Bryan and Liz Griffiths will provide an insight into their flock improvements
Industry Experts To Share Latest Strategies On Sheep Lameness Control
2 hours ago 
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A renewed industry drive to tackle sheep lameness will be the focus of a free webinar this July, as vets, researchers and farmers come together to share the latest evidence and on farm experience.
Taking place during Lameness Month on Thursday 16 July at 7pm, the webinar, sponsored by MSD Animal Health, makers of Footvax®, will focus on practical approaches to reducing sheep lameness across UK flocks through the industry’s Five Point Plan.
Sheep lameness, caused primarily by infectious conditions such as footrot, scald and Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis (CODD), remains one of the most significant health and welfare challenges facing the UK sheep industry. It causes pain and reduced mobility in affected animals, lowers productivity and results in substantial costs through lost performance, additional labour and treatment requirements1.
The webinar follows renewed industry focus on lameness reduction after the launch of a new stakeholder group dedicated to improving control across the UK sheep sector. The initiative is funded through the Farming Innovation Programme’s ADOPT scheme, delivered by Innovate UK in partnership with Defra, and aims to support coordinated action and deliver long term reductions in lameness across UK flocks.
Attendees will hear from veterinary adviser Dr Kat Baxter Smith of MSD Animal Health, who will set the scene on sheep lameness and outline its impact on flock performance alongside practical management strategies. Independent vet Dr Ruth Clements will provide an update on the Five Point Plan and explain how it continues to support farmers in reducing lameness levels on farm. Devon sheep farmers Bryan and Liz Griffiths will also share their on farm experience of implementing the Five Point Plan and the improvements they have achieved within their flock.
The webinar will provide farmers and industry professionals with practical, evidence-based guidance that can be applied on farm to improve animal welfare and reduce the economic impact of lameness.
Farmers and industry stakeholders who wish to attend can find out more and register for their free place https://incisivemedia.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cRnjXrhEQ5GRFfWUaxztmw#/registration.
References
- Economic Impact of Health and Welfare Issues in Beef Cattle and Sheep in England (ADAS 2013)
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