Veterinary Services

• 46 outbreaks of coccidiosis in cattle confirmed
• 15 cases of bovine neonatal pancytopaenia confirmed
• More outbreaks of nematodirosis in lambs compared to 2009
• Meningitis in pigs due to Streptococcus suis serotype 2

Disease alerts

The following conditions featured in the SAC C VS report for September 2009. Given similar climatic and management conditions, they could also be important this year.
• Salmonellosis in cattle causing milk drop, abortion and calf pneumonia
• IBR affecting pregnant suckler cows and causing milk drop and nasal discharges in dairy cows
• Nematodirosis, haemonchosis, lungworm infections and chronic fasciolosis in sheep
• Deficiencies of copper, cobalt and selenium in growing lambs
• Spironucleosis and erysipelas in pheasants

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Continuing high pressure over the British Isles brought fine, dry weather during much of June. Mean temperatures ranged from one degree Celsius above the thirty year average in the Northern Isles, to two degrees Celsius in western Scotland. Rainfall was below average in all areas with less than half of normal in many parts.

The Scottish Government launched a consultation on a scheme to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) in cattle. The scheme proposed has two stages with an initial voluntary phase, followed by a second, compulsory stage.

The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health in Brussels agreed to change the official Bluetongue status of Scotland, England and Wales from BTV8 Protection Zone to BTV8 Lower Risk Zone. This change of status has implications for both importers and exporters of livestock.