Sheep

Farmers urged to beware when buying animals in, especially from Europe, as there is increasing concern about the spread of BTV-3 and its proximity to the UK.

The National Sheep Association has emphasized the need for all four UK nations to adopt a consistent approach to sheep health following recommendations made in the Scottish Government’s recent Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) report.

Sheep farmers are being urged to stay vigilant for worm and fluke risks in their flocks this autumn following reports of high worm egg counts nationwide.

The National Sheep Association has welcomed news that stock levels of EAE vaccines are returning to normal.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is inviting farmers to join a free webinar next month discussing the reason behind ongoing vaccine shortages in the industry, the implications for animal health and what to do if supplies become unavailable.

At a busy time of year for sheep to move between holdings, the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is encouraging producers to think about sheep health as an extremely precious asset worthy of multi-pronged protection.

Following the arrival of new vaccine stocks, sheep farmers tupping late in October are being encouraged to vaccinate their flocks against EAE (enzootic abortion of ewes) to protect the health and welfare of their ewes and prevent abortions during lambing.

As we move into autumn, a tight domestic supply of finished lambs, along with rising export demand and reduced imports from abroad have been supporting lamb prices in Scotland, the latest market report from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has revealed.

Led by the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG), the #HealthyFeetHappySheep campaign launched last week (7th September) aims to educate vets and farmers on all aspects of sheep foot health and signpost the industry to the latest resources.

Those who attended the National Sheep Association (NSA) Northern Region event last Friday had their eyes opened to the opportunities and potential pitfalls of ways to diversify sheep farming enterprises.

Sheep dipping contractors, farmers and prescribers are being urged to make themselves aware of the latest updates to the Mobile Sheep Dipping Code of Practice, which aim to ensure the ongoing effectiveness and safe use of organophosphate (OP) dips in the UK.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is urging sheep farmers to consider disease risk when buying in replacement stock and take the necessary precautions to prevent their flock from becoming infected.