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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th February 2013
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Lamb crop survey for livestock farmers
Industry bodies hope to uncover lambing health trends

An online survey has been launched to provide an ongoing weekly snapshot of lamb crop, and whether any health trends are emerging – particularly as a result of the schmallenberg virus (SBV).

Producers in England, Scotland and Wales are being urged to complete the survey as they finish lambing, to record key performance figures. They are asked to answer all questions to the best of their knowledge, even if they do not experience any problems.

The results will then be analysed to gauge the effects of last year's poor weather on lamb crop. It is expected that the weather will have caused a prevalence of disease this year, particularly SBV.

Launched by a group of industry bodies, the survey will enable specific projects to be tailored to help if health problems do emerge. A similar calf crop survey is set to launch in the coming weeks.

“Obviously Schmallenberg is something that everyone is worried about but it is currently difficult to get a true picture of how many flocks are affected and the prevalence in any particular flock,” the group said in a joint statement.
 
“However, there are plenty of other factors which could affect the lamb crop, such as the poor weather conditions and liver fluke. Without hard data, we cannot co-ordinate a response that helps farmers.
 
“This is not an in-depth scientific survey so will take less than 10 minutes to complete. However, the collective picture built from individuals’ responses will significantly help our understanding of the grassroots situation. We would urge all sheep farmers in the UK – and beef cattle farmers for the calf crop survey that is to follow – to do their bit for the industry and fill in their results.”

The industry bodies that have joined forces for the study are Eblex, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC)/ Meat Promotion Wales, National Beef Association (NBA), National Farmers Union (NFU), National Sheep Association (NSA), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA).

Click here to fill in the survey, or head to any of the seven industry bodies' websites. Individuals that would like feedback as the season progresses are asked to leave an email address. Farmers that lamb in batches may complete the survey after each batch.

The survey is set to stay open through to the end of May.

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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.