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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th March 2021
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SRUC launches new Herd Health Planning app to connect farmers and vets
The new app stores data locally before uploading it to both BCMS and SAHPS systems when the device connects to Wi-Fi again.

Free app allows farmers to quickly record and share cattle data.

A new app created by the Veterinary Services team at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will allow British beef suckler farmers to share real-time cattle data with veterinary surgeons while in the field.

The Herd Health Planning app is free for Scottish farmers registered to the Animal Health Planning System (SAHPS) and available to others for a small subscription. It is also connected to the British Cattle Movement Service’s tracing system (BCMS).

All data is stored locally on the app while the farmer is out in the field and then sent to both BCMS and SAHPS systems as soon as Wi-Fi or mobile data becomes available.

The app also includes an e-medicine book which complies with farm assurances and other statutory requirements.

Now downloadable for Android and Apple devices, the Herd Health Planning app allows farmers to:

  • quickly communicate herd health to their veterinary surgeon
  • download all cattle currently on the holding through BCMS
  • record bulls in and out dates
  • record movements, births and deaths and upload them to BCMS
  • record disease incidents and production data
  • record animal treatments, creating the e-medicine book.

Health planning development manager Dr Foteini Manolaraki said: “We recognise that time is a precious commodity for today’s farmers. Rather than taking notes while out in the field or in the shed and then copying them into the computer, this new app allows them to share their cattle data with their vet while on the move.

This information is then shared multiple times via BCMS and SAHPS software, which could allow earlier vet intervention if necessary.”

For more information or to sign up to the app, visit www.sahps.co.uk

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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.