Most of the tupping is finished by now, so it is important to try and maintain healthy sheep and lambs throughout the pregnancy. As you are aware, Blue Tongue is in our area, so please take preventive action. In my opinion, one of the best ways is to dip all your sheep in the autumn this will considerably reduce midge transmission. The gold standard (pedigree flocks) is also to vaccinate. Only a single dose is needed for any breeding sheep, and it can be administered at any time.
Can I remind you all of the need to clostridia vaccinate ALL of your store lambs, preferably with a product offering pastuerella protection as well. Remember, two doses 4 weeks apart are required for full protection. They are too valuable to risk leaving unprotected.
There are ongoing supply issues for Clostridia vaccines across the country. Where they are available, our Pharmacy Team have been able to source alternatives. Please contact us, and we can advise the appropriate vaccine for your animals.
This autumn has been a nightmare for worm infestation, especially in younger sheep. Please bring in samples to check their worm status BEFORE they start losing condition or, worse, start dying. A pooled sample from each group of sheep is usually adequate. We aim to give you the results within 24 hours, and all of the testing is carried out in our on-site laboratory.
We recommend worming ALL sheep at housing, as there is no risk of reinfection once they are housed. Should you wish to discuss which wormer to use and what strategy to adopt, please ask a vet and get it included in your flock health plan, along with any resistance investigation that may be needed.
Trace element checks on pregnant ewes for early lambers are important, especially their copper status, to avoid swayback. If this is done pre-scanning, any treatment can be administered at the time of scanning.
Finally, can I remind ALL sheep keepers (of ANY sized flock, including smallholders) who take their sheep to an abattoir that they need an attestation certificate from us, even if you have the carcass back for your own consumption. If in doubt, please contact us BEFORE you take them, and we can explain what is needed. All abattoirs insist on it, and it is called a VAN number.
If you have any questions regarding anything in our Winter Sheep Management blood, please contact the surgery and speak to one of the Farm Vets.
This blog forms part of our Winter Farm Newsletter, written by Steve Glanvill.
Marketing Executive
