Vet Times articles

Sam Bowker summarises the discussions and outcomes of the Break the Pain conference and round-table talk.

Bridget Girvan recounts the information and ideas shared at this inaugural gathering of vets and academics.

Al Manning explains why analysing the data is key to improving performance.

Room for improvement exists when it comes to practising cleanliness around collecting and feeding colostrum, so vets must engage with clients about keeping equipment for feeding calves clean and establishing an effective standard operating procedure on farm.

Preventive hoof trimming is fairly standard in the UK’s dairy herds today, but research into how and when it should be done – while expanding all the time – is not as plentiful as it could be. Previewing her session at congress, when results of a new study she has been involved in will be presented, the author runs the rule over previous and current thinking.

David Charles discusses the considerations for farm vets facing emergency call outs for this condition.

While it remains a common and costly disease, many farmers are still reluctant to seek help with respiratory disease issues in their herds.

Anna Bruguera reviews the various clinical presentations of BVD and highlights the importance of applying control measures for improving animal health, welfare and herd productivity.

Diseases such as maedi visna, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma and ovine Johne’s disease vary in UK prevalence, but all have huge economic impact and health implications. David Charles focuses on the big “iceberg” diseases in sheep, including screening and testing.

Owen Atkinson explores how data can be used by vets for reviewing and forecasting on dairy farms.

Anna Bruguera-Sala considers national steps taken to tackle this disease, as well as how vets can educate farmers.