Vetoquinol UK Limited has launched Ceftiocyl: a ready-to-use formulation containing 50mg/ml ceftiofur for use in cattle and pigs.
In cattle, Ceftiocyl can be used for the treatment of respiratory disease, acute interdigital necrobacillosis and acute post-partum metritis. In pigs, Ceftiocyl is licensed for the treatment of respiratory disease. Ceftiocyl has the added benefit of traceability stickers which are attached to each vial making it easier and quicker to record and monitor on-farm usage.
Susan Mitchell, Large Animal Product Manager at Vetoquinol UK Ltd said, 'We are delighted to be expanding our large animal anti infective range offering. Marbocyl 10% has been used for acute mastitis in the dairy sector for many years, the addition of Ceftiocyl to our portfolio enables us to provide a cost-effective treatment for both metritis and lameness.'
1. Willshire, J.A. & Bell, N, J. (2009) An economic review of cattle lameness. Cattle Practice 17, 136-141.
Vetoquinol UK Limited has launched Kefloril, containing 300mg/ml florfenicol for use in cattle and pigs in 100ml and 250ml vials.
In cattle, Kefloril is licensed for preventative and therapeutic treatment of respiratory tract infections. In pigs, Kefloril is licensed for the treatment of acute outbreaks of respiratory disease. Kefloril has the added benefit of traceability stickers which are attached to each vial, designed to make it easier and quicker to record and monitor on-farm usage.
Vetoquinol says the addition of Kefloril to its anti-infective domain provides a cost-effective treatment for respiratory cases this winter.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that Metricure is now back in stock and available from the veterinary wholesalers with immediate effect.
Metricure is the only licensed intra-uterine antibiotic for the treatment of endometritis and is specially designed for the anaerobic intra-uterine environment.
The company would like to thank the profession for its patience and understanding, and looks forward to supporting vets striving to improve fertility on clients' farms.
Please contact the Intervet/Schering-Plough Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685 if you require any further information.
Guillaume Fournié and Dr Javier Guitian from the Royal Veterinary College - working with colleagues from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College - have developed a model to understand how live bird markets act as a "hub" of infection for domestic poultry and if rest days, during which such markets are emptied and disinfected, may reduce transmission.
The results are published today in Interface - the Journal of The Royal Society. PhD student Guillaume Fournié, who led the research, said: "Live bird markets can be a reservoir of infection for domestic poultry and may therefore be responsible for sustaining H5N1 HPAI virus circulation.
"Compared to interventions applied in farms - such as stamping out and vaccination - our model shows that frequent rest days are an effective means with which to reduce H5N1 HPAI infection rates. Furthermore, our model predicts that full market closure - as has been implemented in some countries such as Egypt and Vietnam - would only be slightly more effective than rest days to reduce transmission of the disease."
The models used in the study are based on the live bird market chain in Hong Kong and the analysis restricted to chickens. Fournié, who qualified to be a vet in Alfort in his native France, was awarded fully-funded studentships (tuition fees and a living allowance) in 2007 by The Bloomsbury Colleges - a consortium of six colleges of the University of London: Birkbeck, IoE, LSHTM, RVC, School of Oriental and African Studies, and The School of Pharmacy - to conduct the research.
Since December 2003 outbreaks of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPA1) affecting domestic poultry have been reported in 50 countries across the world. Massive economic losses and the pandemic threat make H5N1 HPAI one of the greatest current public health concerns.
A full copy of the report can be seen in Interface at http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is now supplying Cepravin dry cow antibiotic treatment in a new 'flexi-cap' tube which offers two ways of infusing the product into the cows' teats.
According to the company, the new cap is easier to remove and can be quickly flicked off with a fingernail, whilst the shorter, thinner nozzle option may reduce the chances of damaging the teat canal and teat end. Farmers can be assured that administering Cepravin dry cow therapy with a shorter, thinner nozzle still delivers the antibiotic where it needs to be, and at the correct dose.
