Livestock. Redwater in cattle. Inside this issue: AUTUMN EDITION 2012 WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE

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1 AUTUMN EDITION 2012 Livestock WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE Inside this issue: 3.25 MATTERS MILKING PROCEDURES We review the importance and significance of good milking procedures to help reduce the spread of contagious mastitis. Redwater in cattle We look at the increasing problem of this disease in cattle.

2 EXCELLENCE IN PRACTICE XLVets - We Excel The members of XLVets have worked hard to create what they see as a model of how practices can work together, sharing the latest ideas and passing on savings and joint expertise to clients. Invest in Health Don t pay for Disease The group comprises of a number of the foremost farm practices in Ireland. With many years of combined experience, it is able to give expert advice on all areas of farm livestock, health and production. XLVets member practices are dedicated to providing a high quality, cost effective service to their clients, to support long-term growth and future prosperity within the Irish livestock industry. Adare Veterinary Surgery Adare, Co.Limerick Telephone: Donal Lynch Veterinary Tullamore, Co.Offaly Telephone: Killenaule Vets Thurles, Co.Tipperary Telephone: Ormonde Veterinary Kilkenny, Co.Kilkenny Telephone: All Creatures Veterinary Clinic Roscommon Town, Co.Roscommon Telephone: Glen Veterinary Clinics Tipperary Town, Co.Tipperary Telephone: Mulcair Veterinary Clinics Cappamore, Co.Limerick Telephone: Riverview Veterinary Group Bandon, Co.Cork Telephone: Avondale Veterinary Clinics Arklow, Co.Wicklow Telephone: Glenbower Veterinary Group Killeagh, Co.Cork Telephone: O Connor Julian Vets Cashel, Co.Tipperary Telephone: Sliabh Luachra Veterinary Centre Rathmore, Co.Kerry Telephone: Clerkin Vets Cootehill, Co.Cavan Telephone: Gortlandroe Veterinary Clinic Nenagh, Co.Tipperary Telephone: Old Church Veterinary Hospital Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal Telephone: Southview Veterinary Hospital Clonmel, Co.Tipperary Telephone: Comeragh Veterinary Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford Telephone: The future of agriculture needs a healthy industry, which needs healthy animals. XLVets is committed to being a part of this healthy future. The Veterinary Hospital Gorey, Co.Wexford Telephone:

3 CONTENTS AUTUMN EDITION XLVets is a novel and exciting initiative conceived from within the veterinary profession. We are all independently owned, progressive veterinary practices located throughout Ireland committed to working together for the benefit of our clients. XLVets Ireland Member Practices Adare Veterinary Surgery Station Road, Adare, Co.Limerick All Creatures Veterinary Clinic Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town, Co.Roscommon Avondale Veterinary Clinics Ferrybank, Arklow, Co.Wicklow Clerkin Vets 90 Bridge Street, Cootehill, Co.Cavan Comeragh Veterinary Main Street, Kilmacthomas, Co.Waterford Donal Lynch Veterinary Killurin Cross, Killeagh, Tullamore Co.Offaly Glen Veterinary Clinics Blind Street, Tipperary Town, Co.Tipperary Glenbower Veterinary Group Clashdermot East, Killeagh, Co.Cork Gortlandroe Veterinary Clinic 6 Church Street, Nenagh, Co.Tipperary Killenaule Vets Killenaule, Thurles, Co.Tipperary Mulcair Veterinary Clinics Dromsally, Cappamore, Co.Limerick O Connor Julian Vets 67 Main Street, Cashel, Co.Tipperary Old Church Veterinary Hospital The Mall, Ballyshannon, Co.Donegal Ormonde Veterinary 14 Barrack Street, Kilkenny, Co.Kilkenny Riverview Veterinary Group Distillery Road, Bandon, Co.Cork Sliabh Luachra Veterinary Centre West End, Rathmore, Co.Kerry Southview Veterinary Hospital Irishtown, Clonmel, Co.Tipperary The Veterinary Hospital Arklow Road, Gorey, Co.Wexford CONTENTS HERD HEALTH 03 The farm dog and cat: Do they have a role in the transmission of internal parasitic disease? Eimear Fitzgerald, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic reviews the possible internal parasitic diseases that dogs and cats can carry, how they can pass them on to humans and how this risk can be controlled and minimised. 05 Redwater in cattle: Mary Louise Coleman, Mulcair Veterinary Clinics investigates the increasing problem of Redwater, a parasite that infects cattle. 09 Milking procedures: James Keane, Gortlandroe Veterinary Clinic reviews the significance and importance of milking procedures and the measures that can be taken to reduce the spread of contagious mastitis. Practical, farm based training, delivered by vets to improve your livestock and business performance... DAIRY FEATURE 07 Mastitis control and drying-off: Michael O Connor, O Connor Julian Vets focuses on how our poor summer has had an impact on the milking performance of cows and the actions that now need to be taken to prevent the risk of mastitis and other infections associated with the drying-off period. Contact XLVets: and office@xlvets.ie XLVet Ireland Ltd Registered Office at: Dromsally Cappamore County Limerick Tel: XLVet Ireland No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. Disclaimer: XLVets does not necessarily share the views of contributors. No responsibility can be accepted for opinions expressed by contributors, or claims made by advertisers within this publication. Training is a vital part of the jigsaw that makes up modern farm business success. But finding the training that s right for you needn t be a puzzle. XLVets FarmSkills courses are designed to put the farmer first; finding out what you know now and what you d like to know to improve your business. Courses are available across Ireland and are open to everyone. Topics catered for include cattle lameness, mastitis and cell count, calf rearing and fertility management. XLVets Skillnet is funded by member companies and the Training Networks Programme, an initiative of Skillnets Ltd. funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

