It's Your Field Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022 The Veterinary Road Ahead The Russian war against Ukraine is a threat to The landscape of veterinary medicine In the absence of a successor many are global food security. has changed dramatically over the past warming to the idea of selling out to few years and it shows no sign of slowing corporates as has happened in the UK. The Olga Trofimtseva, Ambassador-at- down. The Covid-19 pandemic stretched UK’s vet workforce’s crisis is deepening since Large, Exporters and investors council resources to the very limit with staff in Brexit with a significant drop in EU registrant under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs all sectors of the animal health industry numbers. of Ukraine (insert) describes how the working long hours, going well beyond According to James Russell, BVA Senior Vice Russian war against Ukraine poses the call of duty in an effort to stay normal President “the nose dive in EU registrants serious risks to domestic and global in the abnormal. since Brexit coupled with the soaring food security. Veterinary medicine in Ireland is a regulated demand for veterinary certification is Ukraine are a significant contributor to global food profession and as such the onus on creating a storm shortage in the profession”. security with more than 400 million people in the veterinary practitioners to adhere to the Because of our special relationship with the world depending on grain supplies from Ukraine. ethical and legal framework governing UK many of our veterinary graduates will go (See page 48). the practice of veterinary medicine is to work there for a better work & life balance. increasingly challenging. The veterinary profession is haemorrhaging CONTINUOUS HLB Sheehan Quinn fifth annual report at senior level due to retirements and at highlights the pressure veterinary practices junior level with graduates looking for better VETERINARY are experiencing “heavy workloads, long conditions elsewhere. EDUCATION hours and burnout” are among the key Complying with EU Regulations, national challenge’s vets and veterinary practices in legislation and maintaining premises in FOR VETS & VET NURSES Ireland continue to face. accordance with VCI guidelines are pushing Training Module 1 vets to the limits. Reducing the What is the future for veterinary One major change you will see is veterinary incidence of mastitis practitioners in Ireland? practices move to the Cloud in response to Training Module 2 national legislation. Vets will require help There will always be a requirement for vets and support for this. Moving to the cloud Designing Deworming for both farm and companion animals. The has many benefits in the long term not Equine Plans challenge will be to attract second level least it is more cost effective and can easily students to pursue a career in veterinary integrate with a variety of other practice Essential reading for the Responsible Person medicine which will ensure we continue to management tools such as telemedicine and have quality well motivated graduates that client facing apps. want to make a real contribution to the large Veterinary medicine is one of the toughest animal and companion animal care. professions both mentally and physically HLB Sheehan Quinn fifth annual reports and veterinary professionals are finally highlights the long hours, the unsociable focusing on their own health. Is it time the hours and the low pre-tax earning the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine majority of vets earn, whether they are a (DAFM) as well as the Veterinary Council of junior vet, a senior vet or the owners of the Ireland need to embrace the idea that there veterinary practice. Most practice managers are other well-educated people that can help are over fifty years of age and many are share the burden of work in specific areas? considering an exit strategy. Is there a role for veterinary technicians in our industry? For example, diagnostics will continue to evolve providing results in minutes instead of hours or days. Laboratory technician and other trained staff such as veterinary nurses, Responsible Persons and veterinary pharmacists could play a key role here. Placing more emphasis on a healthy work life balance can greatly increase our overall happiness, job satisfaction and efficiency not to mention mental health. By delegating you take a huge burden off the already under resourced and over worked veterinary profession. The DAFM ought to look more deeply at how to utilise the skillsets of veterinary nurses, Responsible Person, technicians and other advisers when and where possible. This will free up vets to concentrate at what they are trained to do – focus on animal health and welfare and get fairly remunerated for it. IN THIS ISSUE... PREPARE PREVENTING MASTITIS TICKSCONTROLLING PARASITE CLOSTRIDIAL CONTROL FOR BREEDING CHECK LIST It’s Your Field SummerA20T22G/R1ASS DISEASES

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ContentsSummer 2022 / ISSUE 46 Welcome to the Summer edition of Its Your Field Welcome to the summer edition of Its newsletter. Your Field. Temperatures are starting “Effective Blowfly and Sheep Scab to rise which means an increase Control”is addressed by Brendan in tick activity, flies, larval pasture Moran of Hygeia Chemicals and he also contamination and blowfly. highlights the issues of safety in use and Much has changed in the world since disposal of spent dip. our spring edition of Its your Field. The The newly developed Parasite Control front cover story on the fall out from the TASAH was launched earlier this Russian invasion of Ukraine clearly shows year and Maura Langan, Norbrook’s how fragile peace is. My family and I veterinary advisor has an informative have taken in two mothers and their article on interpreting faecal egg count two children and to see first hand the results. Maura’s article is complemented pain and suffering of our guests as they by Sioned Timothy BIAH“Pasture ponder their own future and that of their Management can optimise parasite families fighting in the frontline against control”as we continue to reduce our the tyranny of Vladimir Putin is almost reliance on antiparasitics. beyond comprehension. The bovine breeding season is well Equine specialist Rebecca Watson has a underway and Dr Stephen Butler thought-provoking article on“Exertional of Teagasc, Moorepark shares his Rhabdomyolysis - Untying‘Tying Up’”. extensive knowledge on“Reproductive Antiparasitic resistance is also a growing management in the dairy herd for a concern in equine enterprises. Equine compact calving pattern”. MSD Animal specialist, vet, Siobhan McAuliffe Pasture management can optimise parasite control Health focus on“The pre-breeding has a training module on \"Designing period for a successful breeding season”. Deworming Equine Plans in the new era in cattle at grass. 4 Dr Tom Barragry, consultant with Provita 6-8 Animal Health looks at“Trace elements of parasite control\". Trace elements in pastured cattle. in pastured cattle”while Dr Renee Lodder’s article is on“Trace elements Ticks are particularly active this time The pre-breeding period is critical for a and their effect on cattle fertility”. Kate of year. AHI focus on“Redwater Ingram, Virbac Animal Health looks fever infection in cattle”. Aibhin Finn successful breeding season. 10 at strategic injectable trace mineral 12 supplementation. veterinary specialists and head of Trace elements and their effect on cattle fertility. There are a number of articles on mastitis Clinical Support Team, Village Vets 14 in this edition. Finian Logan, Vet College, looks at“Lymes disease, the pathogens Injectable mineral supplementation – UCD has a timely article on summer and its transmission”. Sharon Magnier, 16 mastitis while Kath Aplin, BIAH, reviews MSD animal health discusses how getting cows back in calf! mastitis treatment protocols and how to make the most out of Boehringer Mastitis “the risk of tick-borne disease”looks a Reproductive management in the dairy herd Therapy Checklist. Pablo Silvia Bolona very interesting article suitable for the from Teagasc provides an article on noticeboard in the waiting room. for a compact calving pattern. “Classification, incidence and prevention measures of mastitis in lactation”. Legal expert, vet & author Dr Lisa Reidy Reviewing mastitis treatment protocols – It is in all our interest to reduce our (Geraghty) has an informative article reliance on antimicrobial usage. Caroline \"Succession planning in veterinary more the just “which tube?” 18 Garvan, Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the DAFM article practices- value or values\". With the new Classification, incidence and prevention measures “Reducing the incidence of Mastitis – a EU regulations kicking in the sharing of One Health”attracts CVE credits as well as information of clients needs to be done of mastitis in lactation. 20 clearly defining responsible prescribing of antibiotics in line with EU legislation in compliance with Data Protection HPRA. 22 and the One Health concept. legislation. Anita Murphy of Data Aurelie Moralis, Zoetis Ireland focuses Protection Solved has important tips to Training Module I 24-25 is on“Clostridial diseases, predisposing share with you. factors and clinical signs”this article 10 out of 10 protection required to combat clostridial disease. 26 could be included in the practice Olga Trofimtseva, Ambassador-at-Large Effective blowfly & sheep scab control. 28 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 30 Ukraine gives a unique insight into“The The role of FEC in devising responsible parasite control Russian war against Ukraine is a threat to global security”. strategies for cattle during the early grazing season. The only thing necessary for the APHA Affairs. 32 triumph of evil is for good men to Training Module I 34-35 do nothing - Edmund Burke. 36-37 Equine Nursing. Editor: [email protected] How can the risk of tick-borne disease be reduced. 38 Sales/Marketing: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries: [email protected] Lyme Disease – An Irish perspective. 40 Technical Editor: Dr Theo De Waal, UCD. It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Ind Estate Summer Mastitis. 42 Tuam Road, Galway. Tel 091 773734 FAQ. 44 Disclaimer: It’s Your Field. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden except with prior permission in writing from It’s Your Field. The Succession Planning in Veterinary Practice – Value or Values? 46 opinions expressed in this journal are those of the writers and services offered by advertisers are not endorsed by It’s Your Field. While every effort is made AHI. 47 to ensure accuracy, It’s Your Field accepts no responsibilty for any effects from errors or omissions. It’s Your Field is not able to provide instant replies The Russian war against Ukraine is a threat to global food 48 to correspondence or phone calls, and cannot guarantee a personal reply. It’s security-food terrorism must be stopped! Your Field reserves the right to cut or edit letters for reason of clarity or space. Letters not intended for publication should be clearly marked. Product Focus. 49 Top 8 tips which will help your business to comply with data 50 protection legislation. It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 3

Pasture management can optimise parasite control in cattle at grass Sioned Timothy | Technical Services Manager | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Practicing good pasture management alongside targeted worm treatments can reduce the parasite load in cattle and on pasture. Prioritising selected paddocks, using silage aftermath, and restricting access to high-risk areas can all help reduce parasitic challenge in cattle and optimise productivity. It is almost impossible to completely eliminate parasites from a grazing system Paddock management and grazed cattle will inevitably be exposed to production-limiting parasites at some point in their life. Thinking ahead and planning paddock use over the grazing period can reduce the Parasites are present on pastures nearly all year round and their lifecycles are risk of productivity loss, particularly in youngstock at the highest risk of parasitic dependent on their hosts, including cattle and other species, being present on disease. that pasture. Map grazing use by paddock and cattle group, grazing history and parasite risk, However, it is not the presence of parasites that is the main cause for concern. when aftermaths will become available, and when groups of cattle can be moved Not all cattle exposed to parasites will suffer from clinical disease, but a parasite there. burden can significantly reduce an animal’s productivity and profitability Low-risk pasture, such as paddocks not grazed by cattle the previous season, or throughout her lifetime. current season silage aftermath, is a good option for first- and second-season One of the most effective methods to reduce parasite load in cattle is to practice grazing heifers. These animals are generally naïve to parasite infection and more good pasture management. likely to suffer from clinical disease when faced with a high parasite burden. Preventing over-grazing is also important to reduce parasite infection, since 80% of parasites are concentrated in the first 5cm of grass1. Moving cattle from pasture before it is eaten down to an extreme by strip grazing and rotating pastures will to help reduce the parasite burden in grazing cattle. Timing of pasture use also plays a part in parasite infectivity. The mid-summer rise in gutworms can generate significant burdens in susceptible cattle from June onwards. The risk of infection can be lessened by moving these cattle to cleaner pasture, such as silage aftermaths, at this time. Preserve refugia © Rebecca Dawson Parasite load in individual animals can be reduced by lowering the stocking density, where sufficient grazing allows. Fewer animals per hectare reduces the need for cattle to graze close to dung pats, where there will be a higher proportion of infective parasite larvae. Refugia is a term used to describe a sub-population of worms that are not exposed to an anthelmintic when a treatment takes place. Refugia can be present on pasture as eggs and larvae, but also in untreated cattle. Refugia is a vital part of anthelmintic-resistance management, since it helps to maintain a diverse worm population, ensuring that anthelmintic-susceptible worms are present on the farm, to reinfect cattle after treatment, and dilute any resistant worms that have survived. Ultimately, this helps to ensure the prevalence of resistant genes is maintained at a low level, and treatments remain effective. Pasture is an important source of refugia, because parasites can exist here without being affected by worm treatments given to cattle. One of the most effective methods to preserve refugia is to keep cattle on the same grazing for a period after treatment.‘Dose and move’strategy is highly likely to result in a loss of refugia on the pasture. Another method is to leave a proportion of the best performing animals untreated. Growth monitoring of individual animals can be a useful indicator of potential parasite burden and the need for treatment. Where youngstock are failing to meet their growth targets over the grazing season, despite adequate nutrition, a worm burden is the likely cause. Assessing growth rates on a regular basis will allow you to identify the animals Climate control © Rebecca Dawson that are achieving growth targets and many not require treatment. Gutworm development is influenced by climatic conditions, with warm, wet weather typically increasing the risk to cattle. Lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus) is also more prevalent later in the summer, from July onwards, where heavy rain can increase the likelihood of larva dispersal from dung pats. Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is found in higher numbers near to slow-moving and standing water, typically found around water troughs, gateways and in fields with low-lying areas. This is predominantly due to its intermediate host, the mud snail, requiring these conditions. Understanding these climatic-based risks helps to identify when and where to move cattle, when the threat of infection increases. Speak to your vet for more information about integrating grazing management techniques with appropriate anthelmintic treatments, to reduce productivity losses from parasites. An integrated approach which capitalises on the rapid onset protection against respiratory viruses provided by mucosal vaccines, even in young MDA-positive calves, and the longer-term protection offered by subsequent administration of a full primary course of an injectable vaccine enhance the resilience of calves to infection minimising the impact of respiratory disease health and productivity. References 1. Herd, R. (1985) Strategies for Nematode Control in Cattle. Modern Veterinary Practice. 66:10, 741-744 © Rebecca Dawson 4 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

