Herd Health Update

The bluetongue BTV3 outbreak is dominating the farming community currently. Cattle are known to be significant reservoirs of the virus, with prolonged periods of virus in their blood, often with mild clinical signs of disease, but contributing to spread to more vulnerable sheep populations. However, there have been several recent reports of cattle becoming very unwell and have died or been euthanised on welfare grounds. Fertility remains one of the biggest concerns, and barren cows and dummy calves are a feature of BTV3 infection during different stages of gestation. Scanning cows early to detect empty cows and bull fertility testing are highly advised this autumn. Vaccination remains the most important tool to protect against BTV3, and including breeding bulls in the programme is vital, as BTV3 infection can render bulls infertile; either temporarily or for more prolonged periods.

The ongoing heatwave has seen predictable decreases in milk production across the UK due to heat stress, and figures show that this has resulted in a temporary and fluctuating undersupply in the UK. Heat stress decreases feed intake, lying time and time ruminating, alongside poorer conception rates and oestrus expression. Future proofing for heat stress may become necessary in coming years, including providing extra shade, sprinkler, ventilation and misting systems, changing feeding times, increasing easy water access and grazing.