Towcester Farm Vets

28/08/2026

A reminder that there are some in-person Bluetongue meetings being held by the AHDB. The nearest one is at Melton Mowbray on the evening of the 3rd September 2026.

Follow this link to book your place: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/melton-mowbray-bluetongue-update-meeting

Bluetongue is spreading fast, and staying informed is one of the best ways to protect your business.

Join local vets, Animal and Plant Health Agency/Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) representatives and industry specialists at one of our Bluetongue Update Meetings for the latest on the BTV situation, including how it spreads, vaccination options, clinical signs in stock, and how to treat affected animals. It's your chance to get practical advice and ask questions to those on the front line.

📍 Lancashire: https://bit.ly/4bXMlEC
📍 Carlisle: https://bit.ly/4qmdwP7
📍 Shrewsbury: https://bit.ly/4x4XFqL
📍 Carmarthen: https://bit.ly/3SjU8pB
📍 Melton Mowbray: https://bit.ly/3U5WWXQ

Booking is essential. Places are limited, so secure yours today.

National Sheep Association National Beef Association Back British Farming NFU British Cattle Veterinary Association - BCVA

28/08/2026

🐷 A reminder about our next Barnyard Breather! 🌾

We’re back at Black Pit Brewery, Silverstone on Thursday 3rd September, from 10am–11.30am.

If you fancy getting off farm for a little while, grabbing a bacon or sausage sandwich and having a cuppa and a chat, come along! 🥓☕

It’s been a challenging summer for many, so taking some time out and catching up with others can make a real difference. Whether you want to talk farming, life, or absolutely nothing to do with either — you’re very welcome.

If you’re planning to come, let us know if you can, but no need to book — everyone is welcome on the day.

Hope to see you there!

27/08/2026

There’s a lot of information floating around at the minute on social media about Bluetongue, so we thought it would be useful to put some links together.

Firstly, there are some in-person Bluetongue meetings being held by the AHDB. The nearest one is at Melton Mowbray on the evening of the 3rd September 2026. Follow this link to book your place: https://ahdb.org.uk/events/melton-mowbray-bluetongue-update-meeting

Secondly, please remember to look after yourselves in this stressful period. There are lots of sources of support out there in the FCN, RABI, Mind, and Samaritans, and of course we are always happy to lend an ear whether that’s in person or over the phone. Don’t forget about our Barnyard Breather drop-in event on the 3rd September (10-11:30am) at Blackpit Brewery if you just need a break and a chance to re-fuel.

If Googling is your thing (other search engines are available!), the Ruminant Health and Welfare Bluetongue Virus Hub is a great, fact-checked resource put together by industry experts and vets. You can find FAQs, bluetongue impact calculators and movement checkers here: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus-hub/

If you’re a podcast person, The Sheep Geeks have put together a great episode on Bluetongue with guest speaker Jonathan Hobbs talking about the ongoing effects in Devon. Great for listening on the go! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2039387/episodes/19641615-episode-22-trying-to-not-scare-people-about-bluetongue-with-jonathan-hobbs

For dinner-time watching the AHDB Bluetongue Webinars can be found in a playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqHaMTmCzTGvSFFYq1duTuuxrx8aI8xK

And finally, the government website is currently updated daily about case numbers, distribution and samples waiting for testing. Please remember that due to the testing lag, the map is a couple of weeks behind. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue-latest-situation

26/08/2026

Despite our patients not being traditionally furry, we all love a waggy tail and many of us have a dog in tow! So it was only fair to put them in the spotlight on International Dog Day.

Thank you to them all for keeping us company, and managing to restrain themselves enough not to eat the tempting sandwiches in the car! 🐶🥪

26/08/2026

Please, if you can, take the time to fill in this survey from the NSA who are gathering data on the predicted numbers of doses required for the Bluetongue vaccine next year.

This will help with the supply and demand issue we've faced this year.

NSA is gathering the numbers manufacturers need to plan production, so that vaccine is there when you want and need it. This short survey takes less than five minutes to complete, and your answers will help influence availability.

Your answers stay confidential and will be reported only as combined figures.

Have your say by 13th September.

Visit https://bit.ly/4gouR5t

21/08/2026

A big team effort in the last 48 hours to continue to get bluetongue vaccine ordered and dispensed out to everyone as it arrives!

Debbie was glad that she had just ordered a bigger fridge (thanks Gareth for paying!).

If you still have questions about Bluetongue or vaccinating, please give us a call to have a chat!

18/08/2026

There is another Bluetongue webinar being run tomorrow from 5-6pm by the AHDB. This will provide an update on the current situation and gives you a chance to ask questions.

The link to watch it can be found below

Bluetongue cases are continuing to rise, with reports of more severe clinical signs than in previous years.

Join the next webinar on 19 August, 5-6pm, for the latest disease update. Hear directly from vets and industry experts on the latest disease situation and key information.

Stay informed. Stay vigilant. Don't miss this important update.

Book your place: https://bit.ly/4znuK2Y

Have a question? Submit it in advance: https://bit.ly/4fYDqFf

14/08/2026

We are holding another of our Barnyard Breather events on the 3rd September!

It’s is a chance for you to get off farm, have a chat and enjoy a bacon or sausage sandwich!

We will be at Black Pit Brewery, Silverstone, MK18 5LJ between 10-11:30 on the morning of the 3rd September.

We know it's been a tough summer, but we are always around for a chat - farm related or not! It's important to keep talking and taking breaks to re-fuel.

If you can let us know if you’re planning on attending, that would be great but all are welcome on the day.

13/08/2026

The NSA have produced a 7 step protocol to help people feel more prepared for Bluetongue cases on farm.

We are still encouraging vaccination use, but the article has some great info about other things to have to hand.

Follow the link below to have a read.

NSA and the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) are working together to provide helpful, practical guidance for UK farmers as the number of bluetongue (BTV) cases continue to rise.

Having cases of bluetongue (BTV-3) on farm, has left many feeling powerless, but experiences of many NSA members that have been affected shows there are things you can do to be prepared and provide the best chances of recovery.

Find 7 steps to have your farm ready for bluetongue at https://nationalsheep.org.uk/our-work/news/nsa-launches-btv-farm-guidance-with-svs/

12/08/2026

Following on from the Bluetongue webinar last week we have put together some FAQs.

This list is not exhaustive, and if you do have questions please do give us a call to have a chat.

The main point is still to vaccinate! Supply is limited but we are still placing orders and we will let you know as soon as it's available. To help smaller herds and flocks, we will try and share bottles where possible. Please let us know if you'd like to be put on our waiting list.

The webinar can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCY75rPpUR0, and is very informative. It's well worth a watch or a listen to!

As with anything, social media can perpetuate myths- it's better to question any information you're unsure of than believe everything!