Veterinary Services

• Fewer cases of neonatal septicaemia in suckled calves, probably due to fine dry weather
• Three calves die in an outbreak of focal symmetrical encephalomalacia caused by the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens type D
• Two outbreaks of Border Disease infection associated with the incursion of stray sheep
• Ten outbreaks of arthritis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae infection recorded
• Four outbreaks of swine dysentery confirmed in pig units not previously known to have the disease
• Duck viral enteritis suspected in Angus

General Introduction

In common with the rest of the UK, April was exceptionally warm, sunny and dry in Scotland. Records were approached or broken by all three measures. This made for ideal weather conditions for calving and lambing. However there were difficulties associated with oversized lambs and vaginal prolapse pre-partum. Low prices for finished hoggetts raised concerns about a poor trade for store lambs later in the year. The SAC has advised farmers to finish as many lambs as possible off grass rather than risk the vagaries of the market next January to April.

The SAC launched Scotland’s first environmental focus farm at the Mains of Balgavies, Angus. The SAC-led initiative focuses on practical solutions for tackling diffuse pollution in rivers. Farm livestock can contribute to this pollution.