May 2025
Animal Health and Welfare Pathway
Now is a good time for sheep farmers to apply for the Animal Health and Welfare Review funding.
It is always a good idea to have a parasite control plan in place regardless of farm size particularly as we see high levels of resistance to the commonly available wormer products. The AHWP funding contributes £436 towards a vet visit and a wormer resistance check test on at least 10 lambs. We can use this to guide treatment and come up with an effective worming regime for your individual farm.
The visit will include a discussion on any health and welfare concerns you may have with your flock, such as:
lamb mortality
ewe abortion
barren ewe screening
lameness
mastitis
worm control
We can also discuss flock biosecurity to reduce risk of disease and the use of medicines in the flock. To apply for the funding, you require: at least 21 sheep which need to be seen during the visit an SBI number a CPH number The application process is relatively straightforward through your RPA log in. The review must be completed within six months of application which is why now is an ideal time for sheep farmers to apply as the faecal test must be completed on lambs as part of the review. Once you have had a vet visit and we have received the results of testing, we will provide you with a report and summary to allow you to claim your funding, so please ensure that you book the visit in plenty of time to allow us to complete this paperwork. We can also provide a VAN number, for those of you who are not farm assured, as part of this process.
You can now apply for more than one species so if you have a mixed enterprise and recently had a cattle review for your youngstock BVD check test in the autumn/winter, you will be able to apply for the sheep funding this year.
Congratulations
Terise has now gone on maternity leave, we would like to wish her congratulations and good luck with the new addition to her beautiful family.
Mel has passed her ATT with flying colours and has been busy on farm TB testing solo. We are pleased to have another ATT qualified to relieved the pressure off the vets and Lydia.
Nematodirus in lambs
Nematodirus battus is a serious parasitic worm that can cause sudden and severe disease in young lambs, typically between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Nematodirus has a different lifecycle to other sheep worms—it’s caused by a mass hatch of infective larvae from pasture, usually triggered by a colder spell followed by warmer weather. Clinical signs seen in lambs include loss of condition, scour and sudden death.
Forecasting:
Nematodirus forecasting can be used to look at risk levels for lambs based on temperatures in the UK. We are currently in a moderate risk area so should remain vigilant for signs of Nematodirus infection.
https://www.scops.org.uk/forecasts/ nematodirus-forecast/
Any concerns regarding Nematodirus please get in touch to speak to one of the vets.