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Focus on Footrot in Argyll and Aberdeenshire

SAC is running two free workshops for sheep farmers in Argyll and Aberdeenshire who are concerned about lameness in their flocks. According to SAC Geneticist Dr Joanne Conington, lameness sheep is not only a serious welfare issue, it is also estimated to lose the sheep industry £31 million a year in added costs and reduced productivity.

The most common cause of lameness is Footrot, a highly contagious disease affecting the shell of the hoof. It is spread via pasture, bedding and handling pens. Yet while over 90% of sheep farmers surveyed reported having seen Footrot in their flocks Dr Conington warns they could have been mistaken, because there are other important reasons why sheep are lame.

“It’s important to take action” she says “but you must know what your are treating. Other diseases like Shelly Hoof, Scald or Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD) can be just as serious as Footrot”.

The first event is on Tuesday 17th August at Tayinloan, Tarbert, courtesy of Gordon Hunter, Farm Manager, Ruttle Plant holdings Ltd. PA29 6XF.

The second event is on Wednesday 18th August at Glenkindie, Strathdon, hosted by A Smith & Son, Mill of Culfork, AB33 8SL.

Both events begin at 10.00 am and finish at 3.30 pm with lunch provided.

There will be demonstrations and hands on advice from Dr Conington and a number of SAC colleagues including Jo Gidlow, SAC Veterinary Investigation Officer.

Farmers wanting to book a place should phone the local SAC offices in Campbeltown (01586 552502) or Thainstone (01467 625385).

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