Penbode Farm Vets

06/11/2026

We are delighted that we will be joined by Derek, Derek and Linda on the 20th of November for our screening of Derek Vs Derek.

To book your free place, please email [email protected] or call your local branch. Tickets are limited.

05/11/2026

Penbode Farm Vets – Nov 2026 Newsletter

Our Nov 2026 edition is filled with valuable articles, updates, and upcoming events.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Join the team
Meet Farm Vet Sam
Holsworthy Market
Unlock Superior Herd Health With Penbode Dairy Service Plans
All Things Livers – Evening Talk
Festive Sheep Meeting
Mastering Meds Course
Derek vs Derek
Don’t miss out on all the news and helpful resources.

Click to download the full newsletter.
https://www.penbodevets.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/11/Nov-2026-Penbode-Farm-Vets-Newsletter.pdf

05/11/2026

Today our vet Emily and equine vet tech Abby attended the Bideford College careers fair.

It's great to be able to share what we do, answer any questions and discuss the different careers and opportunities within the industry.

Thank you to everyone who came and had a chat. It was a pleasure meeting you all and who knows, maybe we met some of our future team members today 🩺🐄🐴🐕

04/11/2026

We have already diagnosed multiple outbreaks of pasteurellosis in lambs this autumn, but the typical peak period is yet to come.

Pasteurellosis is a disease in sheep caused by bacteria that are normally found in the airways of healthy sheep. In periods of stress these bacteria can multiply rapidly and can cause pneumonia or septicaemia.

What to keep an eye out for?

🐑Severe depression
🐑Increased breathing rate and effort
🐑Froth around the mouth
🐑Sudden death

How can I prevent it?

🐑Vaccination.

- Either as part of a multivalent clostridial vaccine (e.g. Heptavac P) or as a stand-alone pasteurella vaccine (e.g. Ovipast).
- If there is a period of significant stress the vaccine may not be completely protective.

🐑Minimise stress

- Avoid overcrowding
- Avoid mixing age groups

🐑Parasite control

- High worm burdens place stress on the immune system and can predispose them to pasteurellosis.
- Faecal egg counts on a regular basis and particularly if the lambs are looking poor or have dirty back ends and then worming if necessary.

🐑Biosecurity

- Quarantine new animals
- Isolation of any animals with clinical signs of pasteurellosis.
- Double fencing of perimeters to prevent contact with other flocks

04/11/2026

🧑‍🌾 FREE “Hope in Farming” training coming to UK farming communities this month 🧑‍🌾

Did you know farming and agriculture have the second-highest su***de rates of all UK sectors?

HelloHope is determined to help.

With a huge thanks to grant funding from The Fortus Foundation, we’re running a free online session on Thursday 26th November at 12pm.

We pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, honest - without being too heavy, practical talks and training filled with useful advice to feel empowered and equipped to support those who may be struggling.

Bring your lunch and tune in to discover:

👩‍🌾 how to spot the signs a farmer may be struggling
🌽 how to safely and confidently intervene
🚜 where to guide someone in the farming community for relevant support
❓ a live Q&A to ask me anything

Do you know a farmer, friend or family member or professional who supports farmers? Please help us spread the word 🙏

Book your tickets via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hellohope/2488116

03/11/2026

In both farms, adult dairy cattle had clinical signs consistent with acute disease. These signs included diarrhoea, pyrexia, marked reduction in milk yield, reduced rumination and depression.

This finding is not surprising considering it has been identified in animals in several European countries during 2026 including more recently in cattle in Jersey and the Republic of Ireland.

Further details and information are available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shamonda-virus-infection-in-animals/shamonda-virus-shav-disease-information-note-shav-in-animals

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shamonda-virus-infection-in-animals/shamonda-virus-shav-disease-information-note-shav-in-animals

Thank you to APHA for this content.

31/10/2026

We are really looking forward to our Derek Vs Derek screening, we only have 30% of tickets left.

We are delighted that Derek, Derek and Linda will be joining us for the screening 🎥

To book your place email Jay or call your local branch.

Following the roaring success of our clients and their film, Derek Vs Derek, we are delighted to be sharing a screening of their film with you 🎬📽️

🗓️ Friday 20th November
🕚 Doors open 6:30pm for a 7:15pm start
📍 Bridgerule Village Hall

Admission to this event is free to Penbode Farm clients, however booking in advance is essential.

We will be selling refreshments on the night, including hot dogs, popcorn and sweets – all proceeds from these will be donated to the film’s chosen charity – The Farming Community Network.

To book your tickets, please call your local branch or email [email protected]

*Please note this film has an age rating of 15.

Derek vs Derek
The Farming Community Network

30/10/2026

Unpredictable weather, fluctuating fertiliser prices and pressure on forage production means your soil productivity and the nutrients you’re applying matter more than ever. But do you know what's really in your slurry, or whether your soils are making the most of it?

Join AHDB at one of their dairy soils events to discover how slurry and soil testing can help you make informed nutrient decisions, reduce reliance on bought-in fertiliser and build healthier, more resilient soils.

To book your place, follow the link below:

https://ahdb.org.uk/events/devon-greatsoils-unlocking-slurry-nutrients-for-healthier-soils

30/10/2026

Last week we held another successful First Aid for Feet Course.

The course is a mix of both practical and theory, it covers how to identify and deal with common on farm foot problems.

Thank you to Dave Rowe for teaching the course.

If you'd like to be added to the waiting list for our next first aid for feet course or if you have a course/meeting you'd like us to organise, please email [email protected]

30/10/2026

It was our pleasure to sponsor the Best Cow in Milk class at the Kivells Annual Dairy Event at Holsworthy Market on Wednesday.

Congratulations to Mr JD Courtney who took 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Best Cow in Milk Class.

Congratulations to our clients, The John's family who placed 3rd in the Best Heifer in Milk Class.