From birth to six hours of age, the wet newborn lamb loses heat very rapidly and can quickly become hypothermic. This is more likely to occur in cold, wet, or windy conditions. Adequate colostrum and brown fat (a type of fat that the lamb is born with) help the lamb through this period by increasing heat production.

From six hours to three days after birth, starvation leads to a drop in heat production and the lamb becomes hypothermic. This can happen even in warm, sunny weather. All the lamb’s brown fat has been used by this time and it needs an adequate, good quality colostrum intake to stay warm. Newborn lambs have only minimal reserves of brown fat and are borderline in their blood glucose levels.

Hypothermia has many causes and can affect lambs at different ages. In newborn lambs less than five hours old, it often occurs due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Difficult or premature births can cause weak lambs which contributes to hypothermia, because these lambs do not get up and nurse warm colostrum as readily. Poor mothering can also lead to hypothermia if a ewe fails to thoroughly lick her lambs dry or if she abandons a lamb. If the ewe has poor body condition and there was a lack of adequate nutrition during gestation, the risk for hypothermia increases as lambs born from these ewes are often weak and colostrum production is decreased.

Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, often accompanies hypothermia in newborn lambs because they have not ingested colostrum, which is both a source of energy, immunity, and glucose.

Lambs are born with an almost sterile gut microbiome, and an exceptionally low inherent immunity. They are unable to defend themselves immunologically and are very susceptible to infections, especially gut infections. Thus, good quality colostrum is of critical importance. In addition, lambs are born with low levels of crucial vitamins, especially vitamins E and A – which, similar to antibodies, do not cross the placenta into the foetal lamb.

In an attempt to maintain temperature and to survive, the lamb may shiver and undergo multiple smooth muscle contractions. It burns glucose to release energy in an effort to keep warm, and it can very quickly run into hypoglycaemia, acidosis, coma, and death.

The lambs that are at the greatest risk of getting hypothermia and hypoglycaemia include:

• Lambs from ewes in poor condition
• Lambs from very old or very young ewes
• Twins and especially triplets
• Small and premature lambs
• Lambs which are limp or weak at birth.

Giving lambs a jump start

Provita Jump Start is specially designed and formulated to prevent and treat hypothermia/hypoglycaemia in new lambs. It contains high levels of badly needed glucose and energy as well as fast and prolonged acting precursors of blood glucose such as propylene glycol. These act together to immediately boost the newborn lamb’s blood sugar and energy levels, and to prevent collapse from hypothermia and hypoglycaemia.

In addition, Jump Start contains high levels of unique IGY antibodies which help to combat E. coli infection. It supplies high quantities of selenium and vitamin E to stimulate the immune system, together with cobalt and vitamin B12 which accelerate the formation of greater numbers of red blood cells. This increased blood cell count ensures maximal oxygenation of vital tissues and organs and increased vigour and vitality in the young lamb.

Jump Start has been clearly demonstrated under field conditions to be a unique product for preventing and treating hypothermia/hypoglycaemia in young lambs.

Tackling E. coli and immunity

Provita Lamb Response is a beneficial bacteria based oral formulation which acts preventatively to augment the gut commensal population of the newborn lamb with protective bacteria, thereby generating gut health, and helping to prevent the establishment of E. coli by boosting local immunity.

Lamb Response contains a combination of four highly effective and unique ingredients, not present in other commercial products:

• Beneficial bacteria: This naturally diminishes E. coli bacteria, enhances immunity, and ‘seals’ the newborn gut. It contains a potent strain of live organisms, which is one of the primary active ingredients of the first, EU-licensed probiotics (Provita Protect POM-VPS), which is clinically proven to prevent scour and has antibacterial activity against E. coli. This ultra-fast replicating beneficial bacteria will seed the gut expanding the young lamb’s gut microbiome, which is the basis of the overall immunity. In addition, tight junctions in the gut will be sealed, crowding out and neutralising E. coli pathogens preventing their establishment within the lamb.
• Egg powder: This provides high concentrations of unique IgY proteins which are more potent against E. coli than usual colostral antibodies. These IgY antibodies have a higher binding affinity for E. coli antigens than do conventional colostral antibodies. Thus, the combination of beneficial bacteria plus IGY proteins provides a powerful immediate protection against E. coli, which has been established in scientific literature.
• Vitamins: Lamb Response contains high levels of vitamins necessary for the young animal’s metabolism and supplies especially vitamin E, which stimulates the lymphocytes in the underdeveloped immune system, thus adding a further layer of protection.
• High energy: Lastly, it supplies high energy to stimulate appetite, help prevent hypothermia (a very common fatality factor in young lambs) and to stimulate blood flow through vital organs.