Jennifer O'Connor, vet adviser at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "The teat canal is a vital barrier to infection. A gentle infusion technique is essential to avoid causing damage, reducing its ability to close properly and form a keratin plug to help keep infection out. We are delighted to be introducing an innovative development for one of the UK's most widely used dry cow tubes."
To mark today's European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2010, the British Veterinary Association is warning veterinary surgeons in the UK that failure to use antimicrobials responsibly could result in their use being restricted.
The BVA promotes the responsible use of antimicrobials and last year published a poster and guidance for vets: 'Responsible use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice: the 8-point plan'. According to the association, the poster received very positive feedback from across the UK and from the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE).
Concerns regarding resistance to antimicrobials and antibiotics span both the human and animal medicine fields and in 2008 the Chief Medical Officer called for a ban on the use of certain types of antibiotics in animals in order to protect their activity in humans.
Furthermore some EU Member States already restrict the availability of antimicrobials to veterinary surgeons and adopt a strict formulary approach to the medicines that they can prescribe. The BVA says it is concerned that this trend will reach the UK and the freedom of vets to prescribe according to their clinical judgement will be restricted.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "Antimicrobial resistance is an enormous problem for both human and animal health. As veterinary surgeons we have a duty to use these medicines responsibly for the good of animal health and welfare as well as public health.
"The BVA's poster on responsible use should be displayed in veterinary practices across the UK as a constant reminder, and I would urge all vets to refer to it.
"Failure to heed the message of responsible use could result in vets losing the right to prescribe certain medicines, which could have a significant impact on animal health and welfare.
"On Antibiotic Awareness Day our message to vets is clear: use them responsibly or lose them."
Animalcare has launched Florgane, a novel, patented, long acting florfenicol 300mg/ml suspension which the company says has significant advantages over existing organic solvent-based florfenicol products on the market when used for the treatment and prevention of bovine respiratory disease (BRD).
Florgane is an aqueous, low viscosity advanced formulation, which, claims Animalcare, means that it is easier to inject even at temperatures as low as 5°C. Low temperature syringeability is important, as a large number of calves may need to be treated during colder weather at a time when the challenge from infectious agents is greatest. A syringeability study apparently demonstrated that Florgane is up to five times faster to administer when compared to the leading florfenicol non-aqueous formulation.
A paper on the treatment of naturally occurring respiratory disease with Florgane was presented recently at the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) Congress in Torquay. According to the company, the multi-centre field studies in Belgium, Germany and Italy, in over 400 cattle with bodyweights ranging between 73-180kg, demonstrated that Florgane given by a single intramuscular injection, at a 25% lower dose of 30mg/kg, is as efficacious as non-aqueous florfenicol 40mg/kg administered by subcutaneous injection, measured by treatment success and relapses.
Post mortem examination at day 27 (meat withdrawal of 37 days) confirmed that, despite being given via the intramuscular route, Florgane is well tolerated at the site of injection due to its aqueous base and physiological pH. Maximum volume per injection site is 15ml allowing calves up to 150kg to be treated.
Animalcare adds that a further advantage of Florgane is that it persists in plasma above the MICs for the three most common pathogens for significantly longer than conventional extended action 300mg/ml florfenicol solution preparations - thereby prolonging bacterial killing time. Therefore, owing to its improved bioavailability and excellent pharmacokinetics, Florgane can be given at an easy to remember dose of 1ml per 10kg.
Tony Liepman, Marketing Manager at Animalcare said: "Using Florgane will result in faster administration, resulting in less stress for the calves and a saving in time and money for the farmer."
Florgane is presented in polypropylene 100ml and 250ml multi-dose vials with a three year shelf-life.
For more information, visit www.animalcare.co.uk
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has produced a new medicine record book to help producers effectively document animal health product usage, to coincide with the cattle pneumonia season.
The Resflor-sponsored booklet incorporates space to record all the necessary information to comply with legislative requirements.
Intervet/Schering-Plough livestock veterinary adviser Paul Williams MRCVS said: "If you are in the business of rearing, producing or treating farm animals that will end up as food for human consumption, you must keep a record of any veterinary medicinal product you give or treat them with.
