The exact definition of longevity varies among studies, with productive life often discussed as the time a cow remains in the herd from first calving until culling or death (Brickell and Wathes, 2011;...
Infected animals excrete high quantities of virus during primary infection. BoHV-1 is mainly spread directly by close contact between animals (Figure 1). It can also be shed from the reproductive...
There are two broad strategies that a host may use to manage the impacts of infection. The first, and more familiar, is resistance, which is the ability of the host to prevent infection or reduce...
Examination of each ram should be carried out and the findings should be recorded. The Sheep Vet Society (SVS) provides a useful template ‘Pre-breeding examination on farm data collection form’ (SVS...
The liver fluke life cycle takes around 20 weeks to complete and requires a snail intermediate host (Figure 1). Mature flukes (Figure 2) reside in the liver of the definitive host. Fluke eggs are...
The studies summarised here reported variable and even contradictory associations between postpartum blood calcium concentrations and milk production. These associations, as well as some of the...
Personal protective equipment is required; typically consisting of disinfectable wellington boots (with the option of steel toe capped variants available), waterproof trousers and top (the author...
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious virus. Transmission occurs through direct contact, airborne particles and contaminated surfaces, with clinical signs...
The principal benefit of carrying out selective treatment of clinical mastitis is in supporting the One Health approach to the responsible use of antibiotics through the reduction of antibiotic use...
The mucosa is the largest component of the immune system, providing a first line of defence against encountered pathogens. The gastrointestinal mucosa is highly specialised and, uniquely, needs to...
Mature herpes virions vary from 120–260 nm in size. The core of the virion comprises double-stranded DNA held inside a 115–130 nm icosahedral capsid. The nucleocapsid is surrounded by a dense...
Taking a thorough history is important, either before arrival on farm or animal-side, before clinical examination. This can provide insight into the owner's knowledge of, and worries about, the...