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A single cow has tested positive for bluetongue serotype 3 at a premises near Canterbury, Kent. The case was discovered on 11^th November as part of routine surveillance.

A 10km temporary control zone has been declared around the premises where the animal was kept. Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants.

A number of serotypes of bluetongue are currently circulating in Europe including, BTV-3, BTV-4 and BTV-8.

Last month, reports of the new strain of bluetongue (BTV-3) spreading rapidly in the Netherlands, prompted a series of emergency meetings by the Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) group.

Vaccines are available for serotypes 1, 2, 4 and 8, but existing vaccines will not offer cross-protection against the new strain.

As a result, it’s especially important to follow advice to take action and prioritise good biosecurity measures, whilst remaining extremely vigilant to the disease.

The virus does not affect humans or food safety, it can cause significant production losses. Dr Hazel Wright, deputy head of policy for the Farmers’ Union of Wales said:

“Alongside purchasing livestock from responsible sources, surveillance is the best way to combat the spread of this disease and we are therefore urging members to be vigilant and report any suspicions of disease immediately.”

RH&W advises a three-pronged approach to preventing the disease:

1. Buyer beware, only source animals from Europe responsibly
2. Take action, prioritise biosecurity and report any suspicious clinical signs
3. Vigilance is key, monitor livestock closely.

Bluetongue can spread to the UK through infected midges, which can be carried across the channel by the wind. The south and east coasts of England face the highest risk.

The risk level is impacted by the level of disease in nearby parts of Europe, weather conditions – especially wind speed and direction – and temperature.

The virus could also be brought into the UK through the import of infected animals, blood or germinal products, from countries where it is circulating.

Further information and resources can be found here: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/ or on gov.uk

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Farmers involved in the rescue of a ewe stranded at the foot of cliffs in the Scottish Highlands have set up a fund in her name.

The fund was set up in response to a “tidal wave” of goodwill from the public, including many offers of donations following media coverage.

The ewe, dubbed by the media as ‘Britain’s loneliest sheep’, has been named Fiona after another sheep found living alone caves in New Zealand was named Shrek.

The ‘Fiona Fund’ being launched this week is aimed at the creation of a fundraising legacy in the wake of the remarkable level of interest from around the globe in the rescue of Fiona.

The Scottish SPCA and RSABI were chosen as the charities to benefit from the fund for the work they do to promote good animal welfare and support people in need in Scottish agriculture, respectively.

Successful rescue and rehoming

Fiona had been stranded for at least two years at the foot of Cromarty Firth, and the location was generally agreed to be too treacherous to attempt a rescue.

Sheep farmer Cammy Wilson headed up the daring rescue attempt with four other farmers.

Fiona was found to be in very good condition and health after the successful rescue and, having been checked over by Scottish SPCA inspectors, she is now safe and very contentedly settling into her new home at Dalscone Farm.

“We know that Fiona has touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide,” said Ben Best of Dalscone.

“We have had loads of requests about how to donate to her cause but she’s got everything she could ever need at Dalscone. So, instead, we have set up the Fiona Fund in her name and would love to raise some money for some very important charities which have been involved in her rescue and her story so far.”

Due to her isolated location she had missed having her annual wool clip and her natural wool growth had resulted in a very big fleece. This has now been expertly and carefully clipped off by one of the farmers involved in her safe recovery, Cammy Wilson.

