Sheep

Watch Your Hedges and Ditches: The Hidden Danger of Hemlock

A reminder to vets and livestock keepers to be vigilant for the signs of hemlock poisoning.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
19/09/2025

Safeguarding Flocks from EAE: Why Vigilance and Accreditation Matter

A reminder of the risks of EAE and how to prevent introducing it to your flock.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
19/09/2025

Increased Risk of Perennial Ryegrass Staggers this Autumn

There is an increased risk of perennial rygrass staggers this Aurumn as a result of fungal growth.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
17/09/2025

Schmallenberg update for SW Scotland

2023 saw evidence of significant spread of Schmallenberg through large areas of England and Wales with resultant impact on flock and herd fertility and the birth of deformed lambs and calves. Scotland remained largely unaffected with very limited evidence of exposure through antibody testing or clinical disease seen. …

SRUC Veterinary Services
09/01/2025

Cases of interest

As 2024 draws to a close it is not long now before we pass the shortest day and move into 2025, and we wish you all some time off to enjoy at least part of the festive season. Please note that the laboratory in Edinburgh is closed on the 25th & 26th December and the 1st & 2nd of January.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
17/12/2024

Ruminal acidosis

At this time of year, it is not uncommon to see cases of ruminal acidosis, this is often due to dietary changes associated with reduced grazing or housing.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
22/11/2024

Parasite disease update November 2024 – South West Scotland

It is always interesting and challenging to predict the seasonal variations in parasite disease risk. This year is no exception and the often used phase ‘test and don’t guess’ is particularly relevant.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
21/11/2024

Revolutionizing Health Risk Management for Beef and Sheep Farmers: A New Web-App for Vets

HerdPlan, funded by the Scottish Government and developed by SRUC’s Veterinary Services team, enables UK vets and farmers to work together to create proactive health plans to improve productivity and increase income on farm.  …

SRUC Veterinary Services
08/10/2024

Quarantine: why and how long?

With sheep sales underway and many more on the horizon, now is an ideal time to review your quarantine procedures to avoid bringing in more than you bargained for. Buying in any stock can pose a significant health risk to your flock. If done well, quarantine can remove or reduce the risk posed by incoming animals.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
13/09/2024

A shortage of EAE vaccine: what sheep farmers need to know

Sheep farmers are likely already aware of the issues with the availability of the Enzootic Abortion (EAE) vaccine prior to this tupping season. This shortage could lead to difficulties for some flocks next lambing season. The impact of this vaccine shortage will vary depending on individual flock circumstances.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
12/09/2024

Sustainable Farming Initiative - Roundworms

As part of the second year of Scottish Government’s ‘Preparing for Sustainable Farming’ initiative, farmers can claim £250 for undertaking up to two animal health interventions in 2024. Two important interventions which will receive funding (and could be claimed for separately on mixed units) are the control of roundworms in sheep and cattle.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
22/08/2024

Haemonchus diagnosed in multiple submissions this week

We have had several submissions of lambs this week. In four of the five submissions, there have been significant numbers of Haemonchus worms visible in the abomasal washes, associated with worm egg counts of 13,650-64,800 strongyle eggs.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
16/08/2024