4 FARM DOG AND CAT The farm dog and cat: PART 1 OF A TWO PART SERIES Do they have a role in the transmission of internal parasitic disease? To many, the presence of a cat, dog or both is an intrinsic part of the average family farm in Ireland. They have vital roles on the farm from herding, to rodent control, to security and not to mention companionship. However, as bio-security and disease control are becoming more and more important in the running of our farms, the question arises whether these companion animals are becoming more of a hindrance than a help. This article aims to address the internal parasitic diseases that these animals can carry, how they can pass them on to other farm animals and to humans and how this risk can be controlled and minimised. Veterinary Surgeon Eimear Fitzgerald XLVets Practice All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, Co.Roscommon Parasitic diseases Dogs and cats can carry many diseases; fungal, parasitic, viral or bacterial. Some of these are zoonotic (i.e. they can be passed on to humans) and some can be of health risk to other farm animals. An internal parasite is an organism that lives in and takes its nutrition Neospora spp This parasite has become increasingly important over the last number of years as it is now recognised as a major cause of abortion in cattle. The parasite, unlike the other parasites mentioned in this article, has no known zoonotic potential, i.e. it is not likely to infect humans. However, it is of importance as dogs act as the definitive host and can pass this parasite to cattle and other animals. How does infection occur? Cattle will become infected in one of two ways; either faeces from an infected dog gets into cattle drinking water or feed or, a cow infected with Neospora will pass it to her calf when she is pregnant. The latter will either cause her to abort, or will create a calf permanently infected. As with toxoplasmosis, once a dog becomes infected it will shed eggs for a period of time and then become immune and stop shedding. The eggs take a number of days (1-3) to become infective, so like Toxoplasmosis, there is an opportunity to remove the faeces. Dogs usually become infected by eating infected afterbirth or eating raw meat. This is a particular risk in hunting dogs that are most frequently fed raw meat and are likely to be running on farm pastures. What is the result of infection? Abortion in cattle is the main risk factor of this parasite. from another organism. Some of these parasites can cause varying degrees of harm to the animal or organism that they are living in. The internal parasites of dogs and cats that are of most interest in an Irish farming context are Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Toxocara spp. and to a lesser extent Giardia. Control Keep dogs away from cattle feed. Ensure dogs have no access to afterbirth or aborted foetuses, i.e. do not allow them to have access to calving pens and remove and destroy afterbirth as soon as possible. Do not dispose of afterbirths where wild canids (e.g. foxes) can have access to them as it is possible that foxes may carry the parasite. Avoid cattle drinking from stagnant water such as ponds. Do not feed raw meat to dogs. If your farm has areas of open access or are near public pathways encourage walkers to remove and dispose of their dogs faeces. If hunts go through your land try to involve them in discussion and possibly agree to avoid grazing pastures. Quarantine any replacement heifers. An infected replacement heifer that comes into contact with a previously uninfected farm dog could cause problems throughout the herd. If there is Neospora already on the farm it is likely the dog has already been infected and if in a good state of health is now immune and will no longer shed eggs. Therefore, there is little point removing this dog from the farm. 3 LIVESTOCK MATTERS WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...