Plans to raffle off wool

The aim is to raffle some products made from Fiona’s wool, as well as collecting donations, but Cammy points out that, having not been clipped for some time, the quality of the wool is presenting something of a challenge.

“I don’t think it will be possible to make many items from the fleece – in reality we may be struggling to even get one jumper – but we are looking at a variety of other exciting possibilities to make the most of her wool,” said Cammy.

“The media interest and public support for Fiona has been absolutely incredible and we are very grateful for all the goodwill from people who have been following her story.”

The farmers involved in her rescue and her new home have set a target of £2,500 to be raised for the two charities. Visit the JustGiving page here:  https://www.justgiving.com/page/fionasfund?newPage=true

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

The Scottish SPCA is Scotland’s only all-animal rescue service. The charity responds to over 235 reports of animals in need every single day, and throughout 2022 assisted over 2,300 farm animals. Its animal helpline is open every day of the year. The Scottish SPCA has been doing more work in recent years to assist farmers struggling to cope and look after their animals.

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A ban on live exports could create an oversupply in UK markets, resulting in lower demand and prices, Welsh farmers have warned.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is set to introduce a legislative ban on the live export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter or fattening from Great Britain.

However, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has raised concerns about impacts on the home market.

FUW president Ian Rickman said: “Introducing a legislative ban on live exports has the potential of creating an oversupply in UK markets, resulting in lower demand and therefore prices farmers receive for their stock.

“Defra previously estimated that such a ban would cost the industry £6.6 million per annum, yet this was merely based upon an assumed 15% price differential without taking into account the loss of markets or the likelihood of such costs disproportionately falling on small and micro enterprises.”

King Charles’s inaugural speech also set out the government’s priority to introduce the Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill, which would effectively ensure the UK can meet its international commitments under the CPTPP.

Mr Rickman added: “The UK Government promised that they would not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards in all trade negotiations. However, what we’re seeing here is an increase in barriers for UK producers while the government signs liberalised free trade agreements with other countries.”

The CPTPP comprises a diverse range of countries with varying standards, but many produce food in a way that would be illegal in the UK, he said.

“As such, it seems that efforts made by the UK Government to ensure that, where possible, standards are included in trade deals in order to ensure equivalence, maintain UK food standards and protect UK farmers from unfair competition have been absent or negligible.”

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Dubbed ‘Britain’s loneliest sheep’, Fiona will live out the rest of her days at Dalscone Farm, after a group of self-confessed “idiots” rescued her from the foot of cliffs on the Cromarty Firth.

Sheep farmer Cammy Wilson, known as ‘The Sheep Game’ on social media, headed up the rescue – which saw three of the farmers lowered down the cliff, while two stayed at the top to operate a winch.

He was joined in the rescue mission by the Hoof GP Graeme Parker, Als Couzens, James Parker and Ally Williamson.

Fiona had been stranded for two years due to the treacherous nature of any rescue attempt. Her plight was brought to the attention of the public and the media after a Facebook post from a kayaker went viral.

Scottish SPCA has said it was aware of the stranded ewe but had been unable to find a safe way to rescue her. Fiona was examined by an SSPCA inspector after being brought up the cliff.

Cammy says she was overfat, with a body condition of 4.5 when she was rescued, but aside from a very heavy fleece, was in “tremendous health”.

She has since been sheared using ‘old school hand shears’ to leave a layer of wool on to keep her warm over the winter. The colossal fleece will go to Wooldale Wool to be made into something that can be raffled off for charity.

“Farmers do care”

Explaining why he decided to attempt the treacherous rescue, Cammy said on Facebook: “The reason the five of us got together to do this is that so much on social media is that the farmers don’t care, they’re just letting their sheep wither away and die down there. And that wasn’t the case at all.”

He wrote: ‘[…] For the majority of farmers the welfare of their livestock is EVERYTHING! Fiona’s farmer couldn’t ask anyone else for help because it would be on him if they got hurt. It was an impossible situation for him.

‘So sometimes you just need a group of idiots to get a job done. We got a great result today but a slip of a foot and we would have just been fools with good intentions. Thankfully we got lucky.’

