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Blowfly risk rises to 'medium' in southern England
"Strike risk typically changes very slowly at the start of the season".

Warmer weather triggers NADIS alert system.

The risk of blowfly strike has risen to 'medium' in parts of southern England, according to the NADIS and Elanco Blowfly Alert System.

The Blowfly Alert System predicts the emergence of blowflies based on Met Office Data to help vets and farmers predict the risk of clinical ceases and help treatment timings.

The alert states: “As a result of recent warmer weather the blowfly strike risk has now started to rise in southern England. Even in areas where the strike risk is still low, occasional strikes may occur, so care is needed.

“Strike risk typically changes very slowly at the start of the season, but lowland ewes with dirty back ends can be particularly susceptible before shearing at this time of year.”

Blowfly strike causes serious discomfort to sheep and is estimated to affect around 80 per cent of farms in the UK. It can have a serious impact on welfare and productivity, costing the industry some £2.2 million every year.

Farmers are advised to check their flock 'at least once a day' and to look out for the signs of blowfly infection, which include irritation, nibbling at the tail and increased tail swishing.

The advice also calls on farmers to discuss preventative treatments with their vet or SQP, based in the age of their lambs during the risk period and anticipated slaughter dates.

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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.