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Farmers urged to seek early intervention from vets
farmer and vet
Ninety per cent of production animal vets feel their clients are influenced by what they read online.
Majority of vets say they have clients who delay presenting animals

Farmers are being encouraged to work more closely with their vet, as it is revealed that a significant number of clients present their animals later than they should.

More than 85 per cent of production animal vets who took part in the BVA's recent Voice of the veterinary profession survey said they have clients who delay presenting their animals.

The majority of these vets suspected the delay was prompted by lack of understanding, financial reasons or producers' attempts to treat or medicate the animals themselves.

Attempts to diagnose and treat using online advice was also reported as a problem, with 90 per cent of production animal vets feeling client behaviour was influenced by what they read online. Furthermore, 40 per cent believed the information to be unhelpful.

BVA president elect John Blackwell said: "It worries me to hear that people are relying on guesswork or unverified internet sources for health advice for their animals. While there is some useful information available online the best source of information for animal health concerns will always be your vet."

The most common reasons for vets to be called out to farms are musculoskeletal conditions, infertility and mastitis, according to the survey.

Mr Blackwell is urging farmers to seek early intervention. "I’d strongly encourage farmers to work on prevention rather than cure by engaging with their vet early and developing thorough dynamic heard health planning…

"It would be great to see more monitoring, measuring and adapting to improve welfare.”

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com