[fifixx]

I am going to this - are any other TAS members going?

[wytsend]

If it is as good as theoneat Launceston.... then you are for a good evening !!!

I raised the issue of ear tagging, torn ears etc .... the Defra guy was very interested and actually said they had not appreciated the extent of the problem.   SO RAISE IT AGAIN TONIGHT & we might get some improvement.

[fifixx]

Good meeting - we had the eartagging discussion too!

I liked the vet's presentation and learned a lot - I am always banging on about biosecurity and annoy visitors with footdips - and he was for it too.

[colliewoman]

Oh arse!
I was going to this, but got waylaid with a sick bunny and missed it

[Penninehillbilly]

Any chance of a quick run-down on the content, they are unfortunately to far away for me to get to.

[fifixx]

I put the disbudding info here http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=21209.msg202346#msg202346

will try and do a list of what was discussed later on this evening

[Penninehillbilly]

I read that, like the idea about the hosepipe, guess what will be in fashion for billyboys next autumn

[fifixx]

What i remember, hoping others will add what i haven't put it!

1.  Eartags - long discussion as to how eartags can be harmful (tears etc) and what to do.  A few people said they don't tag, just keep a note of animal and tags in an envelope.  Defra pointed out it is illegal not to tag.  The nice lady who talked about kidding and whose name I can't remember said that we should take a pic and send it to someone (help me here someone!) so that it can be noted. 

2. Worms - 3 types of wormers available to all  - if one doesn't do the job, you need to go to another "family".  Worming should not be done routinely but as necessary, using vet's or online fecal egg counts - either single ones or group ones (pick up about 10 diff samples and then mix up).  there is another one on the market but is used sparingly as vets do not want it to become another one worms are resistant to.
Goats suffer more from worms than sheep who can tolerate them once fully grown.  Goats can go downhill fast - milk and meat if wormy.  Land can stay wormy over the winter as the eggs are resistant to the cold.  So important to rotate pasture.
Worming dose - go with the dose for the heaviest animal - don't average as then the heavier ones won't get the right dose.  goats are heavier than you think - 60/70kg often.  They can look thin as they lay the fat down on their chest - not across the rump as sheep do

Schmallenberg virus.  This is a new midge-borne disease which has crossed into eastern counties from the continent.  Causes birth defects in lambs, kids and calves.  No signs in the mother.  Tell vet if any abnormal births, not notifiable but vets should be told.  Not in South west yet.

Nasty diseases - Cheesy gland -  Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) nasty abcesses, very contagious.http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/vetsurveillance/profiles/documents/sp-cla.pdf

CEA - can be tested for and worth it http://www.sac.ac.uk/consulting/services/i-r/sghs/diseases/caedisease/ - my vet sent me to this website and I think it is for the test - haven't had time to read it yet!

Johnes disease - nasty and they die -http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/vetsurveillance/profiles/documents/sp-johnes.pdf

Clostridium bacterial disease - the only medicine licensed is lambivac and should be done regularly, say 2/3 times a year.

Please, anyone else who has gone to these meetings - please add the stuff i have forgotten or was discussed at your meeting

[Penninehillbilly]

Sounds a really useful meeting. My nearest would be Sheffield, but I've no motor just now & OH is too busy.
Must see what this Schmallenberg virus is about