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Study to further understanding of Scottish camelid sector
Keepers of llamas and alpacas in Scotland are being asked to share their views of the sector in a short survey.
Llamas and alpacas are becoming increasingly popular in the country. 

Researchers have launched a new initiative to further understanding of the camelid sector in Scotland.

Led by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), the project comes in response to the growing popularity of llamas and alpacas, with many being bred in the country for specialist treks and other experiences. 

The project, funded by the Scottish Government as part of its Strategic Research Programme, will investigate how keepers in Scotland record information about their animals, including those they buy and sell. 

It also aims to gauge what matters to those who care for camelids, so their perspectives may be taken into account when making policy choices. As part of this, keepers of llamas and alpacas in Scotland are being asked to share their views of the sector in a short survey. 

SRUC veterinary epidemiologist Madeleine Henry said: “The camelid sector is growing in Scotland, but the current extent and the needs of our camelid population are less visible than those of other species kept on farms, crofts, paddocks and smallholdings.

“We are asking camelid keepers to tell us more about their animals, to allow better assessment of potential methods of future support for the sector in Scotland.”

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.