Animal activists campaign at farm park

Fiona’s journey to her new home was also fraught with drama as activists from Animal Rising appeared at Dalscone Farm, after it was revealed on social media that she would be taken there as her forever home.

Animal Rising claimed it wanted Fiona to go to a sanctuary as rehoming her to a farm park would make ‘a spectacle’ of her.

Farmer Ben at Dalscone said he and his family were “intimidated” by the protestors, who were carrying placards saying ‘Free Fiona’ and flying a drone over the farm. Fiona’s whereabouts had to be kept secret as there were concerns the protestors could cause her stress – and about the safety of staff and other animals at the farm.

Farmer Ben said in a Facebook video: ‘The reason she’s coming here is really simple. We’re closed for the winter, so she can come in, have a pen to herself, and we can introduce friends slowly to her, get her acclimatised. She’s got peace and quiet […] she’s not going into any kind of commercial flock. […]

“We’re giving her the best home she could possibly get, but it’s been blocked and it’s a crying shame.”

Fiona was finally brought to Dalscone under cover of night at around 8pm on Sunday (5th November).

After her arrival, farmer Ben said: “She’s doing absolutely phenomenal, eating well, drinking well, she’s been doing amazing.” Initial veterinary results have also revealed she has no worm or fluke burden.

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Cattle and sheep farmers are being warned to be vigilant for increased parasite burdens.

Due to the increased number of parasites in the environment, lambs are continuing to suffer from high worm burdens, which can have knock-on performance impacts – slowing down their finishing times, said Ben Strugnell during Elanco’s ‘Parasite’ update video.

“It’s crucial to monitor lambs closely, looking for signs of poor performance. If you can, weigh them frequently and faecal egg count (FEC) test, to confirm any suspected worm burdens within a flock,” he said.

Never ignore a husky cough

Mr Strugnell explained that he has recently seen increased numbers of cattle come into his clinic with heavy worm burdens.

“I’ve performed several post-mortems on calves who’ve died after losing condition suddenly,” he said.

“Although the cause of death was originally thought to be liver fluke, it was revealed that these calves had bad cases of parasitic abomasitis (inflammation caused by worms) or lungworm.”

While lungworm is uncommon in sheep, it is more prevalent in cattle, though generally only occurring every few years.

Mr Strugnell said: “I’d caution all farmers not to forget about lungworm in cattle, and never ignore stock with a ‘husky’ sounding cough, as this is a key symptom.

“In terms of testing for lungworm, although both methods aren’t 100% reliable, you can send faecal samples away to check for larvae, and blood samples to check for antibodies after infection.”

Harder to monitor 

He explained worms are harder to monitor in cattle than in sheep, as the egg numbers present in FECs are not as high – but in general, anything over 200 eggs per gram means it is worth worming.

“Again, in cattle, anthelmintic resistance isn’t as common as it is in sheep, but it’s still important to follow best practice by worming to weight and conducting a second FEC two weeks after drenching, to check wormer efficacy.”

Mr Strugnell will continue to provide regular update videos on current disease and parasite threats on the updated Elanco Parasight webpage.

Visit the page and sign up to receive Parasight updates directly to your inbox: https://bit.ly/3s38gX0.

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AHDB Beef & Lamb has unveiled an innovative systems-based knowledge exchange programme, Roots to Resilience.

It kicks off with a three-day workshop for up to 50 farmers running from 13-15^th December in Sutton Coldfield.

Attendees will be able to develop a bespoke action plan for their farm businesses, which will include identifying worry areas to address, communication at home and within the business, the establishment of clear goals and a shared vision for attendees, their families, and their businesses.

They will also be able to take part in four quarterly virtual ‘check-in’ sessions in 2024 with course leader Dallas Mount, where he will continue to support them on their journeys to healthy land, happy families and profitable businesses.

Dallas Mount owns Ranch Management Consultants and has worked with thousands of farmers and ranchers across the US, Canada, Mexico and Australia to position their businesses for economic profit and ecological health.

