Veterinary Services

• Lungworm in housed suckler calves
• Copper poisoning in sheep
• Non-suppurative meningoencephalitis in ewes
• Fasciolosis in pigs

General Summary

During the month increased numbers of pneumonia cases were investigated in housed cattle and as the spring suckler calving season approached an increased number of abortion submissions were examined.

Abortion investigations were also common in low ground lambing flocks, and the scanning of hill ewes this month prompted an increase in submissions of ill thriven, barren ewes for investigation.

An increased number of wild birds, particularly swans were examined as a result of enhanced surveillance for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus.

Weather Summary

Cold and unsettled weather was common at the beginning and the end of the month with temperatures dipping as low as -12°C in Aviemore. In contrast the weather in the middle of the month was mild with a peak of 13°C recorded in Tain. The mean temperature for the month was 3.1°C, which is above average with rainfall only 72% of average.