5 FARM DOG AND CAT EIMEAR FITZGERALD MVB Dogs and cats can carry many diseases; fungal, parasitic, viral or bacterial. Some of these are zoonotic (i.e. they can be passed on to humans) and some can be of health risk to other farm animals. Toxoplasma gondii This parasite of the cat is of particular interest to the farmer, because added to its zoonotic potential is the devastating effect it can have on sheep if they become infected during pregnancy. How does infection occur? The cat is the final host for this parasite and can become infected by eating raw meat or infected rodents or, less commonly, by ingesting eggs passed in the faeces of other cats. Sheep, mammals and other animals act as intermediate hosts. Cats shed the eggs for a few days and contaminate water, humid soil and feed which is how sheep come to ingest the eggs. Humans can be infected either by ingestion of eggs from cats during handling of cat litter or faeces or eating fruit or vegetables contaminated by cat litter. Humans can also become infected from eating undercooked meat and a pregnant mother can pass the infection to her baby if infected during pregnancy. What is the result of infection? Humans: As with other parasitic infections, healthy adults have a low risk of developing severe toxoplasmosis, but children and immunocompromised individuals can suffer. Women may miscarry if infected during pregnancy, or the baby may be born with severe toxoplasmosis, the symptoms of which may only appear months or years later. Humans can also be infected by eating undercooked meat. Sheep: In sheep the infection of pregnant ewes can have a devastating effect, causing abortions and death in young lambs. Control Knowing how infection occurs gives us the information needed to prevent humans and livestock from being infected. We know the cat is essential for the lifecycle of the parasite. Therefore, it may seem logical to remove all cats from farms where ewes are lambing, however this is not the answer. If cats are removed a vacancy arises that is very likely to be filled by stray or feral cats. These cats are an unknown entity and therefore can cause all kinds of problems. The aim is to have a small, controlled healthy cat population on the farm. Young cats are more likely to hunt and ingest infected rodents and become infected themselves. If a new cat is brought on to the farm it is essential that it is restricted to certain parts of the farm. All farm cats should be well fed as these cats usually continue to hunt but generally do not eat their prey (another link in the lifecycle broken). Farm cats should also be vaccinated on a yearly basis and wormed regularly. These measures do not prevent toxoplasmosis from infecting a cat, but keeps the cat healthy. If a healthy cat is infected it will shed the eggs for up to fourteen days but form an immunity after some days. By the time an abortion storm occurs healthy cats will be immune to the parasite and should not spread the parasite in the future. It is a benefit, therefore to hold on to these cats. An unhealthy cat has a compromised immune system and will not develop immunity and will continue to shed eggs. Hygiene, as with all parasitic infections, is essential. It breaks the lifecycle of the parasite as it stops the accidental ingestion of eggs. This involves rigorous hand-washing, wearing gloves etc. Wash or peel all fruit and vegetables grown on the farm if cats have access to areas where they are grown. Try to encourage cats to defaecate in certain areas by leaving trays of cat litter in designated areas and regularly remove the faeces from these areas. This is very effective if done regularly as the parasite does not become infectious for one to five days. Cover meal bins, as cats love to defaecate in these where they can easily bury the faeces. Open meal bins attract rodents who also carry the parasite and infect cats when cats hunt and eat them. Limit contact with stray cats, especially for kittens who do not have as good an immune system as the adults and may take longer to stop shedding the eggs. Monitor hay in sheds as it can become contaminated and do not feed contaminated hay to pregnant ewes. Do not allow cats access to lambing pens or to ingest foetal membranes particularly if there is a suspicion of toxoplasmosis. Do not get a new cat while ewes on the farm are pregnant. In the winter issue of Livestock Matters we will look at the effects of infection with Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. and Giardia and the role of cats and dogs in the transmission of these diseases to livestock. AUTUMN 2012 ISSUE LIVESTOCK MATTERS 4

