Intervet tries to tackle abortion problem

With lambing just around the corner Intervet has launched two initiatives to tackle abortion.

Firstly to help farmers identify ewes exposed to toxoplasmosis, the company has launched Barren EweCheck. Farmers concerned about high levels of single lambs or barren ewes can contact their vet to take blood samples for free analysis to identify if toxoplasmosis is the cause of barrenness.

Results of Barren EweCheck last year showed up to 73% of flocks had been exposed to the disease – the highest number of exposed flocks ever recorded, explains Intervet’s Debbie Clark.

Toxoplasmosis becomes a problem when ewes get infected during pregnancy, through contact with pasture or bedding and feed contaminated with cat faeces.

Meanwhile, scanners are also being targeted by Intervet to participate in a nationwide survey on the disease.

Report results obtained from participating scanners will be used to help reduce the incidence of the disease.

An incentive of £10 Marks and Spencer voucher is being offered by Intervet to scanners for every 25 farm reports returned. Scanners interested in taking part in the survey should contact Intervet or call 01908 665050.