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Trace Elements in Pastured Cattle Dr Tom Barragry PhD, MSc.MVB, MRCVS Dip ECVPT (Registered Specialist in Veterinary Pharmacology) In terms of supply of trace elements, the grazing season is a Trace elements have a multiplicity of roles and functions and are particularly crucial time because it coincides with the periods crucial for the physiological health and well-being of the animal. of high physiological demands of lactation, conception, and They are necessary to maintain body function, to optimise pregnancy. It is indeed a particularly important time to consider growth and reproduction and to stimulate immune response and trace mineral and vitamin supplementation as pasture often therefore determine the overall health status. Even a very slight has a deficient supply. Housed cattle are usually supplied deficiency of trace minerals can cause a considerable reduction with concentrates fortified with trace elements. This is not in performance and production. Many trace minerals have very necessarily the case with pastured cattle who also have specific but often multiple roles especially on immunity, enzyme the added physiological stresses and demands of lactation, reactions metabolism hormonal status, blood parameters and peak lactation, and pregnancy. The physiological role of tiny fertility. Trace element and vitamin deficiencies can adversely amounts of trace elements in the pastured animal is often affect performance, fertility, and profitability in cattle. underestimated and their presence in herbage in adequate amounts is often taken for granted. In the absence of clear signs The four most commonly described trace element deficiencies of trace element deficiency, it is commonly assumed that intake in cattle which will impact adversely on fertility are copper, is adequate. However, trace element deficiencies do not always selenium, cobalt and iodine. Trace element deficiencies can present as clinical conditions but rather fly under the radar be inherent (low concentrations in soil) or induced (high as a subclinical deficiency, and while not showing observable concentrations of inhibitors in soil/plants). signs, they can nonetheless result in reduced productivity or conversion rates in cattle. This ultimately leads to increased Copper costs for the farmer. Adequate copper intake is critical for fertility, growth, bone development, blood formation, immunity, and hair pigmentation in cattle. Signs of primary copper deficiency (low level in soil/herbage) include poor growth, reduced fertility, low ovulation rates, and increased susceptibility to disease. In more extreme cases of copper deficiency, signs include loss of hair pigmentation, rust coloured coat in cattle and bone abnormalities. Diarrhoeas, infertility and discoloured hair on the coat and eyes occur in adult cattle. At pasture, the dairy cow is faced with especially high mineral Copper deficiency in cattle demands due to her lactation and reproduction status. Many Secondary copper deficiency can be caused by high soil levels pastures in Ireland are deficient in copper, cobalt, selenium, of molybdenum, sulphur and iron which can block uptake and and iodine. Modern farming practices such as heavy use of absorption of copper. nitrogen, liming and slurry spreading have further worsened trace element deficiencies on grass. In addition, the nature of the herbage, clovers and inhibitory substances in the soil and plants (molybdenum) can block the adequate uptake of trace elements. Deficiencies can often be highly localised or widespread depending on a number of factors including, soil type, ph., herbage, fertilisers, and soil inhibitors. Interestingly, in major grassland surveys carried out many years ago (1990- 94) by Teagasc researchers (P.AM .Rogers et al) it was seen that copper (Cu) was deficient in 63% of Irish grass, selenium (Se) was deficient in 72%, and iodine (I) was deficient in 93% of Irish grass. Mineral deficiency conditions may be expressed either in Copper is vital to numerous body physiological functions such a clinical form (symptoms present) or in a sub clinical form as haemoglobin formation, iron absorption and mobilization, (absence of symptoms). The subclinical form is the most and connective tissue metabolism via copper’s involvement in common and the most insidious resulting in loss of thrift and enzyme function. Copper deficiency can have an adverse effect loss of productivity over an extended period of time. Common on fertility, with a reduction in first-service conception rates, symptoms include poor growth rates, weak calves, non-specific altered embryonic survival and a reduction in overall pregnancy ill-thrift, or reduced feed intake. An animal’s diet often does not rates. provide adequate levels of trace elements, particularly at certain critical and physiologically stressful periods of the production cycle. Thus, targeted dosing with trace elements and vitamins at these particular periods is often warranted. 6 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

“The results obtained with ProVitaMin were nothing short of remarkable. Of the two ewes flushed that year, one produced 25 embryos which the other produced 19. Subsequent to this 23 of the embryos produced were implanted into commercial recipients leading to 18 lambs scanned. Also used on all the flock, fertility has dramatically improved.” It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 7

Selenium Cobalt Selenium and Vitamin E work together to protect tissues from Cobalt, a blue element, is one of the most common causes of self-oxidation and the resultant breakdown of cell membranes deficiency in sheep and sometimes in cattle. It tends to be with ensuing inflammation, disease, and metabolic dysfunction. deficient in peaty soils, and also in stony /rocky soils. Selenium is also essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone. Ingested orally into the gut the microorganisms of the rumen Selenium, together with Vitamin E also plays an important role then use it to synthesize vitamin B12. in immune function and protection from disease. Selenium and This vitamin is responsible for cellular replication especially Vitamin E act synergistically as protective antioxidants within red blood cells as well as other crucial white cells (antibody the body and act to support immune function and antibody producers) of the body. Vitamin B12, and thus cobalt, are development. also essential for DNA synthesis and cell division which are Selenium also plays a role in providing resistance to disease both prerequisites for animal growth and also for the normal and in maintaining reproductive efficiency such as good fertility functioning of nerve tissue. and reduced incidence of retained afterbirth. Other effects Ruminants, especially sheep, are particularly susceptible to of deficiency are increased number of abortions soon after deficiency of B12 because they have very little capacity to store conception, poor calf vigour, and increased number of retained cobalt, so a deficiency significantly affects the production of placentas. Evidence from dairy herds in the US with selenium B12 very quickly resulting in stunting and poor growth. deficiency showed increased incidence of retained placenta If the diet is borderline or inadequate in cobalt, the ruminal from a level of 10% to over 50%. microorganisms may not be able to synthesize adequate amounts of this vitamin. Hence giving vitamin B12 directly may help as a short-term measure to bypass this dietary insufficiency. Trace Elements and Vitamins Boost the Immune System & Counter Oxidative Stress Selenium and vitamin E, acting together, are essential for a healthy immune system and for antibody formation. They thus protect against infection and disease. Vitamin B12 acts together with cobalt to enhance cell reproduction in key body tissues such as the red blood cells and the white blood cells. The white blood cells (leucocytes) are involved in antibody formation. Oxidative Stress Oxidative stress at calving is directly associated with retained placenta (RP), inflammation, mastitis, metabolic disease, and metritis. Selenium and Vitamin E are antioxidants and play a major role here. Treatment of cows with low dose selenium in documented trials has been shown to reduce the incidence of RP from 60% in the control group to 35% in selenium treated groups while treatment with higher doses reduced it further to 22%. Retention of Placenta Vitamins A & C are potent antioxidants (together with vitamin Tak Abnormalities of muscular function are also associated with E). These act to counter oxidative stress and cellular breakdown top selenium deficiency. which occurs during periods of high physiological activity Epr (calving)) and also at stress (peak lactation), or in the post partem with Iodine period when metabolic disorders occur. Oxidative stress can also occur during disease periods in cattle or *M. Reist Iodine is a component of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) at particular times of stress. Beta carotene (precursor of Vitamin Please read which controls normal energy metabolism. Iodine is therefore A) is of particular importance at calving and for healthy calves Manufactu central to a good food conversion ratio and weight gain. The and transition cows. Recent interest in beta-carotene has been Distribute utilisation of iodine in the body also depends on selenium, stimulated by reports that reproductive performance in cattle Legal Cate as selenium is a co factor in the synthesis of thyroid hormone was improved with dietary supplementation of beta-carotene. Deficiency is typically associated with an enlarged thyroid (goitre) and results in late abortions, stillbirth and/or increased neonatal mortality. In cattle iodine is essential for good conception rates, fertility, and growth. Secondary iodine deficiency occurs where rape, roots and other brassicas inhibit the absorption of iodine, but this is more of a problem in sheep. 8 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

Take pride in the achievements of a team at the It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 9 top of their game. Eprizero® contains eprinomectin, a zero milk withhold wormer that drives dairy performance.* *M. Reist, T.D.E. Medjitna, U. Braun, K. Pfister, The Veterinary Record, September 28, 2002, p377-379 Please read the product data sheet and seek advice before use. The dosing programme should be established with your veterinary practitioner, animal health adviser or licensed merchant. Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: Eprizero® 5mg/ml Pour-on Solution for Beef and Dairy Cattle contains eprinomectin 5mg/ml. | 5558-LA(C)-ROI-01/04/22

The pre-breeding period is critical for a successful breeding season Courtesy of MSD Animal Health Team A primary course consists of 2 doses 4 weeks apart given a month pr before breeding with a single annual booster thereafter. Both It is widely recognised that one of the key factors underpinning farm Leptavoid-H and Bovilis BVD can be given at the same time, minimising Trib profitability is fertility performance. Farmers are well aware of the handling and labour involved with administration. typ consequences of poor fertility; increased labour, higher AI usage, less Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is known for causing respiratory Bu replacement heifers generated, less milk produced, increased calving illness in cattle but there is a body of evidence demonstrating negative 18 interval and spread in calving pattern. Comprehensive research from reproductive outcomes such as poor conception rates and abortions Re UCD (Lane 2013) identified two of the most influential factors that (Graham 2013) following infection also. Complete and regular herd mil affected fertility performance on seasonal calving dairy farms to be vaccination for IBR using Bovilis IBR Marker Live is instrumental in a not calving spread and the quality of heat detection. Putting a focus on the herd’s IBR control programme. Vaccination reduces both clinical signs of m drivers of these two key factors prioritises certain farm management and viral shedding in the case of primary infections (Animal Health Leg decisions which will have the greatest impact on making improvements Ireland). Alw this year. Vaccination strategies for IBR, leptospirosis and BVD proactively tackles is s risk associated with infectious pathogens known to reduce herd fertility *W Calving Pattern while maintaining a high health status for breeding. Each farm is **B different so talk to your vet now and make a plan that will mitigate the A compact calving pattern is driven by high submission rates alongside risk in your herd. Us high conception rates both of which have inter-related components. In order for a cow to be submitted for service she must be cycling Heat Detection Methods Fo and the farmer must have a reliable method of heat detection. For Le cows to be cycling, nutrition, energy and health are top priorities after Effective and practical methods of identifying individual cows in heat Em calving. Energy balance in early lactation is likely to be one of the most are essential to good breeding management. Optimal herd observation important nutritional issues affecting subsequent fertility. Setting farm of 20 minutes 5 times a day result in heat detection rates of 90-95% Tribovax-Buto goals around transition management of cows in order to limit the extent (Crowe 2018). This approach requires a high level of labour, skill and and duration of negative energy balance in early lactation requires commitment which can be in short supply on farms today especially regular assessment of body condition score (BCS) to ensure 90% of the considering the advantages of accurate heat detection technology as herd is calving down with a BCS between 3 and 3.25. an alternative. Cow monitoring systems such as SenseHub cow collars or ear tags, measure activity, rumination and eating time to build a Nutrition & Animal Health profile of cow behaviours. Changes in activity associated with oestrus are quickly detected and notification of heat onset is delivered to In relation to achieving high conception rates there are three elements the app where a timeline for optimal service is generated. Research of importance including the cow, the bull and the farm management demonstrates there is ample room for improvement in this area as practices. Cows must be at least 42 days calved, healthy and not the range in heat detection rates on farms of just 30-70% of cows have lost more than half a BCS post calving. In terms of health status, showing oestrus behaviour usually being detected (Crowe 2018). As reducing the risk posed to herd fertility performance by infectious heat detection feeds into submission rates and overall reproductive diseases such as leptospirosis, BVD and IBR should be part of every pre- performance, improvements here through technology are win-wins for breeding program. Leptospirosis infection in dairy cows is associated farmers through reducing labour and eliminating the inconsistency of with reduced fertility performance, poorer conception rates, abortions, manual cow observations. stillbirths (Dhaliwal 1996) as well as the zoonotic risk of transmission Covering the basics well in the pre-breeding period sets up the herd to humans and infection of farm staff. The prevalence of antibodies for successful reproductive performance. Through monitoring of to leptospirosis in unvaccinated Irish dairy herds is high at 79% BCS, nutrition, vaccination programs and improved heat detection, (Leonard 2004) demonstrating a high level of exposure to infection. huge gains can be made in reproductive efficiency and overall farm This justifies vaccination as a control strategy for every dairy herd in profitability. the country. Vaccination for leptospirosis with Leptavoid-H should be Have a conversation with your vet to discuss last year’s breeding season done as a primary course with 2 doses 4-6 weeks apart completed over and what areas you can try improve for this year’s season. two weeks from the planned start of mating with an annual booster thereafter. Leptavoid-H is the ONLY vaccine licenced to protect against References both strains of Leptospira hardjo. • The influence of cow and management factors on reproductive performance of Irish Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a very costly disease that results in seasonal calving dairy cows. Elizabeth A. Lane, Mark A. Crowe, Marijke E. Beltman, Simon significantly impaired fertility performance due to abortions, embryonic J. More. Animal Reproduction Science Vol 141, Issues 1–2, September 2013, Pages 34-41 losses and infertility. The prevalence of BVD in Ireland has been • Bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) in cattle–a review with emphasis on reproductive decreasing year on year but the biosecurity risk of BVD for each herd in impacts and the emergence of infection in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Graham. Irish terms of cattle purchases, boundary fences, personnel and equipment Veterinary Journal 2013, 66:15 must be assessed on a farm-by-farm basis. Vaccination with Bovilis BVD • Reduced conception rates in dairy cattle associated with serological evidence of can help protect the unborn calf from infection. Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo infection. G. S. Dhaliwal, R. D. Murray, H. Dobson, J. 10 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022 Montgomery, W. A. Ellis Veterinary Record (1996) 139, 110-114 • Prevalence of antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in bulk tank milk from unvaccinated Irish dairy herds Nola Leonard, John F. Mee, Sylvia Snijders, Dermot Mackie Volume 57 (4) April, 2004 Irish Veterinary Journal • Reproductive management in dairy cows - the future, Crowe, M.A., Hostens, M. and Opsomer, G. (2018) Irish Veterinary Journal, 71(1) • Animal Health Ireland, https://animalhealthireland.ie/programmes/ibr/

