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Farmers urged to check cattle for summer mastitis
"It is essential stockpeople pay careful attention when checking cows" - Dr Basil Lowman.
SRUC expert issues warning amid rise in number of cases

Farmers are being urged to check their cattle following reports of large numbers of summer mastitis cases.

Senior beef expert Dr Basil Lowman at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) said: “In most parts of the country it has been an exceptional year for grass growth, but this unfortunately means it has also been an exceptional year for flies – the carriers of summer mastitis.

“Although everyone is flat out trying to bring in the harvest, it is essential stockpeople pay careful attention when checking cows.

He continued: “Animals away from the main group, hungry calves, and swollen teats and udders, are obvious signs of a problem which needs immediate investigation, as the earlier the problem is identified, the greater the chance of saving the area.”

Dr Lowman said the animals at most risk are dry cows. However, because infection levels are so high this year, they can become susceptible to mastitis within two to three months of calving.

“The most important thing to do is to graze susceptible animals in exposed fields away from trees and open water where flies breed,” he said.

He added that teat sealants, Stockholm tar, fly spray, insecticide ear tags or garlic can all be used to prevent flies settling on cattle.

Once summer mastitis occurs in cattle, the level of infection carried by flies rises significantly as they land on infected areas and fly to nearby cows.

“The best way to avoid this is to bring all infected cows indoors, which will be necessary in any case if they are to be treated,” said Dr Lowman.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.