Stamping out lameness in flocks
fl ock when the industry high- lights ways of better controlling the problem this month. Later summer months are a great time to start implement- ing a proven Five-Point Plan for sheep lameness reduction, say ex- perts – and there plenty of ad- vice is available throughout this period to help farmers kick-start their own disease management programme. The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has a target of 2% disease incidence in the na- tional fl ock by 2021, says Ruth Clements, head of veterinary programmes at farm-based re- search and development organ- isation FAI Farms, which devel- oped the Five-Point Plan. Implemented correctly and with long term commitment, the Five-Point Plan helps farm- ers build natural disease resil- ience within the fl ock, reducing the disease challenge and spread on the farm, and improves fl ock immunity through vaccination, she said.
S
heep producers are being encouraged to stamp out lameness in the national
“More widespread adoption on
farm will also help the sheep sec- tor cut its use of antibiotics for foot infections and meet new in- dustry targets,” said Dr Clements. A special sheep sector task force has already signed up to a 10% re- duction in antibiotic use by 2020. Sheep farmers are general- ly keen to get on top of any fl ock lameness issues, but sometimes feel helpless and often fi nd it dif- fi cult to know how and where to start. “Now is the time to start thinking about it seriously,” said Dr Clements. Weaning is an ideal time to cull out any ewes with chron- ic feet, re-set the breeding fl ock for the new sheep year. Produc- ers should ask their vet or SQP at their local animal health prod- uct supplier for guidance and sup- port with implementing the Five- Point Plan from July onwards. Farmers looking for practical
advice on reducing sheep lame- ness can visit the MSD Animal Health stands at the National Sheep Association Sheep Event on 18 July in Malvern, and the Royal Welsh Show on 22-26 July in Builth Wells.
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The Five-Point Plan aims to help stamp out lameness. JULY 2018 • ANGLIA FARMER 47
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