Health Solutions atMSD ANIMAL HEALTH Pasture REPIDOSE THE RIGHT BALANCE CNonOtrWol Flies KILLS WORMS AND with ALLOWS IMMUNITY 12 months Long acting fly control with up TO DEVELOP protection against to 10 weeks** protection from a The ONLY pulse release 10 clostridial single treatment bolus to provide season diseases* long protection against: 3 Lungworms 3 Stomach Worms 3 Gut worms SCAN TO SEE ADMIN VIDEO Tribovax 10 Suspension for injection for cattle and sheep contains C. chauvoei whole culture, and the following toxoids: C. perfringens MSD Animal Health Ireland - Cattle & Sheep type A (α), C. perfringens type B & C (β), C. perfringens type D (ε), C. novyi, C. septicum, C. tetani, C. sordellii, C. haemolyticum. MSD Animal Health Ireland @msd_ah Butox Pour-On Suspension 0.75 % w/v contains 7.5 mg Deltamethrin per ml for topical use. Withdrawal periods: Meat and offal: 18 days; milk: 12 hours. In cases of heavy infestation it may be necessary to repeat the treatment after 4-6 weeks. Repidose Ready Pulse is a cylindrical pulse release bolus device made up of a PVC cap segment, seven individual cells, corroding central alloy core and mild steel end weight of sufficient density to prevent regurgitation. Withdrawal period: Meat & offal: 7 months after administration of the product. Milk: Do not administer to cattle producing milk for human consumption, nor to cattle within 7 months of an expected calving date which precedes the production of milk for human consumption. Legal category: LM Always read the package leaflet or SPC before use. Prior to first time use on a farm, it is strongly recommended that the advice of a veterinary practitioner IE-RED-200400002 APRIL 2020 is sought. *Where 2 doses of Tribovax 10 are part of a primary vaccination and are administered 4 to 6 weeks apart as recommended by SPC. **Butox Pour-On gives 6-10 weeks fly control depending on the degree of infestation, fly species and weather conditions. Use medicines responsibly. It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 11 For further information contact: MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)1 2970220. Fax: +353 (0)1 2970280. Email: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie Tribovax-Butox-Repidose IYF 4-22.indd 1 31/03/2022 16:03

Trace elements and their effect on cattle fertility “Dietary deficiencies in single or multiple trace elements can have profound effects on the reproductive performance of dairy cattle. Infertility, decreased conception rate, anoestrus and delayed onset of puberty in cattle has previously been reported to be associated with clinical copper deficiency and high dietary molybdenum intakes”1. Dr Renée Lodder BVSc, BCom, MRCVS Bimeda Animal Health Ltd. Technical Veterinarian, Europe Trace elements However, these clinical signs are the true tip of the iceberg and in most cases trace element deficiencies are subclinical and not observed by farmers. These Trace elements are an essential component of a feeding program for losses can be costly to a dairy farm where a 1% change in the 6-week calving rate cows and heifers. Trace elements are required in small amounts on a daily basis is associated with losses of €9.26 per annum for cows and €3.51 per annum for for healthy, productive cows and heifers. Copper is important for growth and heifers4. The losses from trace element deficiencies occurs in the forms of: copper dependant enzymes are important for oestrus and energy metabolism. Selenium is required for growth, immunity and fertility. Cobalt is used by the • poor growth rates rumen microbes to make vitamin B12, which is required in growth. Iodine is • lower reproductive results fundamental for thyroid hormones which are involved in metabolism and foetal • lower production compared to their genetic potential development3. In addition, a condition called thiomolybdate toxicity can also look like copper Testing deficiency. The absorption of copper can be significantly reduced by the ingestion of molybdenum and sulphur in the diet2. Molybdenum and sulphur combine When detecting trace element deficiencies, ideally, forage analysis, blood tests in the rumen to form thiomolybdates. These react with copper to form copper and liver biopsies (both live or from the abattoir) would be beneficial to get an thiomolybdates. This means that copper is lost from the animal via excretion in indication of intakes and levels in the animals. Forage analysis is important in faeces3. getting a picture of what trace elements are being supplemented to the animals and whether thiomolybdate toxicity is an issue on the farm. Losses due to deficiencies Replacement Heifers cos Cal With trace elements playing such a critical role in the fertility, productivity and Replacement heifers carry the genetic future of the herd and are vital to any farm, welfare of dairy and beef cattle, it is vital that farmers review their trace element whether they are dairy or beef suckler systems. Achieving high conception rates Glo supplementation, to ensure nutritional requirements are considered and that in the first breeding season increases productivity. Economic returns are also appropriate testing is taking place. Many farmers are aware of the potential for enhanced when heifers conceive well in their second mating season, which can be Date a deficiencies in trace elements such as copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine and are a challenging time. The length of time from calving to the resumption of cycling ever b aware of many of the clinical signs of these: is longer in first-calving heifers than in adult cows. Many herds calve first-calving and se heifers earlier than cows to give them the extra time they need to return to toxicit • coat discolouration oestrous and be cycling with the rest of the herd at the start of the next breeding Anima • hair loss around the eyes season5. • diarrhoea Once puberty is reached, nutrition must be at a level that allows the heifer • white muscle disease to continue cycling, ovulate a viable oocyte (egg), and hold the pregnancy. • retained placentas Nutritional demands of heifers during pregnancy can exceed that of mature cows • weak new born calves because the heifer is partitioning nutrients; for her continuing growth, for foetal • goitre development and in the second breeding season for the increased requirement • lethargy of lactation. Deficiency of energy, protein or trace elements for extended • poor growth periods of time during the first 2.5 years of life will have a negative impact on foetal development, calf viability, milk production, and rebreeding for the next 12 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022 pregnancy5. It is important that heifers reach their weaning, bulling and calving weight targets at the right age each season. (See the Teagasc website for the recommended target weights6.) To finish, there is a lot to think about leading into the breeding season. Nutrition and achieving goal target weights or body condition scores (BCS) for mating are some of the key ingredients in the success of the farm. Assessing trace element levels in all stock classes; young stock, maiden heifers, second calvers and the adult herd, well prior to the breeding season will ensure that action can be taken, should it need to be to, to adjust levels to allow the cattle to meet their genetic potential. References: 1. Mackenzie et al. (2001) The effect of Cosecure on the conception rate and trace element status of dairy cattle. British Society of Animal Production, p1-5. 2. Gould and Kendall. (2011) Role of rumen in copper and thiomolybdate absorption. Nutrition research reviews, 24, 176-182. 3. Grace, Knowles and Sykes. (2010) Managing mineral deficiencies in grazing livestock. New Zealand society of animal production, p203. 4. L. Shalloo, A. Cromie, N. McHugh. (2014) Effect of fertility on the economics of pasture-based dairy systems. Animal, 8:s1, pp 222–231. 5. Larson, R.L. (2007) Heifer Development: Reproduction and Nutrition. Vet Clin Food Anim, 23, pp.53–68. 6. Teagasc website – resources on replacement heifers for dairy and suckler beef. https://www.teagasc.ie/ media/website/animals/beef/Replacement-Heifers.pdf https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/dairy/ReplacmentHeiferManagement.pdf

Cosecure Cattle is Ireland’s only medicinal Legal category: LM medicine multiple trace element bolus which was PROVEN to improve fertility in an independent trial.+ Cosecure provides ionic copper ionic cobalt selenium FOR UP TO 6 MONTHS Also need Iodine? Try our CoseIcure Cattle Boluses. They provide ionic copper, iodine, ionic cobalt and selenium for up to 6 months! Legal category: Complementary dietetic feedstuff cosecureboluses.com Call 01 466 7941 or call General Manager Andrew Glynn on 087 252 5110 Global Excellence in Animal Health Date advert designed: March 2022. Cosecure Cattle is a LM medicine which contains copper, cobalt and selenium. CoseIcure Cattle is a complementary dietetic feedstuff which contains copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine. Nutritional supplementation should only ever be given on the advice of a veterinarian, nutritionist or animal health adviser, where appropriate diagnostics have taken place and a need for supplementation whaitshbmeeannyidceanutsifeies.dW. Whheereredoevfiecrie-snucpiepsliIeitnd’s,ctorYapocpeeure,rlceomFbieaenlttl,sdocraSsneulreemnsiuulmmt ineextroisx2ti,c0oitr2yw;2phaerr/teicmu1loa3lrylybdcoepnpuemr and selenium. Bimeda can be contacted at 2, 3 & 4 Airton Close, Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Ireland, Tel: +353 (0) 1 4667941. *Infertility is a complex issue toxicity occurs, these can contribute to infertility and Cosecure could be a useful aid to address these issues. + Mackenzie, A.M., Moeini, M.M., Telfer, S.B. 2001., The effect of Cosecure on the conception rate and trace element status of dairy cattle. British Society of Animal Production Occasional Publication, 26 (2), 423 – 427. MCR1325.

Injectable Mineral Supplementation- V Getting cows back in Calf! Pre Kate Ingram BVetMed MRCVS, VIR 5698.21 Ruminant Technical adviser , Virbac Animal Health Adequate trace minerals nutrition is vital for reproductive performance in cattle (Paterson and Engle, 2005). A deficiency in copper (Cu) can lead to decreased conception rates, infertility, silent heats and foetal resorption (Hostetler et al., 2003). Zinc-deficient cows appear to display abnormal oestrus as well as experience a decrease in fertility (Underwood, 1981). Manganese deficiency will result in impaired ovulation (Wilson, 1952) and a deficiency in selenium (Se) can lead to cystic ovaries and erratic, weak, or silent heat periods (Hostetler et al., 2003). Supplementing with injectable trace minerals in the pre breeding period could improve fertility in your herd by rapidly raising trace mineral stores which could help to ensure a compact calving pattern. One of the key performance indicators for dairy herd performance and a major determining factor for farm profitability is a compact calving pattern. According to Teagasc, every 1% unit increase in six-week calving rate is worth €8.22 per cow in the herd. For a 100 cow herd, moving from a six- week calving rate of 60% to 90% is worth over €24,000 per year (Teagasc Chapter 40 Dairy cow reproduction). Poor fertility is an issue on some Irish farms and can result in substantial Poor Mineral Absorption losses at farm level. Teagasc research, for instance, has estimated that poor fertility in an Irish Despite the widespread use of herd is costing €100/cow in the herd. Trace minerals are a vital component oral mineral supplementation, of bovine nutrition and trace mineral imbalances have been linked with oral trace minerals are poorly poor fertility in Irish Dairy Herds. absorbed by cattle. Depending The transition period can be extremely challenging for the dairy cow and on the source of the mineral the oral minerals alone may not be enough to ensure your cattle are in optimal level of absorption varies greatly. mineral status for peak fertility. The cow’s levels of some trace minerals Oral supplementation alone can are affected during the transition period, especially around the time of take weeks to raise the mineral parturition. In addition, a deficiency of antioxidant minerals (e.g., Se, Zn, Cu, stores of cattle, which may lead to or Fe) was found to reduce the survival and growth of embryos and foetuses a prolonged calving interval and (Celi, 2011a). repeat services. What about Antagonism? The poor absorption of trace minerals from oral sources is further deteriorated by interactions with other minerals in the rumen called antagonists. Some trace minerals like iron (Fe), sulphur (S) and molybdenum (Mo) can impair the absorption of other essential trace minerals like copper by binding with the copper in the rumen and making it insoluble and unavailable to the cow. In the graph below you can see how increased forage levels of Sulphur and Molybdenum greatly depleted the copper absorption. All oral minerals are subject to the harsh rumen environment so the mineral levels in the feed will not match the mineral levels being absorbed by the cow. Oral Minerals for Maintenance - For peak Performance, INJECT! Increased Demand Oral mineral nutrition is essential for the maintenance diet of cattle but at critical phases of production like pre breeding, the challenges of increased The trace mineral levels in cattle are not static; they change throughout demand, variable oral intake, rumen antagonism & poor absorption of oral the production cycle depending on the demands on the animal. Swenson minerals, mean oral nutrition alone might not be enough to ensure your 1998 - showed the natural decline in trace mineral status of cows in the last cattle are in adequate trace mineral status to ensure your herd meets the trimester of pregnancy as there is an increasing demand for trace minerals target for a compact calving interval. for foetal development. For example, cows having adequate liver copper (Cu) stores pre-calving became marginal by the time of parturition. In the pre calving period even well fed orally supplemented cows can become mineral depleted due to the growing unborn calf. The foetus will increase in weight by 75% and 50% in length in the 3rd trimester and during this period the bulk of the trace mineral transfer to the calf will occur. Even well fed transition cows can deplete their own mineral reserves transferring minerals to the growing unborn calf. Variable Intake During the transition period, from late pregnancy to early lactation, mineral Strategic injectable trace mineral supplementation bypasses the harsh requirement that is needed for foetal growth and milk synthesis increases rumen environment and antagonists, rapidly raise circulating mineral levels dramatically, exceeding the amount the cow can obtain from dietary sources in cattle within 8-10hr and after 24hr key mineral storage organs like the but this issue is further exacerbated by falling intake levels. Prior to and liver show raised mineral concentrations (Pogge et al., 2012). following calving there is a natural fall oral intake levels (usually decreased Pre-breeding supplementation helps to raise not only the trace minerals 30 to 35% during the final 3 weeks prepartum) which means even in well but also the essential enzyme levels in cows rapidly and effectively which fed (orally supplemented) cows, post calving, can be sub clinically, mineral could drastically assist farmers to get cows and heifers back in calf in deficient (Grummer,1995). Thus, oral nutrition alone might not be enough to a tighter calving pattern. Several studies from leading US universities ensure cows have the adequate minerals to go back in calf quickly have researched the potential benefits of injectable trace mineral Getting heifers back in calf can be particularly difficult following calving. supplementation in cows in the pre-breeding period, with improvements in In their first lactation heifers are recovering from their first calving, overall pregnancy and improved calving distribution (Mundell et al, 2012). commencing lactation, trying to conceive once again and all this while (References on request) they are still growing. As a results, heifers can suffer reduced fertility from deficiency due to the increased demand for minerals. 14 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