"You must also keep proof of purchase of all veterinary medicinal products and keep all your records for a period of five years. A format for keeping all these records is set out in this book."
To order Resflor medicine record books to give your clients, ring: 01694 731777
Scientists at the Royal Veterinary College, contributing to a programme to tackle some of the most harmful and widespread endemic diseases that commonly affect farmed animals in the UK, have developed a severity estimation calculator for post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS).
Post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is a common disease of young pigs in the U.K. It is extremely debilitating, causes considerable suffering and poor welfare, and has a high mortality of up to 30%. It is estimated that the disease costs the UK farming industry £30m per year.
The £2.4m project - headed by Professor Dirk Werling from the Royal Veterinary College and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through its "Combating Endemic Diseases For Farm-Animal Sustainability" programme (CEDFAS), the British Pig Executive (BPEX), and two industrial partners, Pfizer Ltd (UK) and BioBest - aims to identify why PMWS occurs and to develop new methods of controlling the disease.
One key-component of the project is the direct involvement of British pig farmers, thereby guaranteeing that pigs in Britain will be the first to benefit from this research, while collaboration with a major international pharmaceutical company will ensure that new veterinary products will be made available to pig farmers worldwide.
Now, two members of the team, Dr. Barbara Wieland and Pablo Alarcon-Lopez, a second year PhD student, have developed a novel approach to quantify severity of PMWS based on morbidity and mortality data and presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). They applied factorial analyses, using data collected from 147 pig farms in England to identify variables contributing to variation in PMWS severity in a biologically meaningful way.
Together with other known variables linked to PMWS, the resulting factors were used to derive an algorithm for PMWS severity. The derived algorithm was used to develop a PMWS severity calculator, which now can be used by farmers directly to assess the PMWS severity on their own farm (http://www.bpex.org.uk/articles/300874).
The levels of PMWS severities identified on farm level can now be used to identify risk factors related to the different severity-categories, to assess the efficacy of PCV2 vaccination and to investigate the economic impact of potential control measures on a farm.
Hipra, a veterinary pharmaceutical company with subsidiaries in 19 countries, has opened in the UK and launched Eficur (ceftiofur hydrochloride).
Eficur is a ready to use injectable suspension for the treatment of bacterial respiratory disease associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histhophillus Somni in cattle and additionally Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, Streptococcus suis and others in swine.
Eficur is also licensed for the treatment of acute interdigital necrobacillosis (panaritium, foot rot) and the bacterial component of acute post-partum (puerperal) metritis in cattle.
Eficur is available in a presentation of 50 ml, 100 ml and 250 ml. The 250 ml presentation also includes an innovative unbreakable protector.
For further information please contact: Hipra UK on 0115 812 0499 or uk@hipra.com, or visit www.hipra.com
Janssen Animal Health has produced a new DVD called 'Fluke: That's a Fact', which is available free from the company.
The 18 minute film features TV presenter Michaela Strachan discussing the big issues surrounding fluke in sheep, such as the effects on productivity and fertility and the need to adapt treatment regimes to reflect the current challenge in the environment, weather patterns and the possibility of resistance to commonly used flukicides. There is also a section on Haemonchus, the Barber's Pole worm, as the parasite has been reported in a number of farms in the last few years.
According to the company, fluke is becoming increasingly common and is moving into new areas of the UK. There is increasing evidence that a single autumn / winter dose of flukicide may not always be enough to control the disease on some farms and more frequent dosing programmes are now often proposed that look more long term to reduce the level of the disease on farms, especially on those farms with high infection pressure. The film clearly explains these different approaches and the benefits of treating at various times of the year.
Janssen's Livestock Marketing Manager Nigel Underwood hopes the film will be a great educational tool that will help both farmers and SQPs better understand the disease: "With ten easy to watch sections, people will be able to listen to the whole story or just dip into those areas where they feel they need to know more. With her long standing interest in the countryside and wildlife, Michaela Strachan was the perfect choice to present what can be a rather complex story and I'm sure everyone will enjoy her clear explanation of the facts."
