September 2024
Bluetongue Update
Bluetongue is a viral infection that affects cattle, sheep, deer, goats, alpacas and llamas. It causes reduced productivity, painful clinical signs and even death, but does not infect humans. The virus is spread by biting midges, it cannot spread directly between animals and had entered the UK only twice prior to this year’s outbreak. The infection has been circulating in continental Europe for a number of years, and models predicted it could spread again to the UK this year, via midges blown over the English Channel. The peak of infection was predicted to occur in September, but it is important to remain vigilant, as there is concern that the virus could infect UK midges, causing local spread, or stock movements could lead to national spread of infection. Recent confirmed cases in Norfolk and Suffolk has resulted in restricted animal movements out of these counties, and also Essex, due to modelling indicating this county could also be at risk of infection. There is some evidence of local spread in these areas, therefore preventing infected animals from moving to ‘clean’ areas is paramount to reduce the risk of spread in the UK. Sheep are more likely to be severely affected with Bluetongue than cattle and, due to surveillance testing, it has been found that only a third of infected farms see clinical signs. Clinical signs include: - Fever - Milk drop (dairy cattle) - Dullness and tucked up appearance - Lameness and redness around coronary bands - Breathing difficulties - Reduced fertility and abortions - Lesions on muzzle and in mouth - Blood in corners of lips (sheep) - Reddened nose/muzzle A swollen head can be quite subtle and a swollen, blue tongue is rarely seen. There does not appear to be any benefit using insecticide products to reduce risk of infection, as only one infected midge needs to bite to cause disease. Housing can decrease the risk of infection, while shearing increases the risk. Three vaccines have been licensed for use in the UK, due to the current outbreak, but these will likely only be available in the high-risk counties initially due to restricted stock levels. These vaccines do not provide immunity, but instead reduce the severity of clinical signs. If you suspect your animals have Bluetongue, call DEFRA on 03000 200 301. We can also attend to administer pain relief to affected animals, as infection can only be passed via biting midges or shared needles.
Vet absence
Rich is having knee surgery the beginning of October. He is hoping to be back in November, all being well. We are all wishing him a speedy recovery.
Congratulations Lydia!
Lydia has finished her Vet Tech course at Harper Adams, she is now fully qualified. She graduated this month and we couldn't be more proud of her and her brilliant achievement. Well done Lydia!
Our Newest Member Of The Team
We are pleased to introduce Bella as the newest addition to Marches Farm Vets, she will be starting with us in October and we are excited to welcome her to the team.
Hello everyone! My name is Bella and I graduated from Liverpool University in 2024 and I am starting my vet career at Marches Farm Vets. I grew up in a tiny village in South Yorkshire where our garden backs up onto sheep fields. At age 11 I started working on the farm feeding the cade lambs and I’ve never looked back! Each year I took on more responsibilities, aged 14 I went with the farmer to the vets to take a sheep for a caesarean and that was it. I was going to be a farm animal vet. 9 years later here I am very excited to join Marches Farm Vets. My main interest includes all things reproduction, sheep and post mortem investigation. Outside of work I enjoy baking, crafts and aerial hoop fitness. I look forward to meeting you all on farm soon.