Latest updates from Ruminant Health & Welfare

Welcome to RH&W’s latest newsletter

August has brought challenges from the prolonged dry, hot weather and a rapid increase of Bluetongue (BTV-3) cases now spanning England, Wales and most recently Scotland.

Our RH&W steering group meeting on 31 July had a strong focus on BTV-3 and highlighted how reports of the disease have risen sharply, with clinical signs being seen in multiple animals on affected farms. The message from the meeting was clear: farmers must not delay in speaking to their vet about the risk to their animals and vaccinate where appropriate.

It is also essential for all to remain vigilant for clinical signs, report suspicions promptly and maintain high standards of biosecurity. As the situation can change quickly, the latest official guidance and restrictions should be followed, rather than relying solely on confirmed cases shown on published maps.

Hot weather can add to the suffering of affected animals, making careful monitoring and prompt action particularly important.

The urgency surrounding bluetongue provided important context for the rest of our meeting, which demonstrated how prevention, surveillance, good data and collaboration all contributed to progress across animal health and welfare.

We heard from Hannah Lloyd from Pinstone who gave an update on the Sheep Welfare Strategy progress report, launched at the NSA Sheep Event. The report reviews progress since the five-year strategy was published in 2023, highlighting work across six priority areas and identifying where further action is needed.

Dr Jenny Gibbons from AHDB then introduced the new beef and lamb environmental roadmap. Developed with industry, this roadmap focuses initially on six areas: soil, grass and legume mixes, genetics and breeding, optimising lifetime growth, animal health and reducing nitrogen excess.

We also heard from Dr Christina Cousens of the Moredun Research Institute, who provided an update on ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). Her presentation covered current approaches to control, including ultrasound scanning and the longer-term ambition of developing a risk-based flock scheme for disease prevention.

The discussion again highlighted the need for better data and feedback from abattoirs. Without reliable information reaching farmers and vets, it is much harder to understand the prevalence of disease and take effective action at flock level.

Finally, Claire White, of the RH&W Welfare sub-group, updated the group on work examining the fitness of animals for transport. We are now considering how clearer guidance, better data, proportionate enforcement and practical routes off farm could support better welfare outcomes. This work will require close collaboration between industry and the relevant authorities.

Thank you to all our speakers and steering group members for their contributions. I would, however, like to finish by returning to our most immediate concern – Bluetongue is a rapidly developing threat and must be taken seriously. I urge farmers and vets to work together, consider vaccination without delay where appropriate and report any clinical signs. You can find more official advice in this newsletter.

Gwyn Jones, RH&W chair