To request a DVD or for further information, please contact Janssen Animal Health, 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4EG. Tel 01494 567555 Fax 01494 567556 Email: ahealth@its.jnj.com www.janssenanimalhealth.com/uk
BCF has announced upgrades to the Easi-Scan bovine ultrasound scanner which include improved image quality and additions to the BCF Universal Googles (BUGs) range.
The BUGs range now includes a new LCD model and a monocular version. According to the company, the LCD version provides a softer, more familiar image and considerably lower price, while the monocular version is ideal for the small percentage of people that struggle to see a single image in a binocular style goggle.
John Dawson from Willows Veterinary Group, Cheshire said: "The LCD BUG has a softer image which I prefer. They give more differentiation of echogenic grading allowing more detail to be seen. When I first used them I thought they were going to be more expensive, but to get a better image at a lower price I was astonished."
Gavin Mitchell from BCF said: "These new product developments for Easi-Scan and BUGs are a great illustration of how we are committed to responding to our customers' feedback, opinions and recommendations. At BCF, we design, develop and manufacture our own equipment. It is so important to continually work closely with our customers, to continue to create world-leading ultrasound equipment."
For more information visit www.bcftechnology.com
Merseyside police are urging members of the public and veterinary practices to exercise caution following the theft of some prescription veterinary medicines from a commercial vehicle in Prescot.
The missing medication is around ten 100ml bottles of Micotil, a prescription-only veterinary medicine used to treat respiratory problems in cattle and sheep, but which could prove fatal if taken by humans.
The drug, which was packaged in cardboard with Spanish labelling, was stolen from a lorry that had parked last Thursday night on an industrial park at Caddick Road, Prescot, prior to making a delivery to a company in Speke.
PC Dufton-Kelly of Huyton Police Station's Crime Management Unit said: "We believe this was simply an opportunist theft, which has left the offenders with a rather unusual product on their hands, with little or no opportunity for gain.
"We would like to alert the veterinary industry, particularly in the Merseyside area, in case the goods are handed in or offered for sale. The drugs could present a danger to the public if they fall into the wrong hands."
Anyone who finds the drugs is asked to contact their nearest police station via 0151 709 6010. Anyone with information about the theft can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.
London's Savile Row was turned into a sheep field today, to highlight The Campaign For Wool; a coalition of industry groups convened by HRH The Prince of Wales to educate consumers about the benefits of wool.
As the sheep grazed, the Row's famous tailoring houses held events where the public could find out more about the natural, sustainable qualities of wool.
Douglas Cordeaux, Managing Director of West Country woollen mill Fox Brothers, one of the organisations behind the promotion said: "We have a collective responsibility to champion this versatile, sustainable and natural fibre, the production of which involves far lower carbon emissions than man‐made alternatives. We need to support farmers who are the custodians of our rural landscape and truly value the qualities of this wonderful resource, which is used to weave the finest luxury cloth you can buy."
John Thorley of the Campaign for Wool said: 'I'd like to see wool re-established as a fibre of consequence where workers get paid properly and people recognise that this animal is useful to the farming sector in a multitude of ways.'
For more information, see www.campaignforwool.org and www.savilerowfieldday.com
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Ketodale, an anti-inflammatory injection for cattle, horses and swine.
Ketodale contains the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen 100mg/ml. It is indicated for use in cattle and swine for diseases associated with inflammation, pain or fever. In cattle these include respiratory diseases, mastitis, osteoarticular and muscular-skeletal disorders, such as lameness and arthritis, and to ease pain post parturition. Ketodale can be used to treat swine suffering from Mastitis Metritis Agalactia (MMA) Syndrome and respiratory tract infections.
In horses, Ketodale is indicated for diseases affecting the osteoarticular and muscular-skeletal system associated with pain and inflammation. These include naviculitis, arthritis and laminitis. It can also be used for post-surgical inflammation and symptomatic therapy of colic and fever.
Ketodale is available in 50ml and 100ml vials.
To coincide with the product's launch, Dechra is carrying out a direct marketing campaign. Practices can take advantage of a special launch offer where they can purchase four vials and get a fifth free. The offer is available for a limited period only.
