Westpoint Farm Vets

24/06/2024

We love to see our clients perform well at shows - it was a particularly spectacular one for Smith Farms Clacton at St Osyth at the Suffolk show this year as they took supreme for the second year running, and topped it off with a reserve champion as well.

Below you'll find an article about some up and coming junior handlers :)

We would be really happy to share the good news if you happen to be out and about on the show circuit - just get in touch!

https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/24355924.twins-celebrate-third-birthday-competing-suffolk-show/

20/06/2024

Occupational hazards of being coastal vets... getting stuck on an island in the middle of your rounds. Unfortunately, there wasn't an ice-cream van in sight, so Ian just had to wait it out on the way back from an emergency lambing.

17/06/2024

We see far more alpacas than we do llamas, but we are always thrilled to see such a handsome and gentle giant like this fella.

We weren't attending to him for medical reasons, we just like a photo opportunity - seems he does too!

13/06/2024

If you ever wanted to see a textbook case of photosensitisation, this is it.

The white-haired areas are raised, and appear 'sunburned' - often this is associated with animals eating plants that affect the body's ability to cope with UV exposure. Luckily, Ian attended to this lovely girl today who had been grazing some hedgerows. These are going to be inspected to see what the likely culprit is, and she gets a little time out in the shade with supportive care.

10/06/2024

Our Chelmsford branch is looking for an additional administrator to help serve our growing client base. We would love to hear from motivated individuals with customer service or reception experience, and a knowledge of farming and agricultural industries.

If you are looking for a part time role in a friendly, busy farm practice, then please feel free to enquire - if this might suit someone you know, please share!

06/06/2024

Our Chelmsford branch is holding an unpacking course at the practice next week, which should prove a useful refresher for experienced breeders- or an introduction to those new to it. Ami will also cover neonatal cria care and field your breeding questions! Please give the practice a call if you wish to come along.

We are holding a camelid unpacking and cria care course on the 13th of June. Please see our flyer for further details.

RSVP asap to secure your spot and give us an idea of numbers.

05/06/2024

Ice, ice, baby - Abbie and Gemma, part of our South Eastern Tech Team have been busy freeze branding some lovely dairy heifers over the past few weeks.

Our tech team are always up for husbandry jobs that help you to be more efficient in the day-to-day workings of busy farms - feel free to give us a call for more details on their services.

31/05/2024

We are supporting a camelid welfare research project, funded by the Animal Welfare Foundation UK.

Led by Ami Sawran, the research team are looking for potential participants to help us understand if the head shape and facial fibre coverage in UK alpacas is changing.

We are looking for participants in specific areas in England currently. If you are interested in participating, please send Ami an email to the address on this flyer.

30/05/2024

An heroic rescue of this dairy cow who managed to catch her tail in a scraper. Maddie amputated her tail to prevent spread of infection, and to remove the injured tissue under epidural and with a good dose of pain relief.

She is doing famously now, if a little stumpy!

27/05/2024

We are constantly monitoring the BTV situation in Europe and any risks to the UK.

It is advisable to consider a contingency plan if your area happens to end up restricted due to cases. In the event of an outbreak, exports of live animals or germplasm could be affected- this may mean that those of you with high value bulls may consider proactive storage of semen.

We are on hand to discuss any concerns you may have.

25/05/2024

Keepers in the East of England may be aware of the upcoming (free) pre-movement testing scheme for bluetongue virus. This scheme is not yet live, but it pays to be aware of what may come in to play rather swiftly as our risk profile changes.

We will keep you informed of developments as they roll in.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bluetongue-disease-control-framework-in-england/disease-control-framework-for-bluetongue-virus-serotype-3-in-england-in-2024

22/05/2024

Now is the perfect time to consider booking an animal health and welfare pathway visit for your sheep - as the review is focused on parasite management, we can set you up with management plans to see you through the year.

16/05/2024

We are announcing a new grant for laying hen and pullet keepers in England 🐔

Keepers will be able to apply for funding for two types of projects that will help them improve the health, welfare, and productivity of their flocks.

Read more here ⬇️
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/15/introducing-laying-hen-housing-for-health-and-welfare-grants/

16/05/2024

You don't want to be caught short if you have a cria with failure of passive transfer of immunity this unpacking season. If you are expecting cria, it is worth discussing your contingency plans ahead of time.

