August 2024
Sheep abortion Vaccine
Unfortunately, there have been batch failures on both live enzootic abortion vaccines this year. There is the possibility of some becoming available in September, but it cannot be guaranteed. A killed vaccine is available, but requires a two dose primary course pre-tupping, with the first dose given 5 weeks before tupping, and annual boosters and it is not licensed to be used at the same time as other vaccines. However, if the live vaccine returns next year it would likely be preferrable to use this instead of the booster, due to it’s longer period of cover. If you are interested in the killed vaccine, please discuss with one of our vets to ensure correct implementation into your flock health plan. There are no issues with the supply of the Toxoplasma vaccination currently. We would advise you order this at least two weeks in advance, as it is made to order. Be aware it only has a short shelf life once arrived.
Don’t forget that we TB test
With Lydia’s recent qualification as an ATT we have now signed up to provide government funded compulsory TB testing for our clients, aswell as our current private TB testing service. If you would like us to complete your TB testing work, you will need to opt in by following the simple steps below: 1. Call UK Farmcare on 0800 6125289 and say you would like Marches Farm Vets to do your whole herd tests. 2. Farmcare will send you a form to fill out which you send back confirming you would like us to do your whole herd test. Your reason for changing is that we are your clinical vets. 3. We then confirm from Farmcare and will contact you once this process is completed to confirm a test date. Please note that you will need to have changed preferences at least 3 weeks before the end date to move across to us as it takes some time to get confirmation from Farmcare.
Quarantine and Abortion in Sheep
We will be holding a webinar on Thursday the 29th of August at 7pm to discuss flock quarantine policies and infectious abortion in sheep. The meeting will cover disease risks to consider, quarantine treatments and policies. We will also discuss infectious causes of sheep abortion, how to reduce the risk to your flock and when to investigate. The webinar is free to attend. This meeting will be supported by both Elanco and MSD Use our website, under the Meetings and Education tab, to book your place and we will email you the link for the meeting.
Ram MOT
Now is the time for your rams to have their MOT pre-tupping. Rams play a significant role in ensuring you meet your target lambing percentages, but are often forgotten until they are needed in the autumn. Inspecting your tups now allows you to find and treat any problems early, and arrange for replacements to be purchased where required. Sperm production takes around 6 weeks, so early action is required to ensure sperm production can recover before tupping. TEETH: any issues could affect his ability to maintain condition throughout tupping. TOES: lameness does not only affect his ability to keep up with and serve the ewes, but it will also affect his semen quality. TESTICLES: he should have two, evenly sized, freely mobile testicles. They should feel like ripe tomatoes and free of lumps or swellings. TONE: his body condition score should be 3 or 4/ out of 5. TREAT: this is a good time to consider a clostridial vaccine booster or footrot vaccination. Worming/fluke treatments should be based only upon results of faecal testing or advice from the vet. 20-30% of tups are subfertile, meaning they cannot get your ewes in lamb fast enough, resulting in an extended lambing period and/or higher number of barren ewes. Should you have any concerns about your rams, please ask one of our vets to perform a pre-breeding soundness exam where we can perform a ram MOT and an assessment of his sperm quality.