow Up
- Tup Testing
- Time for a novel wormer?
- Bluetongue Vigilance
- Efficient Culling Decisions Pre-Tupping

Find the full newsletter at:https://blacksheepfarmhealth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/August-24-Newsletter-ready.pdf

03/08/2024

Shared on behalf of Soil Association....

🌱Demonstrating Agroecology at Scale🌱

Where: Broome Park Farms, Alnwick, NE66 2EQ
When: Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:00 - 14:30

11:00 Welcome and introduction to the farm and learning network
11:30 Farm walk with demonstration and discussion
13:30 Lunch and refreshments
14: 30 Close and depart

Book you free place here:

Join us for a tour of Broome Park Farms, Alnwick to learn more about the nature and climate friendly practices that they have adopted.

31/07/2024

Due to cancellations, we now have spaces available on our Tup Testing course next week...

Now to be led by Joe Henry, sheep certificate holder and current president of the Sheep Vet Society. 🐑🐑

Please get in touch to book your place.

29/07/2024

Northumberland National Park are offering free advice to help gain access to SFI and other government initiatives

At Northumberland National Park, we can help you access environmental schemes! Family farmers in England, this is your last chance to join . Sign up by 30th September for FREE support accessing schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive and make the most of these post-BPS opportunities. Contact us today at [email protected] or visit The Royal Countryside Fund

27/07/2024

Farm Safety Week

⚠️FARM SAFETY WEEK⚠️

At the beginning of farm safety week, we thought we would share a recent incident that happened to one of our vets, Will.
Whilst examining a well restrained steer in a good crush, the animal suddenly jumped up and caught Will in the face. Luckily, Will only suffered a cut eyebrow which required stitches, a bruised ego, and a very important message. You (farmers and vets) are not bigger or stronger than these animals and must respect and appreciate the situation you are putting yourselves into.
Please be vigilant whilst handling animals, especially when stressed or frightened.

Farm Safety Foundation - Yellow Wellies

26/07/2024

The latest SCOPS podcast contains a familiary voice with Joe discussing use of mid/late season break dose 🐑🐑

In this episode we talk about incorporating a Group 4 or 5 wormer as a mid to late season dose for your lambs. Ben is joined by sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings, Nerys Wright, farmer Chris Elkington and vet Joe Henry.

25/07/2024

Bluetongue has been diagnosed in several countries in Northern Europe this year

An increase in cases has been seen in several northern European countries, please check gov.uk/bluetongue for the steps you should be taking.

Latest update: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-virus-latest-situation-chief-vet-urges-vigilance

24/07/2024

Keep an eye on the AHDB website for an update from Alnham!

23/07/2024

SCOPS are back with their next podcast discussing environmental effects of wormers and other products 🐮🐑

🐑The SCOPS podcast is back for a second series🎉

Ben is joined by Dr Philip Skuce, vet Rob Howe and farmer Rich Thomas to discuss
environmental impacts and how acting on the SCOPS principles can help to reduce the impact of medicine use on the environment. They ask what it means in practice for parasite control in sheep and cattle, how achievable it is and what tools there are to enable it?

Follow the link below or go to the SCOPS website to listen ⤵️
https://scops-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/implementing-the-scops-principles-to-reduce-the-impact-of-medicine-use-on-the-environment

Address

Unit 4A Rothbury Industrial Estate
Morpeth
NE657RZ

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Website

http://www.blacksheepfarmhealth.co.uk/

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Videos

Rock Salt is an important supplement year round as Northumberland is generally low in salt. It also helps with magnesium uptake so supplementation is required to prevent staggers 🐑🐮

Case of the Week 🐮 It has been a busy few weeks for the bull testing kit, the video attached was taken by Jenny when she was out last week! Last year 18% of bulls tested by Black sheep failed their examination, can you afford not to test? Please give us a call go get booked in or have a discussion with one of the vets

Case of the week 🐮 Amongst other jobs, Kaz was out freeze branding earlier this week. Freeze branding is used widely for beef cattle in America and Australasia, as well as for the British dairy herd. Freeze brands are easily read from a distance, and provide an insurance against tags falling out. Cattle can be freeze branded as adults or when selecting replacement heifers to join the breeding herd. Cattle with thick coats can still be freeze branded – for best effect the brand can simply be clipped before calving to aid identification. The position of the brand can be tailored to how the cattle are kept. If housed loosely or calved at grass, a brand on the side of the thigh may be best while for cattle kept tighter or frequently run through races, a higher brand may be more appropriate.