We can run plasma drives if there are suitable donors on your farm. One donor can produce two bags of lifesaving plasma for cria, containing vital antibodies to boost them when they need it most.

14/05/2024

We are thrilled to gain further accreditation from Investors in the Environment. Our Chelmsford branch has been working hard to ensure efficiency, sustainability and support our local community.

We would like to congratulate these organisations for achieving their Bronze iiE Accreditation! 🙌

🌿 Chapel House Veterinary Practice
🌿 Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic
🌿 GSC GRAYS
🌿 Westpoint Farm Vets

12/05/2024

It is important that we remain vigilant for signs of bluetongue in susceptible animals - if you note any, please report to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. We will endeavour to update you on any news we have regarding surveillance and control of BTV.

10/05/2024

Our lovely team at Horsham is looking to add another member - could it be you, or someone you know?

Feel free to get in touch for further details, or share with farm vets looking for a new, welcoming team.

08/05/2024

As shearing season kicks into gear, here are some reminders to make the day run smoothly!

07/05/2024

It's that time again - inevitable with this warm, wet weather. Our teams were attending to flystrike out of hours this past weekend.

Please stay alert, and follow the advice in our handy infographic.

04/05/2024

For holistic approaches to fly control, we highly recommend getting ahead of the breeding season and using biowasps. Though they might sound unfriendly, these creatures are harmless to us and livestock, but actively parasitise nuisance flies, reducing the risk of flystrike and other diseases associated with fly activity. Wi******er's Emma will be laying down the biowasps in high risk areas within housing. Soon they will hatch and attack nuisance fly pupae - hugely reducing the breeding population of flies that attack livestock. For more information on our friendly flies, give your practice a call.

02/05/2024

🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰

It’s that time of year when the nuisance flies really start bugging you...

Well, we are buzzing about the biowasp! (Puns totally intended)!

🐄🐖🐓

If you farm cows, chickens or pigs, then this alternative to chemical pest control could be for you!

We invite you to come along and meet with a Bestico rep, who will tell you all about the various eco friendly products including the biowasp, at one of our two meetings being held.

Refreshments provided! ☕️🍰

🗓️Monday 13th May
⏰18.30 -22.00
📍Crowborough Community Centre

Or

🗓️Tuesday 14th May
⏰18.30 - 22.00
📍Dawes farm, Warnham

Call Jana to book your place:
☎️01959 564383

02/05/2024

Spring is in the air as farmer and vet Sharminda welcomes the first calf of the season on her family farm!

22/04/2024

Looks like this year's lambing is taking its toll! This lamb needed a bit of a cuddle after its entry to the world - helped along by Laura at Wi******er.

18/04/2024

Don't forget our awesome Vet Tech team can provide services such as small ruminant foot trimming, vaccinations and parasite management! We can also aid consultancy services with mobility scoring, health and body condition scoring.

Our teach team present an affordable option for those needing a little extra help on farms with health and husbandry tasks. Reach out to your local branch for more details on our Vet Tech services.

17/04/2024

DEFRA currently have a consultation open regarding the control of Bovine TB in the UK, it is highly important the voices of farmers are heard so please fill in the survey if you have time, the consultation closes on the 22nd April

This site contains consultations that are run by Defra.

16/04/2024

This ewe wasn't showing clear signs of lambing but a certain diligent shepherdess (that might have been Ashford's own Sharminda) spotted something was up.

On examination the first lamb was full breech and after lambing this one, the second was also full breech! Both were a little stressed and had a lot of mucous to clear from their airways.

Positioning them in sternal recumbency (on their chests) like this helps them breathe easier.

12/04/2024

We are happy to be working with Bestico UK as distributors of the biowasp. If you’re looking for ways to reduce the use of chemicals on your farm then give us a call. Speak to Gemma about how biowasps are the environmentaly friendly approach to getting rid of those nuisance flies!🪰

12/04/2024

Taking her cuteness into the weekend like…..

12/04/2024

Rainbow tests are quick and effective for on the spot results. using only a tiny sample of scour they test for Rotavirus, Coronavirus, E.coli F5 and Cryptosporidium. If you have any concerns about scour talk to your vet or vet tech about running a rainbow test.

11/04/2024

DON'T FORGET to apply for this round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund.

There are many eligible products that can help with farm productivity and animal welfare, including handling systems, footbaths, calving gates and more.

