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Views sought on sheep health and nutrition
The survey seeks views in the common health and nutrition challenges faced by sheep farmers and producers.
Survey developed by the European sheep network, Eurosheep.
 
A survey is seeking views on the common nutrition and health challenges faced by sheep farmers and producers.

The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete and has been developed by the European sheep network, Eurosheep.

Once the challenges have been identified, the findings will be used to develop solutions and best practices in a bid to improve flock health and nutrition.

Eurosheep has partners in eight countries, including Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), and is funded by Horizon 2020, the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme.

The overall aim of EuroSheep is to exchange existing knowledge between stakeholders at all stages of the supply chain in EU and Turkish sheep production, focusing on flock health management and nutrition management.

It held its first project meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, at the end of January 2020, where the partners devised the work plan for the next three years.

Dr Claire Morgan-Davies, a livestock systems scientist at SRUC’s Hill & Mountain Research Centre, explains: “It is really important for EuroSheep to gather the views of the sheep industry at a European level.

“The first step of the project is to identify the main challenges farmers and producers face, and the needs they have, in terms of nutrition and health in their flocks. We can then address these and provide solutions to improve flock profitability.”

The survey can be accessed here

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.