To find out more about Ketodale, call Dechra on 01743 441 632 or visiting www.dechra.com
Novartis Animal Health UK has announced that it is committed to maintaining a reliable supply of Bovidec BVD virus vaccine throughout the coming season.
The announcement comes following concerns surrounding the availability of BVD vaccines. Novartis Brand Manager Eugene Smyth said: "We have been in discussion with the regulatory authorities to try and ensure we can meet the demand over the coming months and we have a large team of territory managers and technical services veterinarians dedicated to supporting our customers through the season".
Bovidec BVD virus vaccine, immunises adult cattle against the BVD Type 1 virus and for active immunisation of calves against BVD Type II virus.
Every UK-based veterinary surgeon that registers as a member of www.vetsurgeon.org by 1st November 2010 will be entered into a draw to win an Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi worth £500.
All existing veterinary surgeon members will also be entered into the draw automatically, so there's no need to re-register. Still, you might like to spread the word about the draw amongst colleagues.
Full terms and conditions are available by clicking here.
The British Veterinary Association and British Cattle Veterinary Association have welcomed the launch of the Defra consultation on tackling bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in England, which includes recommendations for badger control in areas where bTB persists at high levels, despite attempts at control using other measures.
The two associations have long argued that bTB cannot be controlled without measures to control the disease in both cattle and wildlife.
In particular the BVA and BCVA have welcomed:
The Associations have noted the expectation that the farming industry will pick up the costs of vaccinating and culling badgers and will consider in detail the Government's proposals for licensing criteria and culling methods.
The BVA and BCVA will be providing a detailed response to the consultation following discussion with members of both Associations.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: "We are extremely pleased that the Coalition Government has made tackling bovine TB such a priority. Both the BVA and BCVA have made the case that this devastating disease will not be eradicated without measures that tackle TB both in cattle and in wildlife.
"We will be looking in detail to ensure that the proposals are as effective and, importantly, as humane as possible.
"Our initial reaction is that the proposals announced by Defra are based on scientific evidence and expert veterinary advice and we strongly support the direction the Government is taking."
Keith Cutler, President of BCVA, added: "It is important that the Government has recognised that there is no single solution to tackling bovine TB.
"Controlling the disease in badgers through vaccination and culling has a role to play, but will only be effective if properly targeted and used alongside all other available control measures.
"The BVA and BCVA are therefore very pleased to see proposals that deliver a package of measures."
Pfizer VPS has launched a 'Pre-Sale Scab Treatment Certificate' so that sheep treated for sheep scab and protected against re-infestation beyond their autumn sale date can be formally certified as such.
A choice of two moxidectin-based treatments are eligible for use, one with 28 days and the other 60 days licensed persistency against the scab mite.
Pfizer VPS vet David Bartram explained that following treatment, the sale date must fall within the persistency window: "The idea is that farmers present their certificate at markets on sale day, then auctioneers announce the scab-protected status during their sales patter. Whether this adds to the sale price will be interesting to find out, but it's sure to be seen as a valuable attribute by buyers who won't need to treat for scab when they arrive home."
Details of the certification process are available from SQPs at animal medicine suppliers. The two eligible treatments are CYDECTIN 1% LA and CYDECTIN 2% LA for sheep.
CEVA Animal Health is giving away a digital thermometer with every purchase of three bottles of Rehydion gel Formula Plus
According to CEVA, dehydration can be a big problem for farmers, causing weakness, scouring and weight loss but Rehydion gel Formula Plus has transformed the management of this common condition. Historically treatments could not be added to milk as the bicarbonate, citrate and the high levels of glucose in the solutions inhibited milk clotting. Rehydion gel Formula Plus, however, helps to maintain a low abomasal pH and guarantees milk clotting.
The company says calves with dehydration and diarrhoea still tend to crave milk, which not only provides vital fluid but is also the best possible source of energy for weight gain. Milk also has many other advantages such as helping with gut healing and providing natural antimicrobial actions. Rehydion gel Formula Plus's high palatability and efficient dilution in milk allows weight gain to continue, even in cases of severe scour.