PreVsectrOipntlyion Prescription Trace Mineral Injection 30 29 Zn Cu High demand pe riods 25 Mn 34 Se Boost trace mineral supply and get cattle ready to perform! Unique combined trace mineral injection Fast acting, convenient and reliable1 Enables strategic top-up of cattle during Shown to improve cattle health, high demand periods performance and immunity2,3,4 References. 1. Pogge, D et al. J. Anim. Sci. 90, 2692–2698 (2012). 2. Machado VS et al. Vet. J. 197:451-6. It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 15 3. Mundell LR et al. The Profess. Anim. Sci. 28, 82–88. 4. Arthington J. et al. J. Anim. Sci 90, 1966–1971. MULTIMIN™ solution for injection for Cattle. IE: POM .Further information on the SPC available from: Virbac Ltd. Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Woolpit, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP. Tel: +44 (0) 1359 243243 Email: [email protected] www.virbac.ie. Use medicines responsibly www.apha.ie VIR 5698.21 Multimin Ad (dairy) A4 JULY'21 AW.indd 1 26/07/2021 16:09

Reproductive management in the dairy herd for a compact calving pattern Dr. Stephen Butler during the breeding period. It is critical, therefore, that cow Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork, P61C996 management during both the dry period and the transition Introduction period is designed to minimise the prevalence of disorders; The objective of pasture-based milk production systems is to if they do occur, cows must be promptly treated. maximise the efficiency with which grazed grass is converted into milk. Grass growth follows a seasonal profile; hence, the Reproductive management for a compact major challenge for reproductive management is to establish calving pattern a calving pattern that matches the timing of peak herd feed demand with peak grass growth in late spring/early A concentrated calving period necessitates excellent summer. Ideally, this involves a compact calving pattern in fertility in the preceding breeding season, and the herd late winter/early spring, a compact breeding period in late fertility targets are summarized in Table 1. Clearly, it is spring/early summer, and all cows having a long lactation important that cows have a prompt resumption of cyclicity (mean ~285 days) before dry-off in early to mid-winter. after calving, quickly resolve uterine infections, exhibit Poor fertility delays peak herd feed demand; the overt behavioural oestrus, and have a strong likelihood of consequence of this include wasted pasture in early spring, establishing and maintaining pregnancy after insemination. inadequate pasture availability in late summer, increased concentrate supplementation, shorter average lactation Figure 1. A schematic outline of the weeks before, during length and a high proportion of cows with a long dry period. and after the breeding season. Fertility targets for seasonal calving systems It is useful to identify the cows that have endometritis 3 to A concentrated calving period necessitates excellent 5 weeks before the breeding season begins, and treat cows fertility in the preceding breeding season, and the herd that are diagnosed as having infection with intrauterine fertility targets are summarized in Table 1. Clearly, it is infusion of 500 mg Cephapirin (Metricure, Intervet Ireland important that cows have a prompt resumption of cyclicity Limited). after calving, quickly resolve uterine infections, exhibit The late calvers (i.e., mid March onwards) will need to be overt behavioural oestrus, and have a strong likelihood of examined closer to the farm mating start date. It is also establishing and maintaining pregnancy after insemination. useful to identify cows that are not cycling in the weeks before breeding begins. Table 1. Fertility targets in seasonal calving systems 1Mating Start Date 2% of cows bred during the first 3 weeks of the breeding season 3% of cows that establish pregnancy during the first 6 weeks of the breeding season 4% of cows that establish pregnancy during a 12 week breeding season Energy balance and BCS It is generally accepted that energy balance (energy consumed minus energy required for maintenance and milk) is a key regulator of reproductive status. During early lactation, the energetic cost of milk production can exceed energy consumed, resulting in a prolonged period of negative energy balance (NEB) and consequent mobilization of body tissue reserves. In a large survey of cow factors that affect fertility in spring-calving dairy cows in Ireland, both likelihood of submission for AI and likelihood of conception were positively related to nadir BCS, BCS during the breeding season, bodyweight gain during the breeding season and 305-d milk protein concentration (Buckley et al. 2003). In addition, it was also noted that 6 week in-calf rate was reduced when cows calved with a BCS >3.0 and subsequently lost >0.5 BCS units (Buckley et al. 2003). Similarly, a study conducted in New Zealand reported that the likelihood of pregnancy establishment at first service, following 6 weeks of breeding or following 12 weeks of breeding was positively associated with nadir BCS and negatively associated with post-calving BCS loss and bodyweight loss after the start of the breeding period (Roche et al. 2007). Calving at the appropriate BCS (3.00 to 3.25) and minimizing postpartum BCS loss (≤0.5 BCS units) are associated with improved reproductive performance. Several studies have highlighted the relationship between the prevalence of transition period disorders and subsequent compromised reproductive performance 16 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

Pre-breeding heat detection can be achieved using tail paint, and once per week identifying the cows with tail paint removed. Alternatively, automated heat detection systems can be used to identify the cows that have not had an increase in activity in the weeks before the breeding period begins. The overarching objective is to maximise the submission rate at the start of the breeding period, and to ensure that all cows are bred at least once using AI before the period of natural service begins. For anoestrous cows and late-calving cows, this can be effectively achieved using fixed-time AI protocols (discussed below). The total duration of the breeding season (AI plus natural service) should be 12 weeks or less. The period of natural service bulls presents a risk of poor reproductive performance, as some bulls may be sub-fertile and have inadequate libido. Hence, it is critical to have sufficient bull power to allow rotation, and bulls should be evaluated for breeding soundness to eliminate infertile bulls. Hormonal control of reproduction Identification of non-cycling cows through pre-breeding heat detection allows a decision to be made as to whether or not there are cows that should be synchronised to be bred at the start of the breeding season. On all farms, the later calving cows provide an additional cohort of cows that could be synchronised to be bred at week 3 or week 6 (or at both timepoints depending on existing calving pattern). Cows should be at least 30 days calved before starting on the 10- day Progesterone-Ovsynch protocol (see Figure 2) Figure 2. Synchronisation protocol for lactating dairy cows. This new follicle wave will include the follicle that ovulates In pasture-based systems, AI is generally carried out after at the end of the protocol. Progesterone causes a potent spontaneous oestrus (observed or detected with heat suppression of oestrus and ovulation, and exposure of the detection aids), but targeted or whole-herd synchronization developing follicle to progesterone improves fertility. (+/- timed AI) can be incorporated into the reproductive Consequently, exogenous progesterone in the form of management to help maximise submission rates. The intravaginal releasing devices is a powerful tool for the objective of synchronisation is to control both corpus purposes of synchronising oestrus and ovulation in lactating luteum (CL) lifespan and the wave-like pattern of follicular dairy cows. An injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) causes growth to ensure that the onset of oestrus and the timing regression of a responsive CL, but ~10% of cows will have of ovulation are synchronised precisely, allowing a single incomplete luteolysis after a single injection of PGF2α, and timed artificial insemination (TAI) without the need for hence a second injection of PGF2α is administered 24 h later. detection of behavioural oestrus. An ideal protocol would Following removal of the progesterone device near the result in synchronous ovulation of a dominant follicle with end of the protocol, the rapid drop in circulating P4 high fertility potential, irrespective of reproductive status or concentrations promotes increased luteinizing hormone stage of the oestrous cycle at the onset of synchronisation. (LH) pulse frequency, causing an increase in oestradiol An example high fertility protocol is outlined in Figure production by the dominant follicle. The final injection 2. Administration of exogenous GnRH at the start of the of GnRH induces an LH surge, and thereby controlling the protocol induces an LH surge, and has effects on ovarian timing of ovulation, allowing fixed time AI. The key times follicle development that depend on follicular status at the when synchronisation can be effectively used are outlined in time of administration. Follicles with a diameter <10 mm Figure 1 (i.e., mating start date for early calvers, week 3 and/ have not acquired ovulatory capacity, whereas follicles ≥ or week 6 for later calvers). 10 mm can ovulate in response to an LH surge induced by exogenous GnRH. This results in both the formation of a Conclusion corpus luteum and new follicle wave emergence within two to four days. Reproductive management has a strong influence on herd reproductive performance, which is reflected in the compactness of the calving pattern in the subsequent calving period. This in turn is a key driver of the number of days in milk, grass utilisation, milk solids production and farm profitability. It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 17