We are more than happy to help with letters of support to strengthen our clients' applications. Just give us a shout - but be mindful of the early deadlines of the 17th April. Follow for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-2024

09/04/2024

Today Andrew caught up with these two elusive highland cattle for their routine TB test!

08/04/2024

We think we have all of our heifer scanning needs met here: gloves, lots of l**e, and a delicious milkshake from the on-farm vending machine - essential!

06/04/2024

NEMATODIRUS FORECAST!

There is currently a high risk for Nematodirus in the South East- below is a link for the Nematodirus forecast map – this assesses the risk based on temperatures from weather stations which calculates the likely hatching time of the Nematodirus larvae.

Nematodirus can cause high mortality rates in lambs grazed on risky pasture (pasture grazed by lambs the previous spring), it is a very fast disease process and you have limited time to act. High risk groups should be MOVED or TREATED with a white drench- these are highly effective against Nematodirus (however there have been some limited incidences of resistance so appropriate worming protocol should always be followed.)

Check out the SCOPS website now to view the forecast and assess the risk to your lambs:

The forecast can be used in combination with your grazing history to assess the risk of Nematodirus infection in your lambs.

04/04/2024

This pregnant ewe was found isolated, unable to get up and teeth grinding. Quick test to check BHB level, which was 6.8! She was treated by Tiff at Ashford, with IV glucose, twin lamb drench and pain relief and she was up minutes!

Amazing what on farm diagnostics can do for targeted treatment.

02/04/2024

Unpacking season is just around the corner, so make sure to book a proactive plasma drive if you are expecting cria this year. We process blood from your farm ourselves, in a sterile fashion to ensure the safest delivery of life saving plasma to cria when they need it most. Count this as your reminder to book in a drive at your earliest convenience.

29/03/2024

The Government have released new rules for bird keepers. Previously you only had to register if you have 50 or more, but now all poultry keepers must register with APHA to protect the poultry industry from further disease outbreaks and their impact.

"By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks. "

For more information, follow:

New registration requirements for bird keepers in Great Britain - all bird keepers must register their birds and update records annually.

28/03/2024

Whether you are hoping to be tucking into roast lamb and hot cross buns or gearing up to start lambing on Monday our on call vets have you covered this Easter Weekend! Our hours are as follows:

Thursday 28th March - 8.00am -5.00pm
Friday 29th March - Emergencies only
Saturday 30th March - Emergencies only
Sunday 31st March- Emergencies only
Monday 1st April- Emergencies only
Tuesday 2nd April- 8.00am-5.00 pm

Happy Easter everyone! from all of us at Westpoint Horsham & Sevenoaks 🐰🐣🐑🌞

06/04/2023

Don't forget to reserve your spot at the NFU Online and TB Advisory Service meeting to support all of our clients on issues surrounding TB in the Low Risk Area.

The meeting will be on 10th May at 1pm at the NFU Mutual Offices in Horsham. Please see below for registration details.

31/03/2023

Maintaining a reliable, sustainable service while reducing our CO2 emissions? Don't mind if we do.

🐑🐖🐄🐂🐐

Starting April, we will be offering discounted routine zone visits to our clients. Take a look at our timetable and see where your holding sits to benefit from this.

08/07/2022

Westpoint Horsham/Sevenoaks are hosting a FREE meeting for Farmers to discuss not just infectious diseases and how to treat them, but ways of how to ongoingly and cost effectively prevent them.

The subjects to be covered are: -

💸Costs are going up. Let's get the losses down! Animal Diseases cost the UK economy £15 Billion in the last decade.
🦠Simplifying the principles of controlling infectious disease.
🚫Getting free, staying free, or reducing impact.
🐂Balancing cost, welfare, performance and practicality. Exclusive offer for some free vet time to look at your needs! An opportunity to find out how Westpoint Farm Vets can help you with this.
🐮An Introduction to the TB Advisory Service, and why its important for all risk areas, and all unit types.

The speakers will be: -
Ian Roper MRCVS - Westpoint Farm Vets, Senior Clinical Director
Holly Shearman - TBAS Project Manager and local farmer

Date: Monday 11th July
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Westpoint Farm Vets, Dawes Farm, Bognor Road, Warnham, West Sussex, RH12 3SH
Please call the practice on 01306 628 086 to book or email [email protected]
Light Refreshments Provided.