A two-day workshop will also run for industry consultants ahead of the farmer-specific session from 11-12th December, focusing on developing their understanding of the new systems-based approach and discussing how they will work with the involved farmers and AHDB to motivate positive change.

Head of engagement for beef and lamb, Samantha Charlton, said: “It can be challenging for farmers to focus on the future and invest in themselves when their time and brain space is filled with daily tasks and problem solving.

“We want to challenge their thinking and help them reach their long-term goals by looking at the entire system instead of focusing on technical application alone. We understand that every farmer and every farm is different, and that one size fits all approaches are outdated and rarely successful.”

She added: “The farmer workshop in December will give delegates the opportunity to step away from practical farming for three days and focus on long-term planning. It is very much about focussing on people and what they want to achieve not just in their businesses, but in their lives, as we know how intrinsically linked the two are.

“The workshop will play a pivotal role in not only providing those attending with bespoke action plans for their businesses, but in equipping us at AHDB with greater insight into the topics that our levy payers want and need more help with, so we can deliver the best value for money in terms of the support services we offer.”

To read more about the Roots to Resilience programme or to sign up for the events visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/roots-to-resilience/

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Farmers are being warned of the emergence of a new strain of bluetongue virus (BTV-3), which is spreading rapidly in the Netherlands.

Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) has facilitated emergency meetings this week, bringing together over 40 key stakeholders and representatives from across the industry, to ensure the four nations are prepared for this emerging disease threat.

The existing BTV-8 serotype vaccine will not offer cross-protection against the new strain, making any outbreaks difficult to control, said Dr Joseph Henry, president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and member of RH&W’s steering group.

As a result, it’s especially important to follow advice to take action and prioritise good biosecurity measures, whilst remaining extremely vigilant to the disease.

Dr Henry added: “What we are advising is three-fold. Farmers need to beware when buying animals in, especially from Europe, take action to report any signs of the disease, and at all times, remain vigilant,” explains Dr Joseph Henry, president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and member of RH&W’s steering group.

New BTV strain in two European countries

BTV-3 is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, which affects all ruminants (e.g. sheep, cattle, goats and deer) and camelids (e.g. llama and alpaca).

The new strain has been reported on more than 700 farms in the Netherlands and a new case was reported in Belgium this week. BTV-3 appears to mimic BTV-8 in its behaviour, according to Cat Mclaughlin, NFU chief animal health and welfare advisor, and member of RH&W steering group.

She added: “Currently, there are no reports of the new strain in the UK. But it is felt that due to the nature of bluetongue’s ability to spread via infected midges, and current warm weather conditions, the risk of it reaching the UK is increasing, so we must adhere to advice and do all we can to keep it out,” she says.

Dr Henry said: “It remains extremely difficult to protect against midges and a vector borne disease. However, there is always a role for good biosecurity and insecticides, but it’s important to differentiate between products licensed for use on animals, and those designed for use on building and vehicles.”

Buyer beware

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive and member of RH&W steering group, adds that bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health, but it remains a notifiable disease.

“We’d strongly advise farmers to beware when buying livestock from Europe, and to request pre-movement testing of animals prior to departure,” he says.

“All imports of live animals are subject to post-import testing with restricted movements until a negative post-import test result has been confirmed, so caution is key.”

Symptoms of BTV-3 can vary across ruminants, with sheep generally exhibiting more overt symptoms than cattle, but both can showcase clinical signs.

In sheep these include: drooling, mouth lesions, high fever, lameness and oedema (swollen heads) and sudden death. Cattle are not usually as severely affected but may show similar clinical signs as well as teat, eye, coronary band and nose lesions.

RH&W’s advice to farmers and their vets is as follows:

1. Buyer beware, only source animals from Europe responsibly.
2. Take action, prioritise biosecurity and report any suspicious clinical signs.
3. Vigilance is key, monitor livestock closely.