Reviewing mastitis treatment protocols - more than just “which tube?” Ruminant vet Kath Aplin, of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, says that conversations with farmers about mastitis treatment protocols can be an ideal opportunity for vets to get more involved with mastitis treatment as well as to work on preventing new cases. Here we look at how to get the best out of a mastitis treatment review, It’s now widely accepted that an important part of an effective mastitis W using Boehringer’s Mastitis Therapy Checklist. treatment protocol is administering an anti-inflammatory, or NSAID, i Prevention should always be the main focus, but there will always such as Metacam®. Mastitis is a painful condition – even mild cases be cases that require treatment – even on the best managed units, are painful. This is a good enough reason alone to provide pain relief, I and treatment is often what producers will ask vets for help with. A but there’s also evidence to show that using Metacam® alongside checklist approach can help vets and producers work together through antibiotic treatment can improve cure rates3, improve fertility3 and - the various factors that might impact on cure rates and agree on a reduce culling4. - revised protocol. - Firstly, it’s important to establish exactly what is going on. A few HOW TO ADMINISTER LACTATING COW TUBES - difficult-to-treat cases may leave the producer feeling that they’re not on top of mastitis, but that might not accurately reflect what’s FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS Follow these steps every time a cow is treated for mastitis U really going on, so it’s vital to take a look at the data. Clinical case f records may not always be easy to find, but they are normally recorded Administering a lactating cow tube involves breaching the teat end, which brings the risk of introducing infection if not done correctly. somewhere, even if just in the farm diary. Going through the diary and A teat end that looks clean after milking may still have bacteria on the surface, which if introduced into the teat could cause a new case of U putting all mastitis cases from the last 18 months into a spreadsheet mastitis or exacerbate an existing case. m doesn’t take long. Once you have all the cases on a spreadsheet, you’ll A be able to establish not just the incidence of new infections, but also 1 2 34 I the recurrence rate and whether new infections are predominantly r occurring in the dry period or lactation period. You can then start After the cow has been milked, ensure the Gently scrub the teat end with a surgical Inspect the teat end and the swab – if Remove the cap from the intramammary B making some informed recommendations. teats are visually clean (if not, repeat pre- spirit cotton wool swab or one of the teat dirt can be seen on either, repeat with a tube, being careful not to touch the B milking teat cleaning), then put on a clean nozzle. Where the flexicap option is Early detection wipes provided. fresh swab until the swab comes Ubropen_A pair of disposable gloves. away clean. available, just remove the small tip of the Effective mastitis treatment begins with prompt and early detection. cap to reveal the short nozzle. Herds that are not forestripping are likely to miss mild cases of mastitis, 56 7 where clots are present without heat or swelling in the udder. This may 8 not be too much of a problem in herds with a very low incidence, but if there’s a significant problem with mastitis and cure rates are low, time Infuse the contents of the syringe into The quarter can be massaged to Apply a post-milking teat disinfectant. Identify the cow clearly. Allow her to in the parlour spent forestripping cows to detect mastitis early will be a the teat, being careful not to touch the aid distribution. stand for at least 30 minutes to allow sound investment. This will enable the producer to start treating cases the teat canal to close. Fill in mastitis earlier in the course of disease and will help to improve cure rates. teat end. treatment records. The next area to check is tube insertion. Much is, rightly, made of good hygiene practices when administering dry-cow therapy, but An educational service from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd (“BI”). Further information available from BI, RG12 8YS, UK. ©2020. All rights reserved. abcd less so when it comes to treating mastitis in milking cows. A full teat Date of preparation: Feb 2020. BOV-0025-2020. Use Medicines Responsibly. disinfection protocol using surgical spirit and cotton wool, just as when administering dry-cow therapy, is really important for reducing the risk Treatment duration of introducing new pathogens to the udder. For tubes where there’s an option of partial or full removal of the cap It’s important to ensure that producers stick to data sheet to reveal a short or long nozzle, the shorter less invasive nozzle on recommendations when it comes to duration of treatment. For farms the tube should be used to reduce the chance of damaging the keratin with a predominantly contagious mastitis pattern (for example a herd lining of the teat1. with a relatively high cell count and a lot of repeat cases or chronic How often the treatment should be administered will depend on the cows), using a tube with the option for 5 days treatment on label, such tube. Some require twice-a-day treatment and others just once a day. as Ubropen® would be appropriate. Using a tube that’s licenced for once-a-day treatment potentially means Herds with a more environmental pattern might opt for a shorter that the cow is tubed fewer times for a given treatment duration. This treatment duration as their standard therapy for a cow’s first case of should reduce the chance of introducing infection or of damaging the clinical mastitis in a lactation. keratin lining of the teat, which could help to improve the cure rate, as So, finally, we get to the choice of tube itself. The European Medicines well as saving time in the parlour. Some producers fear that milking the Agency recommends a category D antibiotic should always be the first cow removes the antibiotic treatment from the udder, but a product choice whenever possible5. For many Irish herds it will be appropriate that’s licensed for use every 24 hours will disperse into the udder to switch to a narrow spectrum, category D antibiotic such as Ubropen® tissue and milking won’t reduce its efficacy. The active ingredients will as a routine treatment for mastitis. persist in the udder2. Ubropen® provides the flexibility of 3-5 days treatment, once a day, 18 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022 which for some herds could enable cases to be treated for the optimal number of days, without going off label. There are plenty of opportunities to make a positive impact on mastitis cure rates and to work on mastitis prevention. The Boehringer Mastitis Therapy Checklist is a valuable tool to help vets take a systematic approach to mastitis treatment reviews, alongside their farm clients. For a copy of the Checklist, or for more information on Boehringer products, contact your local Ruminant Specialist. References 1: Nickerson (1987) Resistance mechanisms of the bovine udder; new implications for mastitis control at the teat end. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Dry Cow Therapy: 1; 191 (11) 1484-8 2. Goutalier et al. (2013) Distribution of cefalexin and kanamycin in the mammary tissue following intramammary administration in lactating cow. J Vet Pharmacol Ther: 36(1):95-8. 3. McDougall et al. (2016) Addition of meloxicam to the treatment of clinical mastitis improves subsequent reproductive performance. J Dairy Sci: 99(3):2026-42. 4. McDougall et al. (2009) Effect of treatment with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meloxicam on milk production, somatic cell count, probability of retreatment, and culling of dairy cows with mild clinical mastitis. J Dairy Sci 92: 4421–4431 5. EMA (2020) categorisation of antibiotics for use in animals. Available at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/report/ infographic-categorisation-antibiotics-use-animals-prudent- responsible-use_en.pdf (accessed March 2022)

When intramammary penicillin is the treatment of choice IS YOUR WAY FORWARD - Once-daily dosing - The flexibility of 3 to 5 days of treatment - No need for refrigeration - Optimised composition for excellent distribution Ubropen is a convenient and e ective choice for penicillin-sensitive Gram-positive mastitis. Ubropen® 600 mg intramammary suspension for lactating cows contains Benzylpenicillin procaine It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 19 monohydrate. POM-V. IE: POM. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746960 (sales) or 01344 746957 (technical). IE Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries). Email:[email protected]. Ubropen® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. © 2020 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Feb 2020. BIAH BOV-0040-2020. Use Medicines Responsibly. Ubropen_A4_UK+IE.indd 1 18/12/2020 11:19



































RER is a complex disease, there are likely to be several risk factors: Dietary management of RER • Genetics • Feed a low starch, high fibre diet • Age (more prevalent in younger horses) • Ensure daily energy requirements are meeting the • Sex (more prevalent in fillies) training schedule (consult a nutritionist) • Diet (more prevalent in horses on a high starch diet) • Feed little and often (to limit starch intake at each • Temperament (more prevalent in nervous / excitable meal) individuals) • Add oil to the diet if an alternative / extra energy • High level of fitness source is needed • Limited turnout • Ensure that the correct amount of vitamins and • Irregular exercise schedule minerals are provided in the daily ration • High stress environment • Feed an antioxidant supplement (vitamin E / • Lameness selenium / ubiquinol) to support muscle function / recovery and also to reduce cellular damage from Episodes of RER are observed more frequently after horses reach oxidative stress a level of fitness then are restrained to a slower pace. Episodes • Ensure adequate electrolytes are administered after racing occur infrequently (MacLeay et al 1999, McGowan et daily (free-choice access to a salt block or al 2002). alternatively, salt can be added to the feed daily) • Hot climatic conditions may necessitate the use of commercial equine electrolytes containing a 2:1:4 ratio of sodium:potassium:chloride • Fresh water should be available at all times, especially if supplementing electrolytes Treatment of ER or RER consists of supportive care and pain relief, Like human athletes, horses need to be conditioned in order to your veterinary surgeon is likely to administer an intravenous comfortably perform a given level of exercise. Exercise regimes painkiller and possibly a muscle relaxant. Replacement of fluid should gradually be increased after an episode of ER or RER and and electrolyte losses will be necessary in severe cases. Box rest a program designed to incrementally increase the duration and in the initial phase of recovery, followed by a controlled return to intensity of exercise to ensure adequate fitness and prevent exercise and environmental and dietary modifications as indicated further ER episodes. in the long term. Remember, ER or RER should be classed as an emergency and your Muscle tissue has a remarkable ability to repair itself. After an veterinary surgeon should be called immediately. episode of ER or RER the muscle cells usually heal completely References: within 3-4 weeks without any scarring. If the damage is severe, you MacLeay, J.M., Sorum, S.A., Valberg, S.J., Marsh, W.E. and Sorum, M.D., 1999. may notice that the horse's muscle mass decreases in size as the Epidemiologic analysis of factors influencing exertional rhabdomyolysis in body removes the damaged proteins. Muscle mass usually returns Thoroughbreds. American journal of veterinary research, 60(12), pp.1562- to normal within 2-4 months. Recovery from an episode of tying 1566. up can be enhanced with a diet rich in the appropriate nutrients McGowan, C.M., Fordham, T. and Christley, R.M., 2002. Incidence and risk and supplementary antioxidants. factors for exertional rhabdomyolysis in thoroughbred racehorses in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Record, 151(21), pp.623-626. Management of RER • Low stress environment (stable in a quiet area of It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 37 the barn) • Timing of training (first lot rather than last) • Turn out as much as possible • Regular soundness examinations (to pick up any lameness / injury as early as possible) • Avoid days off – exercise every day

Ticks are articularly active this time of year – so how can the risk of tick-borne disease be reduced? Sharon Magnier Companion Animal Technical Advisor, MSD Animal Health Ticks are external parasites that bite and feed off the animal host they This hooks underneath the tick and ensures that the mouthparts are also have infested. They are also capable of transmitting disease to this removed. The opportunity for disease transmission exists once the tick host, be that animal or human. If a tick is carrying disease, this can be swells with it’s blood meal. transmitted in the saliva as the tick feeds on the blood of its host or the Therefore, it is important to ensure the pet has been pre-treated with an animal to which it has attached. The awareness of tick-borne diseases ectoparasiticide with efficacy against ticks. This ensures the tick is killed such as Lyme disease, has increased over the last few years. However, very quickly should it attach to the pet, thus reducing the risk of disease other tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis, also exist. Babesiosis, which transmission. There are products in the form of a chew, spot-on or collar causes a severe anaemia, has traditionally been seen in cattle in Ireland. for dogs (spot-on or collar for cats), available from the local vet, that will The incidence of bovine babesiosis, otherwise known as redwater control ticks. Some of these products have the added advantage of also in cattle, has appeared to decline since the 1990s. Focal“hotspots” killing fleas as well as maintaining killing activity for a full 12 weeks and remain in high incidence areas such as the west, northwest and the River beyond. This makes year-round control of ticks and fleas possible. It is Shannon system.1The tick vector for Babesia canis, the cause of canine also makes it easier to remember to treat spring, summer, autumn and babesiosis in Europe is the Dermacentor reticulatus tick. Sporadic cases winter. have been reported in the UK. However, the disease is not commonly When and where are pets at risk? seen in pets in the UK or Ireland due to the rarity/apparent absence of The castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus is considered to be the most important the host tick. Pets with a history of travel to mainland Europe or indeed tick-borne disease vector in Ireland.2 An Irish tick surveillance study in further afield, are considered most at risk. 2017 found that 100% of ticks found on cats were carrying Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This pathogen causes tick-borne fever in cattle, sheep and goats.2 Borrelia spp, including those that cause Lyme disease, were also present in ticks collected from cattle and wood mice.2 Babesia spp were detected in a tick that had fed on a bovine. An even more recent study in 2020 that looked at the infection rate of B. burgdorferi sensu lato, the aetiological agent of Lyme disease, in tick nymphs collected around woodland in Ireland found that the infection rate varied between 2.4 to 24.6% depending on the part of the country where the tick was collected.1 When and where are pets at risk? Fig. 1 Ixodes ricinus, the castor bean tick is the most common tick in BRA Ticks inhabit grasslands, bushes, woodlands and undergrowth. They can Ireland.2 of s even be found in the vegetation alongside beaches and roadsides. Pets at Controlling ticks Che risk of infestation are therefore any pet with access to these areas. Tick prophylaxis should cover the entire period during which ticks are active. Der Ticks hide at the grass base and climb towards the top to quest or search Regular infestation risk (e.g. animals with regular outdoor access) should and for a host to feed on. result in regular treatments, according to product label recommendations, to reti Something as simple as a walk with the dog in the local park is all it takes achieve constant protection during the“tick season”. to expose the dog to the risk of a tick attaching. Heavily infested areas Ticks harbour dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans, as Leg coincide with areas of wildlife, particularly deer, so take particular care well as pets via tick bites. Regular treatment of cats and dogs to protect in these areas and be especially vigilant when checking the dog over against these parasites is required, not just for the health and well-being of For for ticks afterwards. A thorough inspection is needed – ticks, as well as the pet, but for that of the owner also. Sou being found in areas where they are easier to see due to the sparsity of *Tre hair, such as the groin, undercarriage and axillae, have also been found References between the toes, in the ear canal and even in the mouth! US Ticks may only be the size of a freckle when they attach to the pet and 1. Zintl A. et al. (2020) Update on the presence of Ixodes ricinus at the western so can be really difficult to find. If they feed on the pet’s blood, they limit of its range and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. In Ticks and SA- engorge, become larger in size and easier to see. Sometimes they will be Tick-borne Diseases 11; 101518; 1-9 presented to the vet as the owner is concerned that a“wart-like”lesion 2. Zintl A. et al. 2017. Ticks and Tick-borne diseases in Ireland. Irish Veterinary has suddenly appeared on the dog. The tick can be physically removed Journal 70:4 with a tweezers or a special tick remover. 38 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

give me a B... give me an R... give me an A... give me a V... give me an E... give me a C... give me a T... give me an O... HEAR OUR CALL We deserve to be treated from an early age Fleas and ticks can distress puppies from a young age and as Bravecto ensures longer lasting protection through the growing stages for 12 weeks, there is no reason not to treat as early as possible*. Our puppies deserve the comprehensive protection that Bravecto offers against these distressing parasites. BRAVECTO® contains fluralaner and is indicated for the treatment of flea and tick infestations in dogs, the treatment of demodicosis caused by Demodex canis and for the treatment of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) infestation. BRAVECTO® can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). BRAVECTO® Chew provides 12-week immediate and persistent killing activity against fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), 12-week immediate and persistent killing activity against the ticks Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and D. variabilis and 8-week immediate and persistent killing activity against Rhipicephalus sanguineus. BRAVECTO® Spot-on for Dogs provides 12-week immediate and persistent killing activity against fleas (Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis) and 12-week immediate and persistent killing activity against the ticks Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Legal categories: RoI POM NI: POM-V For further information about side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please consult the product SPC, packaging leaflets or: MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)1 2970220. Email: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie *Treat all puppies > than 8 weeks old and/or weighing > than 2 kg USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 39 SA-22-04 IE-BRV-220100003 JAN 2022

