Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th July 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Udder research offers new insights
ewe
A leading cause of udder lumps was found to be acute mastitis.
Findings indicate risk factors for acute mastitis

A ewe mastitis research project has offered fresh insights into the risk factors for udder lumps and acute mastitis.

The findings could help to inform culling decisions and improve awareness of the conditions that cause udder lumps.

Researchers from the University of Warwick scored nearly 5,000 pedigree and commercial ewes over two breeding seasons.

In two consecutive years, the ewes were scored four weeks before lambing and nine weeks after giving birth.

Acute mastitis was found to be more common in ewes with poor udder conformation, teat lesions, inadequate nutrition during pregnancy and those feeding twins or triplets.

Older ewes were also more likely to have acute mastitis.

Ewes with the condition were also found to be "significantly more likely" to have an udder lump in the next examination.

Leading causes of udder lumps were found to be acute mastitis, teat lesions, infection by another ewe and feeding insufficient energy during lactation.

Furthermore, researchers found flocks with a higher percentage of ewes with lumps during pregnancy had a higher number of ewes with lumps in lactation. Senior livestock scientist Liz Genever said this suggests the infection is passed within the flock.

Udder lumps are formed by bacteria and can rupture and disperse, reforming as another abscess elsewhere in the udder.

A link was found between udder conformations (big/extremely positioned teats and droopy udders) and an increase in teat lesions, udder lumps, acute mastitis and slower growing lambs.

The final report from the project is expected to be released later this year.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.