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SRUC seeking dairy farmers for M. bovis study
M. bovis is unique in that it has no cell wall, and so common antibiotics such as penicillin don't work against it.

Findings will help in developing schemes to limit spread

Scientists from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are urging dairy farmers across the country to participate in a new study, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the spread of Mycoplasma bovis in cattle.

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) can cause several diseases in cows, including bovine respiratory disease (BRD); pneumonia; middle ear disease, resulting in a head tilt; mastitis and arthritis.

In an effort to gather more knowledge on the distribution of M. bovis in Scotland, as well an understanding of how it spreads within and between farms, the SRUC Veterinary Services team is seeking Scottish dairy farms to take part in a new year-long study.

According to SRUC, the study will consist of bulk tank milk sampling and a short questionnaire on general herd management. Farms taking part in the study will receive their own results throughout the year from their registered veterinary practice.

Project lead Jessica Ireland-Hughes, from SRUC Veterinary Services, said: “This project will be of huge benefit to the industry as we currently don’t know how many farms have ongoing M. bovis-associated disease and which farms are more or less at risk.

“There is currently no national control scheme in place for this disease, and the results of this project will help develop more structured control plans to limit spread between and within herds, help manage the welfare and economic effects and reduce the reliance on antimicrobials.”

The Scottish Dairy Hub will be sending a flyer containing more information to all Scottish dairy farmers in the next week. Those wishing to participate can also email mycoplasmabovis@sruc.ac.uk.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.