Lyme Disease: An Irish Perspective Aibhlín Finn BScMVB, Clinical Support Team, Village Vets Pathogen and Transmission Lyme disease is caused by spirochaete bacteria of the Borrelia Diagnosis burgdorferi sensu lato complex (Bb) in Europe and Ireland. In humans, it causes a multi-centric inflammatory condition, The difficulty in diagnosing lyme disease is the lack of reliable with varying clinical presentations from neurological, to joint detection of the live spirochaete in blood, fluid or tissue involvement, to skin disease⁵. Mammalian susceptibility varies; samples. This results in a reliance on serology testing for humans, and to a lesser extent canines, are susceptible to clinical supportive evidence coupled with appropriate clinical signs and disease⁵. No direct causation of disease has been found in cats³. exclusion of other causes for a presumptive diagnosis of lyme In Ireland, the main vector of Bb is the tick, Ixodes ricinus, which disease. is the most predominant species here⁹. Prevalence of Bb in I. A range of serological antibody tests exist both in-house and ricinus remained relatively steady between 1990-2019. The laboratory based tests and indicates exposure to Bb. The west of Ireland has the highest distribution and the highest presence of antibodies, however does not confirm a diagnosis, prevalence of Bb infected ticks, especially in National Parks⁸. only that at some time, the pet has been bitten by a Bb infected Transmission occurs during blood meals, which allow tick and developed antibodies to become seropositive. multiplication of spirochetes in the midgut of the tick and Vaccination can cause interference with some serology tests. migration into the host over roughly 36-48 hours³ ⁹. Other tick- Antibodies are produced between 3-5 weeks post-infection³ ⁴. borne diseases can be transmitted during these blood meals, Whole cell ELISA, IFA and Western Blot testing are not currently but Ireland remains relatively free of many disease causing recommended as they can have interference with other pathogens⁹. Pets can be a sentinel species for risk of infection to spirochaetes causing cross-reactions. IgM and IgG antibody humans³ ⁴. testing is used where illness occurs around the time of development of antibodies which is not seen in lyme disease in Clinical Disease canines³ ⁴. For lyme nephritis, the diagnostic testing required to rule out A skin rash is common in humans⁷ but not in canines⁴ (Figure 1). all other causes of proteinuria in a seropositive dog is extensive. 95% of dogs that are infected never show any clinical signs. Many other infectious agents, neoplasia, amyloidosis, congenital It is estimated to take 2-5 months for clinical signs to appear. disease, toxins, hypertension, thromboembolism and chronic The most common presentation is that of lyme arthritis, but disease are all potential causes of proteinuria⁴. there are a range of rare versions that have been recorded. As the UK has seen a 560% increase in prevalence of canine Acute lameness, fever, lethargy and local lymphadenopathy lyme disease between 2009-2015 (esccapuk.org.uk)⁸, it is likely are typically seen. Lyme nephritis is the second most that island countries may have to consider these tick-borne important presentation. It is associated with a protein-losing diseases and follow international guidelines on testing in the nephropathy, suggested to be caused by an immune-complex future. glomeruolonephritis³ ⁴. In North America, ACVIM guidelines recommend yearly serology screening in endemic areas along with proteinuria monitoring in Figure 1. Erythema migrans following tick bite on medial surface seropositive dogs and inclusion of serology testing in proteinuric upper arm, showing classical “bulls-eye”appearance. (Photo dogs³. courtesy of CDC/ James Gathany)⁷ 40 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022 Treatment Treatment consists of a 4 week course of antibiotics, usually with a rapid response within 1-3 days for lyme arthritis³. Lyme nephritis is treated following the guidelines from the IRIS Canine Glomerulonephritis Study Group¹ ³. Response to treatment is slow, the kidney has a poor ability to heal and chronic disease may cause lasting damage³. Prevention Tick control is the cornerstone of prevention of all tick borne diseases. Prompt identification and removal on a daily basis provides the best protection. Decreasing the tick habitat can be managed by regular lawn maintenance, removal of weeds and brush and improved landscaping³. Year-round tick prevention is recommended using a topical or oral product with a quick kill time (isoxazoline) or a combination of products (fipronil, amitraz and permethrin collars) and successfully reduce seropositive cases² ⁶. Vaccination is currently controversial and not recommended in Ireland³ ⁴ Conclusion The HSE estimates 50 to 100 cases of lyme disease per year but this could be severely underestimated⁷. The same could be considered true for veterinary medicine. An Irish based multi- centric study⁸ is underway into the prevalence of canine tick- borne diseases which will greatly assist in highlighting the need to consider these pathogens as differential diagnoses in our patients with compatible clinical signs.

QQI LEVEL 6 RETAIL SALE & SUPPLY OF ANIMAL REMEDIES COURSE Donegal Kildare Limerick Cavan Kilkenny Kerry Galway Tipperary Cork Team LM Training & Education in Animal Medicine for Licensed Merchants Next courses: - Kildalton Agricultural College: Course I - 9th & 10th of May 2022 Course II - 12th & 13th May 2022 - Clonakilty Agricultural College: 9th & 10th of June 2022 Unit 5, Kilkerrin Park, Liosban Ind. Estate, Tuam Road, Galway Tel: 091 753375 | 091 773734 E: [email protected] To book your place on the next course please contact Martina Grealish on 091 753375 Handling & Distribution of Pesticides Clonakilty Agricultural College 7th & 8th June 2022 It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 41

Summer Mastitis Finian Logan, UCD Summer mastitis or dry cow mastitis, is a common type of mastitis in cows and heifers in Ireland and occurs in both dairy and suckler herds alike. It typically arises between the months of May to August when the prevalence of flies that carry the causative bacteria, is at its highest. This is also the time of year when cattle are most likely to walk in around thorns and briars while seeking shelter from rain or sun around ditches and hedges. Environmental conditions in the pasture such as well sheltered Figure 3. fields with well grown out hedges, damp underfoot conditions and long stemmy grass can harbour increased fly populations, increasing the risk of developing summer mastitis. Cows seeking shelter or shade in the rough grazing conditions along hedges with briars will predispose teat ends to damage and to the subsequent entry of infection and the development of summer mastitis. In suckler cows, the period immediately after a calf has sucked, will be the most vulnerable period for infection as the teat sphincter takes up to half an hour to close fully. It is a serious condition that will render an affected cow systemically ill and if not addressed timely and appropriately it may become fatal. The main bacteria involved are arcanobacteria pyogenes along with Figure 2. Figure 4. anaerobes such as peptostreptococcus indolicus and fusobacterium species. The teat is then grasped with the jaws of a burdizzo, again taking care to avoid the vascular ring of vessels at the base, and the Clinical Signs burdizzo is closed just below where the ring block was performed. (Figure 2) The condition will initially present with a large firm swollen quarter A scalpel blade is used to amputate the teat below the level of and associated teat. (Figure 1) where it is clasped within the burdizzo. The burdizzo is left in place for two to three minutes to control bleeding. Figure 1. One or more quarters may be A large volume of foul smelling pus is often released from the affected. The mastitic milk stump of the amputated teat. The drainage of this pus and it’s is typically thick, purulent, associated toxins is hugely beneficial. (Figure 3) and foul smelling and may Operator safety is of huge importance when undertaking a contain a certain amount of procedure such as this and measures should be taken to ensure blood from toxin associated protection from a kick to the head such as the tail being help tissue damage within the appropriately, along with the use of sedation where appropriate. teat and associated quarter. The application of pyrethroid topical pour-ons at regular intervals If left unaddressed the cow during the Summer is an important control strategy. will become septicaemic and systemically ill because of Clinical Signs the toxins produced by the bacteria involved. Preventive measures are particularly important during warm summer weather or moist humid weather, especially on farms with Affected cows will typically walk with hindlimb stiffness high fly populations. associated with udder pain and may well have signs consistent The main defence mechanism against acquiring infection is with septicaemia such as fever, anorexia, redness around the eye, good closure of the teat end orifice. Appropriate dry cow therapy increased heart rate, dullness, and swollen joints. In certain cases, including the sterile application of teat sealer (figure 4) will help a cow will succeed in walling off the area of infection as localised hugely in reducing the risk of infection. abscessation within the affected quarter. It is helpful to monitor the teats of dry cows and heifers to assess for signs of injury or damage that may alert you to rough grazing Treatment conditions. This will also aid in the early identification and treatment of new cases. Antibiotic treatment is often unsuccessful in clearing up cases of Insecticidal ear-tags are available and may also be considered. The summer mastitis due to the thick nature and sheer volume of pus upkeep of ditches to facilitate good drainage, the cutting of hedges within the affected quarter. However, cows showing systemic illness at appropriate times of the year and the topping of pasture are all and signs of septicaemia should be treated with broad spectrum effective ways to control the fly population. antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and fluids. It is also worthwhile considering the location of the dungstead in relation to dry cow and heifer grazing. They are a haven for The stripping of mastitic milk from affected quarters in early stages fly populations and grazing should be avoided in their vicinity if of summer mastitis is important to minimise the build up of toxins possible. and to help prevent the development of septicaemia. However, most cases where there is a build up of pus will require the amputation of the teat from the affected quarter. The accumulation of toxins from the causative bacteria will have rendered the affected quarter irretrievable in terms of milk production at this stage. Teat amputation should be conducted under a ring block infiltration of local anaesthetic. It is important to note that there is a vascular ring of vessels at the base of the teat, and this should be avoided by performing the ring block at least a centimetre distal to the teat base. 42 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022 Please read Manufact Distribute Legal Cate

A top referee is always in control and, when necessary, trouble-makers are sent off the field. Closamectin Pour On® combines ivermectin with closantel to provide broad-spectrum efficacy against the majority of economically important stages of internal and external parasites in cattle. Please read the product data sheet and seek advice before use. The dosing programme should be established with your veterinary practitioner, animal health adviser or licenced merchant. It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 43 Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: Closamectin® Pour-on Solution for Cattle contains 200mg/ml closantel and 5mg/ml ivermectin. | 5078-LA(C)-v2a-ROI-04/04/22

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Keep those questions flowing… Question of season Q2. There is a lot of reference Q4. What are the causes of made to the term \"refugia\" joint-ill? Q1. What actions can the farmer take in worm control and to help maintain a susceptible worm anthelmintic resistance The most common cause of join- population and prolong the efficacy of management. ill is the bacteria Streptococcus anthelmintic products? What does the term What does the term mean? dysgalactiae. Other bacterial mean? One of the most important species isolated from affected factors influencing the rate at joints include Staphylococcus Do not dose adult ewes for stomach worms unless which resistance develops in a aureus, Escherichia coli, evidence there is a need to. To treat Nematodirus in worm population is the relative Actinomyces pyogenes and lambs use only products from group 1-BZ. Review size of the exposed population Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. biosecurity protocols on the farm in relation to (i.e. the worms that survive bought in livestock and have quarantine drench treatment) and the unexposed or Bacteria can be cultural from C strategy for all bought in livestock. Farmers should in refugia population. fluid samples taken from M check in advance whether a worm treatment is The term is refugia refers to inflamed joints to identify necessary or not. If a worm treatment is necessary worms that are free living on the causative species and a Fecal Egg Reduction Count Test should be carried pasture or are adults or immature to determine antimicrobial out in line with new legislation. in untreated animals. In sensitivity. general, the larger the in refugia population in comparison to the This is important to ensure the Y exposed population the more correct antibiotic treatments CM slowly resistance will develop. are chosen and that they are MY It is important to highlight to effective against the causal CY clients that 95% of parasites pathogen. are on pasture and 5% in the host. Indiscriminate use of Q5. I've received a soil test CMY anthelmintics will distort this result and it says that my ratio and increase the population land is high in Molybdenum. K of resistant worms. I have been told that high Q3. Can equine influenza virus molybdenum can cause mutate? problems with copper Yes, equine influenza (EIV) just deficiency. like other influenza viruses can mutate to change its surface Do I need to supplement protein. cattle for copper if I have high EIV belong to the influenza A molybdenum in the soil? group of viruses, which infect a variety of other animals Yes, it is likely that the high including humans, birds, pigs Molybdenum in the forage/ and dogs. Regular vaccination grazing will bind to the copper against equine influenza offers in the rumen preventing copper the best protection against availability and potentially infection. causing a deficiency particularly at a high demand period like pre-breeding. A discussion with your veterinary surgeon about topping up with essential trace minerals including copper by injection would be advisable. We welcome all questions from our readers. We will benefit of all our readers, with the ultimate objective try to answer them as best we can and if we are unable of providing good advice to the producer/farmers, thus to answer your question to your satisfaction we can ensuring better livestock production and SAFER FOOD. point you to experts on the topic raised. Remember, So keep them flowing… the questions asked and the answers given are for the Send your questions to: It’s your Field, Unit 5, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway or email: [email protected] 44 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

