Animal Health and Welfare

Following the rapid increase in cases of avian influenza and with a mandatory housing order now in place, ensuring the highest hygiene levels across poultry units is paramount.

Inevitably, downer cow syndrome is an issue many dairy farmers will have to deal with at one time or another. Vet Dr Charlie Mays discusses best practice for managing downer cows and how the correct use of hip hoists can be life-saving.

Animal welfare and public health concerns have been raised in Northern Ireland (NI), as post-Brexit rules are set to leave the country facing the loss of around half of its veterinary medicines.

As Professor Christianne Glossop stands down from her role as Wales Chief Veterinary Officer following a 17-year tenure, she spoke to Hannah Binns about the challenges she had faced.

Look out for acorns on grazing pastures this autumn, as the effects of acorn poisoning can be detrimental to livestock.

Good hygiene and colostrum management are the corner stones of controlling cryptosporidiosis infections in calves.

The decision by the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Professor Christine Middlemiss will see mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds in Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex come into effect from 00:01

The out-wintering of livestock on fodder crops has long been a wintering strategy used by beef and sheep enterprises. But as winter housing costs are looming and silage rations are being opened, fodder crops may also be an option for dairy systems.

When abortions occur, it is important to understand what is causing them and how these problems can be avoided.

At an AHDB calf management meeting, vet Ali Haggarty discussed the importance of rumen development in achieving a successful weaning process. Katie Fallon reports.