CEVA also has a leaflet to help farmers minimise the problem of dehydration and diarrhoea in beef and dairy cattle. To order copies and for further information contact your CEVA representative or CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at http://www.ceva.uk.com/
Horiba Medical has announced it is the official exclusive UK distributor of the fully automated Vet abc Plus+ veterinary haematology analyser from scil animal care company GmbH, Germany.
According to the company, the compact Vet abc Plus+ provides a complete blood count (CBC), including 4-part white blood cell (WBC) differential, from only 10 µl of EDTA whole blood, in only 60 seconds.
The Vet abc Plus+ provides pre-installed settings to analyse samples from dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, mice, rats, cattle, pigs and sheep. For dogs, cats and horses, the Vet abc Plus+ provides a 4-part WBC differential blood count, including a differentiation of the leucocytes to identify lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes and eosinophils. Results are available in 60 seconds on screen or can be automatically printed out and transferred to the practice information system or clinical notes. For ease-of-use, the Vet abc Plus+ also incorporates a self-contained reagent and waste system which provides a clean operation whilst being easy to replenish.
Borne from an existing manufacturing partnership, scil and HORIBA Medical already have over 6000 veterinary haematology analysers placed globally. Horiba says the new UK distribution agreement enables UK veterinary professionals to not only procure the Vet abc Plus+ analyser, but also receive expert service and support directly from the manufacturer HORIBA Medical and its team of UK specialists.
For more information, visit: www.horiba.com/uk/medical
Novartis Animal Health is warning livestock producers to keep an eye on the weather, because wet conditions are ideal for fluke to thrive and pose real challenges to cattle and sheep this year, even in areas where there has been little risk before.
Novartis Animal Health veterinary adviser Saul Harvey said: "We are approaching the main season for fluke and with the changes in weather patterns and two previous wet seasons, there is a serious risk of an increase in the fluke challenge this year. The wet spell will also increase worm challenge on pasture as increased moisture allows worm larvae to migrate away from dung pats to be ingested by stock."
Mr Harvey said there were already definite signs of snail activity in regions much further east than before: "The recent rains and warm temperatures at up to 2o centigrade above normal in some parts of the UK will kick off the fluke cycles this year.
"In cattle, liver fluke can lead to falls in milk yield of 500g / day over a 305-day lactation, as well as reduced weight gains of up to 1.2 kg a week in growing cattle. A flukicide that kills all three stages of fluke including immatures should be used in this high risk period, such as Fasinex 240 which is a low volume concentrated formulation and can be given through the floating hook doser for ease of administration.
"Liver fluke also affects the condition and growth of sheep and often leads to "sudden death" in acute cases. The first indication of fluke in sheep may come after slaughter at the abattoir, where damaged livers are often condemned due to liver fluke damage. To avoid these problems a flukicide such as Novartis's Fasinex, that kills all three stages of fluke - early immature, immature and adult - should be used. Fasimec Duo S, with ivermectin, should be used if worm control is also required."
Mr Harvey advised cattle farmers to dose their cows with a flukicide two weeks after they had been housed to clear out all the fluke ingested by the livestock while they were out grazing infected pastures. He said: "It is particularly important that they use a product like triclabendazole (in Fasinex 240) that will kill all stages of fluke after housing, because using an adult-only treatment will leave immature fluke around to continue to cause liver damage and that will affect productivity over the winter period."
Thermo-insulated wellington boots to keep feet warm on farms during winter time are being launched by Bekina of Belgium in the UK and ROI.
Like the Bekina Steplite X boots designed for general farm work, the Thermolite cold weather wellie is moulded from polyurethane rather than traditional rubber or PVC. However, the Thermolite wellie also has extra thick uppers and soles, making them suitable for use by farmers and vets in temperatures down to minus 40C.
Wide fitting for extra comfort, Bekina Thermolites are supplied with a free pair of removable, insulated insoles. They are also available with safety toecaps.
