Dalehead Veterinary Group - Farm Animal

06/11/2026

Shamonda virus (SHAV), a midge-borne virus closely related to Schmallenberg virus (SBV), has been detected in Great Britain for the first time following confirmation by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 2nd November 2026.

The virus has been identified in cattle on two dairy farms: one in Powys, Wales, and one in Shropshire, England.

Clinical signs may include:
• Diarrhoea
• High temperatures
• Sudden drop in milk yield
• Lethargy and reduced rumination
• Fertility issues
• Congenital abnormalities in calves or lambs

SHAV is not currently a notifiable disease, and no additional movement restrictions or control measures are required at this time.

However, its clinical signs can be very similar to those seen with other diseases, including Bluetongue, which remains a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of a notifiable disease must be reported to APHA immediately.

If you have any concerns about your livestock, please get in touch with the team:

📞 01729 823538
📧 [email protected]

22/10/2026

21/10/2026

Red tractor are currently reviewing the standards for beef, lamb, dairy & goats and they want to hear what you think…. 🐮🥛🐏🐐

Follow the link below the complete the survey and have your say ✍️

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/MP3XAV?fbclid=IwdGRjcAVFYi1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUQs1FTl9WeKoZxc_Lb_--aGH8tcY7HNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4mX_lKZ4uMdYxSTbkRTrCnf4R4VTg99o9p9dgtYokb1jt77Ksib25jIxTM1A_aem_w9GTXCxwVX6BXZRP8lKcfg

We are reviewing the Red Tractor standards for beef, lamb, dairy and goats. Before anything is confirmed, we want to hear from the people the standards affect.

20/10/2026

🐄👏 Celebrating our amazing Vet Techs – Anna, Karen and Claire! 👏🐄

A big shout-out to Anna, Karen and Claire for all the fantastic work they do to support our vets and farmers! 💚
From calf weighing, disbudding and vaccinating, to mobility scoring and running our in-house lab, they play a vital role in maintaining herd health and productivity.
Their hard work, dedication and attention to detail make a real difference every day, helping to keep stock healthy and farms thriving. 🐮🔬

Thank you, Anna, Karen and Claire, for everything you do! We’re lucky to have you on the team. 🌟

British & Irish Veterinary Technicians Association - BIVTA

13/10/2026

Want to improve your work/life balance and your farm business at the same time?

Join one AHDB one-day Farming, Family and Future workshops to find out how.

Created specifically for farmers, these sessions will help you focus on what matters most to you and your business, so everyone is working towards a successful future together. You'll leave with clear, practical actions to move your business forward, along with tools to improve communication and handle difficult conversations with confidence.

Book your place today ➡️ https://bit.ly/4j7LdCE

07/10/2026

Meet Thea, our newest Farm Administrator at Dalehead. ✨🐄🐑
She brings a strong mix of hands‑on farming experience and practical farm‑vet knowledge to the team.
Before joining us, Thea worked across multiple dairy, beef and sheep farms, building a solid foundation in livestock care and day‑to‑day farm operations. She also studied agriculture at college, and later worked as a Farm Co‑ordinator in another Veterinary practice, supporting farm clients and organising herd‑health visits.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the countryside with her cocker spaniel, Brandy, and renovating the home she and her partner, Josh, bought at the start of 2026.

01/10/2026

Veterinary Receptionist (full-time)

We are looking for a bright and cheerful team player to join our proactive, friendly Tier 2 practice. This is a front of house role based at our main surgery in Settle but also providing holiday cover at our Bentham and Skipton branch practices.

The hours alternate between either 9.30am-5.30pm or 10.30am-6.30pm Monday- Thursday and 9.30am to 5.30pm on Friday. There will also be one Saturday morning (9am until 12noon) at our Settle surgery, to work on an even shared rota. Flexibility is essential to cover additional hours as required.

Candidates must have exceptional organisational and communication skills, a positive ‘can do’ attitude and the ability to multitask whilst maintaining accuracy, attention to detail and ensuring that jobs are carried through to completion in this busy office environment. They must have the confidence and ability to work on their own initiative and be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher.

To join our professional, enthusiastic and hardworking team send a copy of your CV with a covering letter for the attention of Harriet Robinson to [email protected]

Closing date for applications Monday 12th October at 12 noon

29/09/2026

September is Sepsis Awareness Month

Sepsis can affect anyone, but due to the nature of the work and reluctance to seek medical attention, farmers and labourers can be at increased risk of infection.

Remember to clean, disinfect and cover any cuts to prevent infection and familiarise yourself with the signs of sepsis!

29/09/2026

25/09/2026

Don't forget to book on‼

Farm Vet Network which we are apart of, have joined together to develop a beef discussion group aimed at suckler and beef cattle rearers. The group aims to run 3 meetings a year and each vet practice will take turns to host. 🤠

Our first meeting is planned to take place on:
Date: Monday 28th September
Time: 6.30pm start
Venue: Nateby near Garstang

Topics to discuss will include feeding to achieve optimal growth rates, getting the most from the animal health and welfare pathway for beef farmers and what are you wanting to get from the Beef 1% club meetings.

Please phone us on 01729823538 to book your place ☎