July 2025
Hello and welcome to the July newsletter – what fantastic sunny weather we’ve had over the last couple of weeks. I hope you have all managed to take advantage for harvest.
We have talked almost non-stop about Bluetongue over the last month. The Welsh Government Policy announced in the middle of June, in effect now, is all about reducing the spread of disease. Midges themselves do not travel very far over land – the spread of bluetongue is done most efficiently by movement of infected stock. So maintaining Wales as disease free, outside the restriction zone, will reduce the chance of spread to Wales.
However, this decision will have a profoundly negative effect on our clients who purchase stock from England, which is now totally a Restricted Zone (RZ). Cattle can be moved from England to Wales if they have completed a primary vaccine course of Bultavo-3 (as this prevents them multiplying the virus) at least 3 weeks previously, OR have been blood tested and received a negative result before moving. Other susceptible species, irrespective of their vaccine status, must have the test in order to move to Wales. The test requirements are fairly complicated and quite expensive, making it unviable for all but particular stock such as high value bulls and rams. Hopefully, similar changes will be introduced soon for sheep – I’m sure the vaccine companies are rushing to do their research.
Welsh Government are keen for us all to vaccinate – to get ahead of the disease, prevent disease and minimise suffering. Whether or not to vaccinate is a difficult decision and one that we are able to help you with. There is no definitive answer – but rather a weighing up of risks and benefits.
Next month, Russell and Sian are hosting a meeting at Pontyclun RFC on the topic of ‘Managing the breeding Bull’ – the relatively neglected 50% of the breeding team. Places are limited to 20 – see later in the newsletter.
Hope you enjoy the Royal Welsh if you’re going.
Mary
In order to save some trees (and postage cost) we are aiming to start sending out our monthly statements digitally. This will be a few months off, as we have a large amount of email addresses to gather. We would be really grateful if you could email in with your name and address and consent to receive communication by email, we will then be able to attach the receiving email address to your records.
When phoning the office the receptionists will also endeavor to ask if we have an up-to-date email where you are happy for us to send financial data. info@swfv.uk
If you would still like to continue to receive a paper copy of your statement that is not a problem, please let the office know.
As we hope to be sending the majority of monthly statements digitally we would love for our Newsletters to reach you by email too. Remember to sign up on our website so you receive them automatically each month (whether you have a statement arriving that month or not).
Rhian
Managing the breeding bull meeting
Attendees will work through why decisions around bull
selection and how the stock bull is managed is critical to the
performance and productivity of a herd. There will be advice
on how to choose the best bull for your herd, including an
introduction to using EBV’s. Best practice guidance on how
to source a replacement bull and quarantine advice will be
covered. There will be discussion on pre-breeding
assessment and fertility testing, as well as routine
treatments and nutrition. Reasons for infertility will also be
covered.
Places are free to book but limited to 20 people. Contact the Practice on 01443 223751 to book your place. When and where: 2pm - Thursday 28th August @ Pontyclun RFC, CF72 9DQ
Vale of Glamorgan Show
It’s that time of year again when the shows are coming round. Be aware that with vet holidays and the Royal Welsh Show this month, we have limited appointment slots available.
This year at the Vale of Glamorgan Show, as usual, we are sponsoring some classes and will be in attendance as livestock show vets. We will not have a stand at the show, with the money saved from this going to Velindre Cancer Charity. If you see any of the staff at the show, please come over and say hello!
Medicines Update
Leptavoid H vaccine has been discontinued and so is no longer available. We have a small amount in stock but expect this to be used rapidly, An alternative vaccine is available, however we expect there to be supply issues as the manufacturer scales up production to meet the increased demand.
If you are due to be vaccinating your cattle for leptospirosis anytime soon, please get your order in early to avoid issues. If you are concerned about this being a problem please phone the office to discuss.
Polite reminders
TB tests:
Please be aware that we have been unable to accommodate some farmers with their preferred TB test date as they have contacted us at short notice. The earlier you book your test, the easier it is to get you the dates you want. If you need extra work doing at a TB test, please inform us when you book to ensure we have the time and equipment needed. To save time (and money), you can provide us with a list of the full tag numbers of cattle at private pre-move and post-move tests so that we don’t have to write the whole thing down at the time
Medicines:
The drugs that are dispensed at the office are prescription only medicines, this means that a vet must authorise all treatments that you collect. Please phone in advance to order medication so that a vet can authorise the prescription before you arrive.
Out-of-hours the office is closed with no staff in attendance, to dispense medicines. There will a charge
applied if staff have to return to the office to dispense medicines, so check your cabinet before we close.
Please make note of our new email address info@swfv.uk
