Farm Veterinary Solutions

24/06/2025

What is coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan parasitic infection in cattle, sheep and pigs. Coccidia in small numbers cause no harm and can be beneficial to increase immunity. However, younger stock, typically 3-12 weeks old, with low immunity or exposed to heavy infestation, are susceptible to disease.
The parasitic oocysts (eggs) can survive in the environment for over 12 months. When ingested, the parasites proliferate in the intestines, gut cells are destroyed, and the eggs are passed out in faeces. This lifecycle takes about 3 weeks. This multiplication can be explosive in the right conditions, with rapid disease spread amongst the group and several clinical symptoms, some of which can be severe.

Symptoms of coccidiosis:

• Diarrhoea, which may contain mucus or blood
• Straining
• Pain
• Weight loss
• Sometimes, deaths (especially in lambs)
• Poor growth rates

Diagnosis will consist of a simple faecal egg count, which can be dropped into any of our Farm Vet Solutions branches to be run. Speak to one of our vets or SQPs today for more information on: 01664 491266

13/06/2025

Chris has been busy training Saffron and our vet student on how to perform Ram vasectomies, completing a total of 8 in one go!
If you would like to know more about our services we offer, why not call us on: 01664491266

06/06/2025

Yesterday evening, our new Barrowden branch hosted its social evening. With thanks to our sponsors Ceva Ruminants UK and Virbac, and the bbq supplied by Farmer Lou. It was lovely to see so many local clients at the event.

30/05/2025

Earlier this week David visited this cow that was called in for being lame. Upon examination, David found this large abscess on her leg. After being drained the cow is happy and back to normal

28/05/2025

Clients local to our Barrowden branch, join us for a social evening on the 5th June, 4pm onwards. Food and drink available, as well as an insight into new veterinary products. Please send your RSVP by 3rd June to 01664 491266

27/05/2025

Keep up to date with the Bluetongue changes, coming 1st July. Give us a call with any questions you may have on 01664 491266

From 01 July 2025 the Restriction Zone will be extended to cover the whole of England. This means, from this time, Bluetongue movement restrictions will no longer apply in England, and keepers can move livestock susceptible to Bluetongue without a movement test in England.

Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants must remain vigilant. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported by law. Livestock keepers are not permitted to move animals showing clinical signs of the disease out of the RZ, and if you see any of these signs you must report it to APHA.

Check the press release and GOV.UK for further information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-virus-restricted-zone-to-be-extended-to-all-of-england-on-1-july-2025

25/05/2025

Earlier today, Charlie and Nick supported the Lowesby charity shoot and had a go. Keep up the good work on a busy bank holiday guys!

23/05/2025

Worried about worm burdens? Don’t guess- test!
Keep your livestock healthier for longer - with faecal egg count testing 🐄🐏
Our faecal egg count service for sheep and cattle gives you a fast and accurate insight into internal parasite burdens, so you can make smarter, targeting drenching decisions.

Reduce unnecessary treatments
Prevent anthelmintic resistance
Improve weight gain and productivity
Fast turnaround, and easy submission

Whether you’re managing a flock of sheep or a herd of cattle, regular faecal egg count testing helps you stay one step ahead of parasites!

Call us on: 01664 491266 to find out more

20/05/2025

Jim performed a post mortem performed on a 2 month old calf at our new Barrowden practice. The calf died suddenly after handling with no clinical signs. The post mortem revealed a grossly enlarged heart. Further examination revealed a hole in the wall between the two sides of the heart. This was likely something present from birth, but with the added stress of handling, has lead to the death of the animal.
Please remember that Barrowden is open for vet post mortems alongside other types of veterinary call outs.
Give us a call on 01664 491266 for any questions you may have.

16/05/2025

Earlier this week, Saffron visited these pigs to give them a health check, vaccinations, worming and a little pedicure. To find out more about what services we can provide for you. Give us a call on 01664 491266

15/05/2025

Yesterday evening, our staff had a meeting in the new Barrowden branch, we discussed the success of this busy lambing period. And our vets further had a meeting with MSD to discuss exciting new products and diagnostic subsidies available. Give us a call on 01664 491266

14/05/2025

Pre-movement testing rules for movements of Bluetongue (BTV) susceptible animals out of the Restricted Zone (RZ) have been extended from 15 May and now apply until 12 June 2025, unless notified otherwise.

Some animals are exempt from pre-movement testing. Higher risk animals must still be tested. For all moves out of the RZ you will still need to apply for a specific licence.

The length of time that pre-movement test samples are valid is also changing from 21 days to 10 days, from 27 May 2025. Samples taken:

• until 23:59pm on 26 May 2025 are valid for 21 days
• on or after 27 May 2025 are valid for 10 days.

You must time your sampling so that samples are valid on the planned move date.

Please check the guidance on GOV.UK for further information at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bluetongue-information-and-guidance-for-livestock-keepers and: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-movement-licences-and-designated-slaughterhouses