IBR MARKER LIVE Live IBR marker vaccine for cattle C M Y CM MY CY CMY K IBR MARKER LIVE Lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle. COMPOSITION PER DOSE: Each dose of 2 ml contains: Lyophilisate: Live gE- tk- double-gene deleted Bovine Herpes Virus type 1 (BoHV-1), cstlirnaiicnaCl EsiDgDnEsLo:f1i0n6f.3e–ct1io0u7.3sCbCoIDv5i0n.eSorhlvineonttr:aPchhoesiptihsa(tIBeRb)uaffnedr solution. INDICATIONS: For the active immunisation of cattle from 3 months of age against Bovine Herpes Virus type 1 (BoHV-1) to reduce the field virus excretion. ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION: Intramuscular. ONSET OF IMMUNITY: 21 days after completion of the basic vaccination scheme. DURATION OF IMMUNITY: 6 months after completion of the basic vaccination scheme. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Vaccinate healthy animals only. ADVERSE REACTIONS: A slight increase in body temperature up to 1 °C is common within 4 days following vaccination. Occasionally, an increase in rectal temperature up to 1.63 ºC in adult cows and up to 2.18 ºC in calves may be observed. This transient rise in temperature is spontaneously resolved within 48 hours without treatment and it is not related to a febrile process. A transient inflammation at the inoculation site is common in cattle within 72 hours post-vaccination. This slight swelling lasts for less than 24 hours in most cases. Vaccination might exceptionally cause hypersensitivity reactions. In such cases, an appropriate symptomatic treatment should be administered. USE DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION: Can be used during pregnancy and lactation. RECOMMENDED VACCINATION PROGRAMME: Cattle: from the age of 3 months onwards. The recommended initial dose is 1 injection of 2 ml of the reconstituted vaccine per animal. The animal should be revaccinated 3 weeks later with the same dose. Thereafter a single booster dose of 2 ml should be administered every six months. The method of administration is by intramuscular route, in the neck muscles. Reconstitute the lyophilized tablet with the entire contents of the enclosed solvent to obtain a suspension for injection. The solvent should be allowed to warm to a temperature between 15 ºC to 20ºC before reconstitution of the lyophilised tablet. OVERDOSE: No adverse reactions except those mentioned above were observed after the administration of a 10-fold vaccine dose. WITHDRAWAL PERIOD: Zero days. INCOMPATIBILITIES: Do not mix with any other veterinary medicinal product, except the solvent supplied for use with the veterinary medicinal product. SHELF LIFE: Shelf life of the lyophilisate as packaged for sale: 2 years. Shelf life after reconstitution: 6 hours. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR STORAGE: Store and transport refrigerated (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Keep the bottles in the outer carton in order to protect from light. For veterinary use. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: 5 doses: EU/2/10/114/001; 25 doses: EU/2/10/114/002. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Laboratorios Hipra, S.A., Amer (Girona), SPAIN. LEGAL CATEGORIES: UK: POM-V, ROI: POM and Prescription only veterinary medicine for further information contact your veterinary medicine prescriber. HIPRA UK AND IRELAND Foxhall Lodge · Foxhall Road · NG7 6LH · Nottingham · United Kingdom Tel (+44) 0115 845 6486 · [email protected] · www.hipra.com It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 45

Succession Planning in Veterinary Practice – Value or Values? Dr. Lisa Reidy (Geraghty), MVB, MSc, BA (Hons.) Law, A.M. Like any family run business, the transfer of a veterinary practice to a in place for the untimely death of the practice principal to allow the next new owner is a milestone in a vet’s life. Solicitors, financial planners and of kin time to manage or sell the practice. Provision can be made for this accountants play their parts, but how many vets can say that they are in a will. truly planning for such a major event? A practice may need to change Death or retirement of a partner. Succession planning is an integral hands for any number of reasons – retirement, incapacity, or death of a part of a partnership contract. In general, most partnership agreements practice principal. Having a succession plan in place is, of course, about provide for the right of first refusal for a partner on the unexpected reaping financial reward for years of hard work. However, when the time death or incapacity of the other. This prevents a stranger from entering comes it is important that the practice continues to represent the values the business and allows the next of kin to be remunerated. and legacy of its builder. Sell to a colleague or corporation. Again, this should not be done under An exit strategy should be planned years in advance of handing over time constraints. The prospect of selling the practice to a neighbouring a business and should incorporate an emergency plan in case it must one, or to a stranger, should be considered well in advance of the time, be activated unexpectedly. The owner should be asking the questions and the practice principal should partake in as much due diligence in “how do I walk away from what I have created? What is the best way to choosing a successor as a purchasing vet will do when deciding to buy. let go financially and personally?”The focus should not only centre on Here it is important to consider that potential purchasers will be bound financial reward. Afterall, a practice is worth what someone is willing to by TUPE – EU Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of pay for it. Undertaking) Regulation 2003. The strategy should also focus on protecting the clients who have A purchaser will be bound by all employment contracts of the business. supported the business and the staff who helped shape it. The value If these are unfavourable or do not sit well with the values of the of the practice, therefore, lies in more than market value. It lies in the purchaser, they could throw up the sale. It is therefore essential that ethos and culture of the successive ownership. Every practice owner plans for sale of a business are kept in mind for several years in advance wants their values to remain in the practice long after they leave. The of a sale. following could be considered possible scenarios for veterinary practice Sell to a current employee. This can often be a good option for family succession: run veterinary practices. It is a great way of making sure that the culture No succession plan and approaching retirement. This is the worst of the practice and the new owner are aligned. There is also scope for possible scenario for a vet who has spent their life investing in a practice. introducing contractual terms into the agreement in advance of the sale. In this case a vet may take their eye off the ball and simply allow their An emergency take over can be incorporated into the succession plan. clients to graduate to other practices, or current employees. This can be The market value of the practice can also be ascertained on a yearly avoided by early succession planning with family and financial advisors. basis leading up to the change of ownership, reducing the chance of a Solid employment contracts with non-compete clauses are useful here. conflict over financial issues. No succession plan and sudden death of practice principal. In this The time, money and personal sacrifice invested in the running of a scenario, where a practice owner dies intestate, under the provisions of veterinary practice should be reflected in the financial reward for the the Succession Act 1965, the practice falls to the next of kin. This can owner at the end of their carrier. This is for sure. But the reward should cause enormous stress for a spouse (and/or children) and in the worst not be just a financial one. It should also be in knowing that what you case they may lose the practice through seepage of clients and staff to have built during your working life will live on in the hands of someone neighbouring practices or current employees. A concrete plan should be who will continue to nurture and build it. TUS Midlands Campus Book launch. On Thursday 10th February the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Stud and has spent many years Online and Distance Learning at Technological University of the working alongside the veterinary Shannon (TUS) - Midlands Campus were delighted to host the book profession. Lisa Geraghty is launch of Veterinary Law and Practice in Ireland by two Faculty a veterinary practitioner and colleagues Ms Finola Colgan and Dr. Lisa Geraghty. The book was lecturer of veterinary nursing launched by Mr Henry Abbott, Senior Counsel, Judge of the High and bioveterinary science in TUS Court (retired). Midlands. Veterinary medicine in Ireland is a regulated profession, and as such, The authors met when Lisa the onus on veterinary practitioners to adhere to the ethical and was a student of law and Finola legal framework governing the practice of veterinary medicine is was her lecturer. A friendship increasingly challenging. and professional collaboration This is the first book to deal with the practical and legal issues that blossomed, with both authors confront the veterinary profession in Ireland. Finola Colgan co- bringing their unique perspective author commented that the publication of the book came about on veterinary practice and law to through a combination of personal events, opportunities and a this publication. meeting of minds. Finola is involved in her family Tullaghansleek The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest 46 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022 currently has a student population of 14,000 and a staff of 1,200 working across a network of campuses and it will be influential in driving academic learning, professional learning, research, development, and investment across the Midlands and Midwest regions. On the Athlone Campus, the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning continues to work closely with industry. The objective to ensure that they deliver relevant learning opportunities meeting both learner and industry skill demands not only in the region but also, nationally, as all its programmes are delivered in a flexible manner online. Currently, there are over 1500 students studying online with the Faculty, representing some 681 companies, across 29 counties.

Redwater fever infection in cattle Redwater is a severe disease of cattle caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia divergens, associated with animals grazing on rough pastures. The disease is transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus that is commonly found in Ireland. Keeping pastures short and well managed can prevent animals being bitten by ticks and infected with the disease. Clinical signs of 7-10°C. High-risk periods for tick activity are therefore during spring (April-June) and autumn (August-October) It can take up to three weeks to show any signs of throughout Europe. Irish summers often remain mild with disease after an animal has been bitten by a redwater- cases possible throughout the summer and even some infected tick. The clinical sign of dark red-brown urine cases reported in winter (Zintl et al., 2014). gives redwater its name and is often the first sign seen Calves show a natural immunity to babesiosis compared to by farmers. However, once this urine discolouration is adult cattle and tend to not develop clinical disease. This observed, the disease is already advanced with extensive allows time for the animals to develop an active immunity destruction of the red blood cells. Timely identification if they are exposed to the parasites before 6 months of of the disease can improve the diagnosis. Some animals age. This inverse age resistance explains why heavily may only have a mild infection with few clinical signs that infested areas of the country usually do not see clinical go unnoticed and may recover uneventfully (Zintl et al., cases. Overuse of acaricides in young animals in endemic 2003). areas can prevent this beneficial exposure. In areas with Early stage signs: patchy coverage of infected ticks, there may be some animals which do not become exposed as calves and are - Animals staying away from the group. fully susceptible to disease. - Reduced appetite. Although environmental conditions are favourable for the - Fever. Ixodes ticks in Ireland, there is evidence that clinical cases - Diarrhoea (often ‘pipe-stem diarrhoea’ passed as a of babesiosis in cattle are decreasing (Zintl et al., 2014). thin jet). This is presumed to be due to improvements in pasture - Frothy urine with a red-brownish colour. management that remove tick habitats. This decrease Later stage signs: in incidence of disease and in the extent of endemic - Weakness/staggering, animal unable to stand. areas can mean that veterinary practitioners and farmers - Changes in colour of gums and under eyelids to very become less familiar with the disease and less able to pale (anaemic) or yellow (jaundice). recognise clinical signs early. Previously endemic areas - Normal urine colour. may also see occasional outbreaks as the immunity in - Constipation. cattle herds wanes over time. - Death. Animals on pasture should be carefully monitored for Prevention and Control signs of disease, particularly during spring or autumn, especially if they have been recently introduced to Disease prevention involves tick control through the herd. Animals can die quickly following the first acaricides or pasture management and in endemic areas appearance of signs. Poorly nourished animals, pregnant through the development of immunity. Minimise dense cows and animals without previous exposure to redwater vegetation and under-grazed rough pasture which are parasites tend to be more severely affected. favourable areas for ticks. Clear scrub, ferns, furze and rushes from grazing land. Ticks can persist on the margins Available Treatments of reclaimed fields. Keep susceptible cattle out of tick- infested areas, particularly during high-risk periods or use An early diagnosis and veterinary treatment are key to specific preventative measures such as topical acaricides survival for the animal. The only drug registered in Ireland or preventive drug treatment. to kill the Babesia parasites is an injection of imidocarb In endemic areas, expose bought-in stock to tick areas dipropionate which may be given with supportive before 6 months of age or buy-in animals that have treatments, including anti-inflammatories, blood previously grazed tick-infested areas. Calves over 6 to 9 transfusions, and iron and vitamin supplements to support months of age that have not been exposed to redwater red blood cell production. In food producing animals, ticks and are introduced to tick-infested areas are highly imidocarb dipropionate has a withdrawal period of 213 susceptible to infection and serious illness. Keep these days for meat and 21 days for milk and may have side naïve animals away from high-risk grazing areas during effects such as muscle tremors and salivation. expected periods of peak tick activity and closely monitor bought in animals for at least 3 weeks after introduction. Epidemiology The distribution of the tick in Ireland is most prevalent References in the west and north-west, as well as along the Shannon river system (Zintl et al., 2017) but tick concentrations and Zintl, A., Mulcahy, G., Skerrett, H.E., Taylor, S.M., Gray, J.S., subsequent infection can be very localised to areas where 2003. Babesia divergens, a Bovine Blood Parasite of Veterinary the habitat is favourable for the tick. Infection can persist and Zoonotic Importance. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 16, 622–636. in an area for a number of years because the tick has a doi:10.1128/CMR.16.4.622-636.2003 three-year life cycle and the parasite can be passed from Zintl, A., McGrath, G., O’Grady, L., Fanning, J., Downing, one stage of the tick to the next and via the transovarial K., Roche, D., Casey, M., Gray, J.S., 2014. Changing route. Ixodes ricinus is prone to desiccation and requires a incidence of bovine babesiosis in Ireland. Ir. Vet. J. 67, 19. high relative humidity for survival which can be found at doi:10.1186/2046-0481-67-19 the base of dense vegetation. The ticks favour unimproved Zintl, A., Moutailler, S., Stuart, P., Paredis, L., Dutraive, J., or under-grazed pastures, rough scrub and damp low-lying Gonzalez, E., O ’Connor, J., Devillers, E., Good, B., Omuireagain, fields. C., De Waal, T., Morris, F., Gray, J., 2017. Ticks and Tick-borne The first cases of babesiosis usually occur 2 weeks after diseases in Ireland. Ir. Vet. J. doi:10.1186/s13620-017-0084-y the ticks become active, which occurs above temperatures It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 47