For details Freephone AgriHealth 0800 731 2490,or visit http://www.bekina.be/
Janssen Animal Health has launched a new website providing information on the subject of coccidiosis in calves and lambs: www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com.
The website builds on the findings of an expert workshop on bovine coccidiosis held at the First European Buiatrics Conference, which was facilitated by Janssen. In particular, the site looks at all of the areas that the experts focused on as being especially problematic, including immunity, sources of infection, risk factors, prevention and treatment.
According to the company, arriving at a diagnosis of coccidiosis is not always straightforward: it must be supported by history and clinical signs, as well as evidence of pathogenic species of the Eimeria parasite. Interpretation of oocyte counts can be particularly difficult and results have to be viewed in the context of the farm situation. The site contains explanations about the timing of sampling and how that can impact upon the results.
Janssen adds that treatment has traditionally relied on fluid therapy and the use of sulphonamide drugs but recommendations on the use of more recently introduced treatments such as diclazuril (Vecoxan) focus on single dose treatments administered 14 days after a stress factor - such as moving to a higher risk environment, weaning or transportation. The various treatment strategies including prophylactic and metaphylactic approaches are described for those who have experienced problems with coccidiosis in the past and want to avoid recurrence on an individual farm.
Janssen says the site is an ideal on-line resource for veterinary professionals, SQPs and farmers looking to update their knowledge, seeking a tool that explains the disease in greater depth or just searching for specific information that helps in their own individual situation or with interpretation of a difficult case, www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com/.
Pfizer Animal Genetics is expanding its presence in the UK with the appointment of a dedicated team.
The company says it will use state-of-the-art genetic technology to improve the health, welfare and productivity of animals, and that the move comes at an exciting time for genetic research, as complete sequencing of the bovine genome has resulted in explosive growth of the possibilities.
As well as being able to provide tests addressing parentage (SireTRACE) and traceability (SureTRAK), Pfizer Animal Genetics can also help farmers identify the genetic potential that each animal has to produce tender, well marbled meat and to perform at optimal feed conversion efficiency (GeneSTAR) - vital management information that can improve profitability and enable effective decision making in long term breeding plans.
The company promises there is more to come, with exponential growth in the identification of genetic markers, which will allow the imminent introduction of new tests set to provide much more detailed predictive information about individual animals - all available virtually from birth onwards.
Richard Chew (above right) is Customer Service Manager and the first port of call for anyone with questions about pricing & submission forms, samples and reports. Richard grew up in rural Lancashire and went on to study at the University of Bristol. Since graduation his career has taken him through a variety of scientific and customer facing roles. He has worked for Pfizer Animal Health for six years in the clinical development of vaccines and pharmaceuticals for livestock and is looking forward to the new challenges of the genetics business. Richard is based in Pfizer's Surrey office and can be reached on 08345 3037398 or PfizerAnimalGenetics-EU@pfizer.com.
Mike Marron and Peter Quigley are Dairy Sales Manager and Beef and Sheep Sales Manager respectively and will be the contact points for breed associations, organisations and individuals who want to discuss how genetic assessment and identification can help assure the quality of a breed or herd. Mike has an honours degree in biological and biochemical science and a decade of experience in the animal health industry, with special interests in fertility and calf management. Peter also comes from the animal health industry and is looking forward to continuing the company's work with the Aberdeen Angus Society as well as developing programmes for other beef breed societies.
Mike or Peter will be in attendance at various agricultural shows across the UK including Agrilive, the South West Dairy Show, Surecalf, Agriscot, Thainstone Christmas Classic, the Welsh Winter Fair, The Great Yorkshire Show and the Northern Ireland Winter Fair, where they will be explaining how genetic testing can make a contribution towards improving the brand value of a breed and shortening the time frame to allow better management decisions to be made.
Dr Gary Evans is Technical Services Manager and will be providing detailed advice on how to improve pedigree herd books, the interpretation of results of genetic testing and detection of certain genetic diseases. Gary is a geneticist with fourteen years experience in the application of genomics to livestock and joins Pfizer Animal Genetics from PIC/Genus.