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Parasite forecast to help farmers avoid nematodirus
The interactive map provides a traffic light system of warning, alongside practical advice for assessing on-farm risk.
Tool helps vets and farmers assess regional and local risk

An online forecast to help sheep farmers respond to the annual threat of nematodirus has been published by the Sustainable Control of Parasites (SCOPS).

Developed by Bristol Veterinary School, the interactive map provides a traffic light system of warning, alongside practical advice for assessing on-farm risk.

"We could be in for a high-risk season if this late cold snap is followed by a rapid increase in temperature. Such conditions will cause the Nematodirus battus parasite to hatch in large numbers, posing a massive threat to lambs aged around four to six weeks,” said Dr Hannah Vinery senior research associate from the Bristol Veterinary School.

"Predicting when outbreaks might happen at a local level is becoming increasingly difficult, due to variation in spring temperatures from year to year. Farmers can no longer rely on a standard timetable of treatments to avoid disease, hence the important role of this easy-to-use forecast. Sheep farmers, vets and advisers can all use it to assess regional and local risk."

Updated daily using data from more than 40 weather stations across the UK, the forecast map tracks changes in risk throughout the spring and early summer. It also allows farmers and vets to select the nearest or most representative weather station, providing advice on treatment, management, and how to relate the predicted risk to their particular farm.

“We are delighted to offer the forecast again this year,” said Lesley Stubbing, independent sheep consultant. “Previous users have found it very useful, giving them greater confidence about when it is safe to move lambs or treat them to avoid the risk of nematodirus.”

She adds: “Survey data collected by SCOPS shows more than 90 per cent of users changed their approach to nematodirus control by using the forecast, and many reported a significant improvement in lamb health, lower losses and better lamb condition."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.