Livestock Matters Summer 2019

Summer Edition 2019 contents 04 Coccidiosis Holistic approach needed to prevent coccidiosis in dairy calves Vets Lucy Hepworth and John Walsh of Friars Moor Livestock Health provide an overview of coccidiosis – its diagnosis and treatment options, and the importance of good calf management and good hygiene. 07 Liver fluke Know when it’s time to treat for fluke, and protect flukicide efficacies Vet John Hemingway of Shropshire Farm Vets warns of the need for the strategic selection and use of flukicide products. This year XLVets practices will be collaborating in a Fluke Sentinel project which will alert farmers to when there is a risk of fluke in their area. 10 Tapeworm in dogs Protecting lamb carcase sales…with a worming programme for the dogs! SQP Jules Rottenbury and vet Mike Glover of Torch Farm Vets explain why regular worming of farm dogs is important in preventing the dog tapeworm T.ovis from causing lamb carcase condemnations at the abattoir. Getting advice on preventing bulk tank failures Vet Andy Tyrer of Shepton Veterinary Group highlights the need for extended milk withholds when medicines are used off-label, plus how a training course has helped reduce the incidence of bulk tank failures. 12 Active surveillance needed to ensure vaccinated herds stay BVD-free Vets Paul Kirkwood and Bruce Richards of Paragon Veterinary Group discuss the benefits of proactively monitoring for the BVD virus, even in vaccinated herds, and the need to ensure vaccine protocols are strictly adhered to. 18 Me and My Practice: Andrew Cooke, Belmont Farm & Equine Vets Since buying into the practice two years ago, vet Andrew Cooke is enjoying the satisfaction and responsibility of being a director. Here he tells of the challenges and the rewards. 16 A focus on output is taking upland suckler herd in a new direction Prostock Vets’ Rupert Sheppard has been providing support and advice on herd health and breeding policies to farmer Carys Jones, who is changing the genetics and management of the family’s suckler herd. XLVets is a collaborative group of over 450 farm vets with dedicated support teams, who endeavour to be nationally recognised as the ‘quality mark’ for livestock veterinary services. Learn more... 14