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Tackling cattle diseases the focus of open day

Farmers are invited to attend an open day examining health and production in the beef herd.

The event, organised by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales at the Rhug Estate in Corwen on November 6th, will focus on Johne’s and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD).

Dewi Hughes, HCC’s Project Executive, said: “We are pleased to work with the Premium Cattle health Scheme (PCHS) to further raise the awareness of how to control these diseases, and how to eradicate the problem.

“This open meeting will provide an excellent opportunity for farmers who are already involved in a health programme to further understand how to maintain a high health status within their herds.

“It also provides those farmers who are considering starting a health programme to gain a better understanding of disease control and the benefits that a high health status brings to the farm enterprise.”

Ian Pritchard of SAC Consulting, who will also be at the event, said: “BVD is responsible for significant losses in the beef herd and impacts on reproductive traits in the cow and on the health of the calf.

“Cost effective control measures for BVD will result in improved herd output, both physically and financially. Proving that herds are free from the BVD virus can aid the sale of store stock and increase the value of breeding stock.

“Johne’s disease will result in the loss of high value young stock from the herd since there is no treatment,” he said. “If breeding animals in your own closed herd or animals for sale, it is vital to ensure that they are of an acceptable health status.”

The event on the Rhug Estate, off the A5 west of Corwen, starts at 11am on Tuesday, November 6th. Visitors, who have been asked to ring HCC on 01970 625050 to register for catering purposes, will also have a chance to examine the estate’s cattle where the main finishing unit is based.