Parkside Autumn Tails

It has been a busy summer here at Parkside Large Animal Division we are all enjoying getting to know our new clients and friends in Fife. Things moved faster than anticipated in the takeover of Provost Vet Group Large Animal Division but we hope things have run as smoothly as possible. If we haven’t managed to get round everyone yet please phone the office to book in a FREE new client visit and Health Plan meeting.

Parkside Farms and Small Holders aim to provide a modern efficient veterinary service to farms and small holders across Tayside, Fife, Angus and Perthshire. We have 5 dedicated large animal vets who all have different individual interests meaning we bring a wealth of experience to the team.

The new signs are up at our Ladybank Large Animal/Equine surgery. Please remember these facilities are available and take advantage of our no visit fee when using them. Drug orders are placed through our dedicated large animal office and these can be be ready to collect either at our Kings Cross Road surgery or Ladybank. Autumn is upon us: the harvest is all but in, spring calvers should be well in-calf, and ewes and tups doing their business! Lots to think about for all livestock producers! Please give your experienced large animal vets (65 years combined) a call if you have anything to discuss.

Telephone our Equine & Farms team on 01382 81111 Seasonal Challenges: Pneumonia

Disease Alert - Lungworm – Following the wet and warm summer, we are seeing cases of lungworm particularly in 1st season grazed young stock, but also in some adult cattle that have not been preventively wormed or had gradual natural exposure over previous grazing seasons. If you feel lungworm may be a problem, please call us for treatment advice, and also to discuss preventative use of the lungworm vaccine for future years.

Viral and bacterial Pneumonia

Known as a multi-factorial disease as it can be caused by a number of different bacteria and viruses, either individually or together. Stress from the environment such as changes in weather or feed can trigger bacteria and viruses to multiply and cause pneumonia. The common viruses that cause pneumonia are: RSV (Respiratorial Syncitial Virus) - causes up to 50% of cases of pneumonia PI3 (Parainfluenza Type 3) – present in many herds IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis). Herds may be infected or free of the disease BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) – affects the calves’ immune system. Housing 1st season grazed young stock is always a concern. Combine this with the risk of buying store cattle in particular from multiple sources we can see disease break down. We advise vaccination combined with management review and are happy to tailor to individual circumstances please call to speak to one of our vets to discuss.

A discount is offered to all farm clients ordering vaccines if paid for at the time. Orders can be placed via the Large Animal office.

Fluke concerns

Fluke in cattle (Fasciolosis) is a common parasitic disease of both cattle and sheep in the UK, caused by Fasciola Hepatica and is estimated to cost the cattle industry £23 million annually. The provisional fluke forecast for November 2018 is based on monthly rainfall and temperature data from May-September 2018 as predicted by NADIS (http://www.org..uk/parasite-forecast/) it is currently low for this region however we have seen cases of acute fluke and are receiving abattoir reports of fluke in lambs and cattle. Triclabendazole (TBZ) (e.g. Fasinex) is the only available drug capable of killing immature fluke down to ~8days of age and is therefore the treatment of choice for acute fluke. We are aware that many of you are concerned that your farm has resistance to TBZcontaining products, in which case alternative treatment plans should be made. Please call to discuss your options and avoid significant losses.

...our team of vets have over 65 years’ combined experience...