Make sure you use the correct applicator for intranasal vaccination to ensure it mists for proper delivery!

Case of the Week 🐮 Jenny was out this week with the turn over crate looking at a lame bull. He was found to have sand cracks that had become infected. Sand cracks are vertical fissures up the front of the horn, they are associated with dry conditions, trauma to the top of the horn or poor foot conformation. Due to the heritability of conformation, it is advisable to avoid keeping heifers for breeding which are from a bull with this condition.

Case of the Week 🐑 Some tup testing this week, an important management tool to ensure all tups are fertile and working as they should be. The process involves a physical examination focused on the 5 T's (tone, teeth, toes, testicles and treat) and then semen evaluation looking at both gross motility and progressive motility. Gross motility is shown in this video with a 5/5 score, we often refer to this test as the guiness test, it wants to look like a pint settling! To get your tups booked in for testing please give the practice a call

Case of the Week 🐑 Jenny received this video from a client this week (thank you for permission to post!) of a sheep with CNN. The flicking of here eyes is called vertical nystagmus, which is a sign of brain disease. This combined with the "star-gazing" and blindness lead to a diagnosis of Cerebral Cortical Necrosis. CCN is a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) caused by a change in diet, generally to a low roughage diet. Signs are generally seen a couple of weeks post diet change. CCN can be diagnosed at post-mortem examination as the brain fluoresces under a UV light! Treatment of vitamin B1, steroids and anti-inflammatories were given and the sheep was on her feet in 30 minutes, the quick response to treatment is typical of CCN.

Case of the week 🐮 Now that we are in June, the grass is coming up from beneath us and silage making well underway. Silage does not come without risk. This case presented to Jenny shows a young bullock suffering from congestive heart failure. He presented with fluid build up around the brisket and under the chin and had an enlarged jugular down his neck. This is caused by Hardware disease, which is when a wire from the stomach pierces the sack surrounding the heart leading to infection and reducing heart function. Preventing this disease is important and is focused at reducing wire content in the silage, generally by avoiding old tyres above the silage pit. Cows can be bolused with a magnet as a preventative measure.

Noisy audience for a Friday morning job!

Great to have Phil Scott here during the week scanning for OPA (Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma) OPA, caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, is a infectious and fatal lung disease of sheep. There is no treatment or vaccine available. The virus causes tumours to form in the lungs, resulting in loss of condition, breathing difficulties, clear or frothy nasal discharge, and eventually death. OPA can only be definitively diagnosed on post mortem, but ultrasound scanning can identify tumours bigger than 2cm. This scanning allows infected animals to be removed from the flock and minimise spread to healthy sheep. OPA can be introduced with the purchase of new stock. This highlights the importance of good biosecurity and benefits of running a closed flock.

Very satisfying pus running out of an infected sandcrack. How’s that hoofGP? #hoofgp

BSFH Bull Breeding Course

When your patient gets a ride home…..

Turning ewes and lambs out in style with this huge custom made trailer at Hedgeley Farms - Beanley Galloway Herd.

***SHEEP SCAB*** This is Psorptes ovis, the mite responsible for sheep scab. This is the reason you do not ignore itchy sheep! If you buy in any sheep, you should incorporate a scab treatment into their quarantine. Cattle pens can come in useful for handling bought in sheep as the mite survives for 18 days on pens and equipment. Scab control is not complicated but does require co-ordination as timing is vital, and this varies on the treatment used. Scab was eradicated from Great Britain in 1952 before its reintroduction in the 1970s - we can do it again! Get in touch to discuss your scab control measures.

Swayback - a re-emerging disease?

***We've not seen this since SWAYBACK - now is the time to test trace elements in ewes*** If you're unsure on the trace element status of your ewes, now is the time to take samples pre-tupping. We see clinical copper deficiency very rarely now as balanced hard feeds and copper-sensitive breeds (e.g Texel X) have proliferated. However, with a more recent move to maximising use of homegrown forage over hard feeds, copper deficiency may start to become more common. This lamb was one of several on a client's farm this summer which had previously supplemented throughout pregnancy but more recently had stopped doing this. Following post-mortem these were confirmed as cases of swayback; the result of copper deficiency in ewes during mid-pregnancy. It is very important to test before supplementing as unnecessary supplements are at best a waste of time and money, and at worst can poison sheep (especially copper). Don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss testing.