Farmers Guardian podcast - Mel McPherson: "The worry is we may not have seen the worst of Schmallenberg in cattle yet"

In this week’s Farmers Guardian podcast, head of livestock, Katie Jones, talks to Wiltshire vet, Mel McPherson about the threat posed by Schmallenberg and bluetongue this year

clock • 1 min read
Farmers Guardian podcast - Mel McPherson: "The worry is we may not have seen the worst of Schmallenberg in cattle yet"

Many early lambing flocks have already seen cases of Schmallenberg, but some experts are warning there could be an increase in cases in cattle as we move further into 2024.

And similarly with bluetongue there could potentially be a spike in cases if biting midge activity increases due to warmer weather.

Read also: Understanding Schmallenberg in the dairy herd

Mel McPherson, of Avon Farm Vets in Wiltshire, says that while the incidence of Schmallenberg has been sporadic so far, she has said the worst may still be to come for cattle.

With no vaccine currently available, Mel discusses the importance of testing and also how changes to management could help prevent cases.

Read also: Defra preparing for 'possible' increase in bluetongue cases during the Spring

And in terms of bluetongue, Mel says it is important that farmers are vigilant about looking out for cases, and adhering to stringent biosecurity measures.

K V 3 FURROW PLOUGH.

K V 3 FURROW PLOUGH.

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

AMAZONE DEMO CAYROS 5 furrow Vari width plough

AMAZONE DEMO CAYROS 5 furrow Vari width plough

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

FLEMING AR10 3M AERATOR

FLEMING AR10 3M AERATOR

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Podcasts

The Farmers Guardian Podcast - The Clarkson effect: Is it real and what has he really done for farming?

The Farmers Guardian Podcast - The Clarkson effect: Is it real and what has he really done for farming?

Some of the Farmers Guardian team discuss the latest season of Clarkson's Farm, whether the industry feel he is the right advocate for farming and if people are considering agricultural careers because of the show

clock 05 September 2025 • 1 min read
The Farmers Guardian Podcast - Water focus: Challenges and opportunities for farmers amid extreme weather conditions

The Farmers Guardian Podcast - Water focus: Challenges and opportunities for farmers amid extreme weather conditions

FG's news and business team discuss a report revealing the impact of the climate on farmers' mental health and more

Alex Black
clock 29 August 2025 • 1 min read
The Farmers Guardian Podcast: Why farmers might want to consider finishing pigs as a business diversification

The Farmers Guardian Podcast: Why farmers might want to consider finishing pigs as a business diversification

There is good reason to be positive about the future of the pig industry, say Heidi Dekker-Woljung and Mark Jagger of Pilgrim's Europe

clock 22 August 2025 • 1 min read