The Russian war against Ukraine is a threat to global food security. Food terrorism must be stopped! Olga Trofimtseva, Ambassador-at-Large, Exporters and investors council under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses serious risks to domestic and The current situation in Ukraine global food security and worsens global hunger that will require a range of responses from governments and international Winter crops including winter wheat have already been planted organizations. According to WFP, 811 million people go to and their current condition is satisfactory. However, in the bed hungry every night and 44 million people in 38 countries absence of timely fertilization, the yields will be significantly teetering on the edge of famine. diminished. Ukraine has become one of biggest supplier of foods such as The spring sowing campaign has started. Despite the war sunflower oil and wheat for the low-income countries worldwide Ukrainian farmers are in the fields in 21 regions. as well as for the international development organizations. The Russian troops are deliberately striking the agricultural Ukraine has been meaningfully contributing to the global food enterprises, storages, and agricultural equipment. There are also security. We didn't restrict exports of food even in the difficult confirmed cases of barbaric robberies of agricultural technics times of the pandemic. That has however changed. from Ukrainian farmers (tractors etc.) in Donetsk, Kharkiv and The Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine clearly results in food Sumy regions. security disasters and global hunger, and world will see Another great challenge for the Ukrainian agrifood sector which catastrophic consequences. slows down all the processes is the human resources factor: the Experts emphasize that more than 400 million people in the companies do see the lack of fields workers, drivers etc. due to world depend on grain supplies from Ukraine. Accordingly, the the internal replacement and migration because of war. war in Ukraine poses a challenge to global food security, which Ongoing Russian air strikes targeting Ukranian oil depot are is particularly acute today in the region MENA (Egypt, Yemen, causing fuel shortage for agricultural machinery. Israel, Libya, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia) Ukrainian animal production is suffering massively in the regions and some Asian countries (Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan), of the active hostilities, as Russian troops are showing absolutely which are the main buyers of wheat and corn on world markets. barbaric behavior not only toward the civilians, but also towards The population of most of these countries traditionally suffers the farm animals with killings on no purpose. We have many from food shortages if they do not suffer from hunger. confirmed cases where the farmers were under attack and cows, Ukraine’s exports comprise more than 10% of all wheat, 14% of goats and other farm animals were shot just “for fun”. Many all corn and almost 50% of all sunflower oil in the world. 90% farmers do have the problems with the access to the veterinary of agricultural products are exported from Ukraine through drugs and asking the European companies-suppliers for the help. seaports in The Black Sea and Azov Sea. So, it is more than clear that military aggression of Russia in At the moment, grain exports from Ukraine have been suspended Ukraine caused both serious deterioration in production system through the blockade of the ports by Russian military. Currently, and in logistics (domestic and export). russia is blocking around 90 commercial ships loaded with The breadbasket of the world and very important sourcing agricultural commodities in the Black Sea. Ukraine is willing to country for different sectors of the EU’s economy is facing itself continue its exports according to our international obligations, the problems with food accessibility for the population because as we do have some grain (both corn and wheat) for export from of the logistic chains disruption and ruined processing plants in the previous year yield. Unfortunately, we can use only roads the regions under the russian occupation. and railway logistics now. And these two export channels can The Russian army is also deliberately destroying the product cover no more than 15-20% of the monthly volumes of exports storages like the warehouse for the frozen products near Kyiv. in agrifood through traditional sea ways. Ukraine used to supply many important products for the EU If the war continues, Ukraine will not be able to supply the world agrifood sectors, including the ingredients for the organic with the remaining 6 million tons of wheat and 15 million tons agriculture (feedstuff for the animal production etc.), ingredients of corn . to produce ready to eat products and many others and proved to Other issues are reduced exports and production of sunflower be already very well integrated into the EU from the economic oil, which will result in increase of prices for all types of oil. If point of view. Ukraine fails to start a sowing campaign, the world will face a My personal strong belief is that with every day of the active war long-term economic crisis due to food production and supply of Russia against Ukraine the situation with global food security chain failure. and the global supply chains in the agrifood field will get worse, so the only way to change the situation to the best is to make a pressure on Putin and Russia and stop this war as soon as possible. References 1 FAO War in Ukraine the Outlook for Food Security and Nutrition 2 https://www.fas.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/ Ukraine-Ag-Production-Trade.pdf 3 Minagro 4 Kyiv School of Economics 48 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022

PRODUCT FOCUS Bimeda Ireland launches online CPD portal for Animal Health Professionals Bimeda Ireland has announced the launch of an online learning platform; bimedalearning.ie. New option available for Irish herds The website provides access to online CPD modules for to tackle mastitis veterinarians and other animal health professionals in Ireland. The site launches today with a number of parasite-management focused Elanco has launched a new lactating modules. Modules on the topic of ruminant trace element nutrition cow tube in Ireland that balances will be added in the coming weeks and months. Upon successfully the need for effective treatment of clinical mastitis with the prudent use completing an online CPD module, users can generate a certificate of of antibiotics. completion for their records. Taneven™ LC delivers the power On bimedalearning.ie users will also be able to access useful videos and and performance of penicillin in animations, detailing the correct procedure for product use of important a convenient narrow spectrum parasite management products, such as Gold Fleece Sheep Dip and formulation, making it the ideal first Ectofly 12.5mg/ml Pour On Solution for Sheep. port-of-call in mastitis cases. Bimeda Ireland General Manager Andrew Glynn commented, ‘in these Wesley Power, vet at Elanco Animal changing times we understand that customers need a variety of flexible Health, explains that mastitis is support and tools available to them. Our e-learning website allows one of the most frequent and animal health professionals to have access to modules which are costly diseases seen in dairy cows, relevant to their CPD needs, whenever and wherever is convenient for affecting health, welfare, and productivity. them. I would encourage Responsible Persons, vets, and other animal “Effective treatment of mastitis is a must, but this needs to be carefully health professionals to sign up today for free Bimeda learning CPD considered in the context of antibiotic stewardship and therefore wherever account at bimedalearning.ie’. possible, narrow spectrum antibiotics should be used. “Taneven LC is highly effective against bacterial growth, demonstrated by The website launch follows on from Bimeda’s online product ordering its very low Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and has proven to be website, bimeda.ie/shop, in 2021. particularly efficient against Gram-positive strains of mastitis, especially Streptococcus species,” he says. New Irish Rainbó Research carried out in Irish dairy herds has shown that approximately 80% Roller tail paint of clinical mastitis cases where pathogens were detected, were caused by from PharVet Gram-positive pathogens, 57% of these being a Streptococcus species, with Streptococcus uberis being the most common1. This makes Taneven LC an effective treatment option for most cases of Rainbó Roller tail paint available from PharVet has been developed clinical mastitis, Mr Power explains. “The high-volume (20g) udder tube using over 20 years’ experience designing weather resistant paint format further supports efficacy by delivering 3000mg of active, ensuring a specifically for the Irish market. Rainbó Roller tail paint has been fast rate of distribution throughout the udder, for thorough glandular tissue designed with easy, rapid application in mind, greatly reducing concentration and antibacterial efficacy. application times compared to some existing brush applicators. “Taneven LC also has a short milk withdrawal period of just five days and This unique Irish sustainable offers a flexible treatment duration of two to three days at 24 hour intervals,” product has many features he says. including: For more information, please visit myelanco.co.uk/web/ireland-ruminant or Unique foam roller application, contact +44 (0) 1256 353131. pigment quality for high Further information available at on request. Use Medicines Responsibly. visibility, trialled and tested for all Irish weather conditions, New 2022 Packaging for BOVILIS® non-hazardous paint with clean BOVIVAC® S label, bittering agent to make it unpalatable and paint crumbles MILTON KEYNES, UK, [21 March upon contact. 2022] – BOVILIS® BOVIVAC® S has Contact your local PharVet Territory Manager for more information. undergone a make-over, with new packaging from March 2022. Covexin® 10 now is back in full supply BOVILIS BOVIVAC S can now be easily differentiated from other vaccine Following some disruption in the supply of Covexin 10, Zoetis are now bottles with a new design and light pleased to announce that it is back in full supply. brown packaging. To ensure consistent supply of Covexin 10 moving forward, Zoetis The only GB vaccine for salmonella have decided to discontinue in cattle, BOVILIS BOVIVAC S is used Covexin 8. for the active immunisation to induce Covexin 10 contains Clostridium serological and colostral antibody perfringens type A and production against Salmonella Clostridium sordellii, in addition Dublin and Salmonella Typhimurium. to the 8 toxoids that are in In the face of an outbreak, it can Covexin 8. also be used to reduce Salmonella With a more straightforward Typhimurium infections when dosage – 1 ml for sheep and 2 ml used as part of an overall herd management programme. BOVILIS BOVIVAC for cattle 4-6 weeks apart - and S may also contribute to reducing S. Typhimurium contamination of the the additional protection included environment. in Covexin 10, moving existing Producers are reassured that, other than the packaging, the vaccine product is Covexin 8 users to Covexin 10 will identical. The vaccine bottles featuring the new packaging are now available. have a positive impact on animal Further information is available from local MSD Animal Health account health and welfare. managers. It’s Your Field Summer 2022 / 49

Top 8 tips which will help your business to comply with data protection legislation Anita Murphy, DataProtectionSolved.ie If you're running a business, chances are you're also dealing with individuals' per-sonal data. Whether that's details about customers N (e.g., contact details and pay-ment details), or your employees (e.g., Sick notes and payslips) it's important to comply with data protection legislation. It doesn't matter if the data is stored on pa-per, a spreadsheet, your computer, mobile phone, or in the cloud N Here are the top 8 tips which will help your business to comply • Providing the information they need about a past purchase; Use with data protec-tion legislation: • Appointments; pre 1. Review Current Security Measures • Prescriptions; Lou Think about how you hold personal data. Do you shred confidential • Delivery arrangements; waste and keep your desks clear, or could someone walk in off the • Product safety; street and access the data you hold? Could someone break into your • Changes to terms and conditions; & office and take an unencrypted laptop or hard drive that contains • Fees and receipts. this data? However, if the message includes any significant promotional Think about the levels of control you have to pre-vent access to material aimed at getting customers to buy extra products or the personal data. Ensure you have strong security measures and services or to renew contracts that are coming to an end, that policies, such as: message is direct marketing. You will need to ensure that you capture their consent before sending them this direct marketing information. • Broad use of encryption, for example, could be a good way to 6. Policies and Procedures reduce the risk of a security breach. • All computing devices such as PCs must be using an up-to- Clear desk, privacy, information sharing, encryption standards, date operating system i.e., Windows 10. outsourcing, record management, business continuity, access • The use of secured screen savers is advised to reduce the control, etc. Not all of them may apply, but you will need to ensure chance of casual observation. you have the appropriate documentation in place. • Rooms, cabinets or drawers in which personal records are stored should be locked when unattended. 7. Website Cookies 2. Training and Awareness Here is an example of the Cookie Banner and only the necessary cookies are pre-selected. All non-functional cookies are deactivated/ Make someone in your business responsible for data protection disabled. The non-functional cookies can only be dropped when the and privacy. Staff should report a serious personal data breach website visitor clicks on the un-ticked check boxes. immediately. Make sure that every-one knows the process for reporting and who to report a breach to. 3. Subject Access Requests (SARs) A subject access request is where a person asks for information that 8. Privacy Statement your business holds about them. You will need to supply them with a copy of their personal You will need to display a Privacy Statement which reflects the information within set timeframes. Make sure you and your personal data that your business process. employees understand how to recognise a SAR and what to do if you receive one. When responding to a SAR it is vital to ensure that no • Your full contact details; other personal information relating to other • A breakdown of the personal data; individuals are released. When redacting information ensure it is • Where you got people’s data from, if it wasn’t from them; printed off and then scanned and printed off or sent to the requester • Why you have people’s information and what you’re doing via e-mail/post. This prevents the use of someone using software to with it; ‘undo’ the redaction. • Your lawful basis and your legitimate interests where relevant; 4. Retaining Records • Who you share people’s information with; • How long you hold people’s information for before getting Have a reason to keep the information, rather than a reason to get rid of it securely; rid of it. If you're required to keep information for a certain length of The important thing to remember is that it is written in plain time, such as financial, medical, or legal records, record your reasons English and is easy to understand. in a retention schedule. This is a document that sets out your Any Questions? approach to how you manage, store and delete records. You should Contact Anita Murphy! sort through your data on a regular basis and destroy personal data Email: [email protected] or call: 086 2529923 secure-ly when you no longer need it. 5. Direct Marketing Routine customer service messages do not count as direct marketing. Thus, correspondence with individuals relating to any of the following is not considered to be direct marketing: animal health & agri trade journal NEXT ISSUE... SELECTIVE FOODPREPARE FOR DRY COW THERAPY SHEEP BREEDING PREPARING LVAETTESMT EODN SECURITY FOR THE VET AND VET NURSE FOR WEANING LEGISLATION 50 \\ It’s Your Field Summer 2022 FB532 Dorom