In the UK, bluetongue, including BTV-3, is a notifiable disease, so anyone suspecting the disease must take action and report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Further information and resources can be found here: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/

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The Association is now urging UK governments to consider what next steps will be made following the report to advance sheep health and welfare.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker has welcomed the report, saying the Association is “especially encouraged to see the appreciation from the committee that there is value in a four-nation, consistent approach to any future action or amendments to the regulations, ensuring the removal of potential confusion on best practice in the different home nations and frictionless trade across UK borders continues”.

The report, titled ‘Animal Welfare Committee report on the Implications of Castration and Tailing in Sheep’, concludes that current operations of tailing or castrating lambs do impair the comfort of animals and that solutions should be investigated to minimise this.

Mr Stocker continued: “NSA is in agreement that work needs to be done to find solutions to minimise any discomfort felt by animals. This report is an opportunity for new techniques and innovations to be thoroughly explored and legislation amended to accommodate these.”

While in support of the report’s findings, the Association still considers it important that the fundamental reasons for tailing and castration to improve the welfare of stock, including preventing flystrike and unwanted pregnancies must not be ignored in any future recommendations.

NSA is clear that any future amendments or proposals to legislation must consider the whole farm and supply chain implications.

So far, the report has been published on the Scottish and Welsh government websites, and Mr Stocker urged Defra to follow.

“Defra’s own findings and responses from this report were expected to be published months ago. We would welcome further opportunity to discuss this with Defra at the earliest given opportunity.”

The work was published by the AWC, formerly the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC), an expert advisory body on farm animal welfare matters. Read the full report here.

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The latest results from the Zoetis Parasite Watch Scheme revealed worm egg counts in lambs varying from 70 to well over 700 eggs per gram (EPG) at the end of August, with an average of 380 EPG.

Therefore, farmers should consider conducting faecal egg counts (FEC) on their animals, which is also a good indication of the need for treatment in lambs alongside growth rates.

The Zoetis Parasite Watch Scheme collects data from 26 farms to provide a comprehensive parasite tracking service. Each farm takes FEC samples every 2-3 weeks through the spring and summer, with results uploaded to www.parasitewatch.co.uk.

Zoetis vet Patricia van Veen said the extreme and variable weather is making predictions difficult and is likely contributing to localised spikes in FECs. Parasite Watch data from previous years shows the parasite challenge remains a real risk into the autumn.

“Fluke is more challenging to monitor through FECs at this time of the year, as the time between infection and egg production, known as the pre-patent period, is 10-12 weeks. During this period, the early immature migrating larvae do a lot of damage, causing the disease known as acute fluke in any age of sheep,” she explained.

“Ewes and rams also need monitoring in the approach to tupping as fluke burdens could impact their condition and conception rates.”

Sheep farmer John Yeomans from Newtown, Powys, who takes part in the parasite watch scheme, said he treated his animals earlier this year due to the increased parasite risk and challenging summer.

He tups 530-550, mostly Beulah ewes and 170 ewe lambs each year, bringing them back to the home farm in October and returning them to the hill in December until lambing.

“Our farm is heavily stocked, with the ewes grazing high-up, so we demand a lot of them,” he said.

“Over the past decade, we have noticed that fluke can pose a real risk on our farm, sometimes resulting in dead sheep. We have done post mortems on them before and found them to be full of fluke.”

John, who farms with his wife Sarah and three sons, Tom, Jack and Joe, says he not only monitors worms and fluke by regular testing but is also trying to do more targeted worming based on weight gains in lambs.

“We must use medicines responsibly to safeguard their use,” he added.

Mrs van Veen stressed the importance of farmers working with their animal health provider to select the best product, particularly when there is a mixed parasite burden in their lambs.

“CYDECTIN TriclaMox Drench for Sheep is one option for treating lambs for mixed fluke and worm burdens. It contains the potent active moxidectin (3-ML group), which persists for 35 days and will treat stomach worms. The other active ingredient is triclabendazole, which is effective against early immature as well as late immature and adult fluke.

“However, if fluke is not an issue, then a persistent 3-ML wormer, such as CYDECTIN Oral Solution For Sheep can be used to selectively treat lambs during the Autumn as challenges have been shown to remain high during this time of the year,” Ms Van Veen explained.

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