Neil Paton

Oral rehydration therapy is a useful approach to treating dehydration and hypovolaemia in young ruminants on farm and can be used by both keepers and vets as an early intervention. It has commonly been used as the first line therapy of diarrhoea. However, it may also be useful in many other conditions where the fluid balance in the animal is disturbed or at risk of becoming so. As it is a straightforward intervention that can be done early in a possible disease process, it can prevent the animal's condition from worsening. The use of the gut to deliver fluid to the animal allows the animal's own intestine and normal physiological mechanisms to self-regulate for key metabolites, thus it is a safe, cheap and effective intervention.

Introduction: Sheep scab caused by Psoroptes ovis , is a disease of concern to many stakeholders in Wales due to its welfare implications. There are good diagnostic tests and treatments available to deal with the disease. Even so, it remains a problem in Welsh flocks. As such a coordinated approach is required to deal with this issue in a more sustainable manner. Pilot design: Sheep scab positive ‘index’ farms were initially diagnosed using a skin scrape to identify P. ovis mites. Contiguous farms were identified and antibody responses used to confirm onward infestation. All infested farms were treated by either dipping with an organophosphate (OP) dip or injecting with a licensed macrocyclic lactone (ML) product depending on farmer choice. Results: Three positive ‘index’ farms were identified along with 12 contiguous properties. Positive serological responses were observed in seven of the 12 contiguous farms; four of which were treated by OP dip and three by an injectable ML product. Discussion: To avoid reinfestation of treated farms, dealing with disease on contiguous properties is crucial. Through the project coordinating team, three local outbreaks of scab were dealt with in a short space of time with appropriate diagnosis and treatment being carried out. Some farmers were uncooperative and strategies such as providing additional external support and veterinary involvement might alleviate these issues in the future. This coordinated approach is recommended to veterinary surgeons in the field when dealing with scab on farm.

Background: This research seeks to understand how the transition to a new generation of younger, more diverse farmers affects disease prevention efforts on UK farms. Methods: We apply multivariate regression analysis to analyse survey responses from 112 Welsh cattle farm operators. Results: Our results indicate that young farm operators (less than 40 years of age) receive less frequent visits from veterinarians. Further, farm operators who identify as female are less likely to screen and vaccinate against a range of diseases. Finally, both young farmers and female farm operators are less likely to achieve disease‐free certification for various economically meaningful livestock diseases. Conclusion: One possible explanation for these outcomes is that female farm operators and young farmers may feel excluded from long‐standing social networks in the farm animal health sector.

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