6 REDWATER IN CATTLE MARY LOUISE COLEMAN MVB In endemic areas calves have a degree of immunity against Redwater for up to six months, due to maternal antibodies in the milk and age specific factors. Redwater in cattle R edwater or Babesiosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia. This parasite is transmitted by ticks in areas of rough grazing and infects many species of livestock. The disease is of particular economic importance among cattle and is estimated to cost Irish agriculture up to 10 million annually. Veterinary Surgeon Mary Louise Coleman XLVets Practice Cases of Redwater Mulcair Veterinary Clinics, Newport, Co.Tipperary Figure 1: Ticks on ventral skin of cow Figure 2: Bullock with Redwater Cases of Redwater are seen during peak tick activity during the summer months when conditions are moist and temperatures rise above 10 o C. Ticks require 80 per cent humidity to prevent desiccation and therefore are found mostly at the base of dense vegetation, as found in areas of rough grazing. When an infected tick draws blood it injects the parasite Babesia into the bloodstream of the animal (Figure 1). The parasite rapidly replicates in red blood cells and causes these cells to rupture releasing large amounts of haemoglobin which is passed in the urine (Figure 2). The red urine is possibly the first clinical sign visible to the farmer and if treated early the colour will clear within 24 hours. The parasite Babesia will not survive outside the host animal and can only be transferred by a tick. The reservoir for infection is maintained on pasture by the following conditions the presence of subclinical carriers in cattle, and secondly the ability of the parasite to pass from one generation of tick to the next. It is therefore interesting to note that even if cattle have not been grazing in an endemic area of pasture for some years they are still highly susceptible to developing infection once they are returned to the original land. In endemic areas calves have a degree of immunity against Redwater for up to six months, due to maternal antibodies in the milk and age specific factors. If calves are exposed to the parasite during these early months they will acquire a natural life-long immunity. Thus there is no need for preventative treatment in such animals. Naïve animals that have not been exposed to endemic areas before they reach approximately six months are however, highly susceptible to infection thereafter. As a result it is vital to protect bought in stock and previously unexposed cattle introduced to endemic areas. Clinical signs The incubation period of the disease is 2-3 weeks, i.e. it takes 2-3 weeks before animals show any signs after being bitten by an infected tick. Initially there is an acute onset of: Dullness and loss of appetite Fever (>41 o C) Pipestem diarrhoea Anaemia Shock Increased respiratory rate Dark red/brown urine After 36 hours: Constipation and straining Lowered temperature Possible death due to heart failure, kidney failure and anaemia The disease can cause abortion in pregnant animals and infertility in bulls due to transient fever. 5 LIVESTOCK MATTERS WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...

7 REDWATER IN CATTLE Diagnosis History and clinical signs. Microscopic examination of blood/organ smears. Prevention With early detection and proper treatment Redwater is a curable complaint, however the old truism that 'prevention is better than cure' remains instructive. Blood testing for antibodies against Babesia. Treatment When deciding on the best treatment options for the animal it is vital to check mucous membranes, capillary refill time in the gums, and measure the heart rate. Different treatment options are available depending on the severity of the disease and the degree of anaemia. The best treatment options include: Figure 3: Reddish/brown urine following catheterisation of a bovine bladder Farmers should consider the following prophylactic measures to ensure a healthy, productive herd. Tick control Acaricides can provide up to 6 weeks protection against ticks during peak tick activity. It is best to contact your local vet to advise you on the best product to use. Imizol 2mls/100kg Will eliminate the risk of the Babesia parasite for a maximum of 4 weeks. Imizol 1ml/100kg under the skin only to kill the parasite. Note: 216 day meat withdrawal and 21 day milk withdrawal. Pasture improvement Drainage and reseeding of poor quality wet land. Antibiotics To prevent Tick Borne Fever, a bacterial infection also carried by ticks. Anti inflammatories To treat the transient fever. Laxatives e.g. 2 litres of treacle to treat constipation. Haematinics To stimulate the production of red blood cells e.g. Iron, Vitamin B. Blood transfusion Figure 4: Cow receiving a blood transfusion Required if the animal is very anaemic with a rapid heart rate and a dropping temperature. The total blood volume of a cow is 8 per cent of body weight; therefore a significant amount of blood is required to replenish the blood loss. Using specific calculations the minimum requirement for a blood transfusion is 1 litre of blood per 100kg of body weight, e.g. a 600kg cow would require a minimum of 6 litres of whole blood. (Figure 4). While Redwater disease may be fatal if not diagnosed early enough, prompt and effective treatment serves to drastically improve the prognosis. Delay in identification of symptoms can lead to much more severe clinical signs and often death. It is of vital importance that farmers are aware of the signs and symptoms of Redwater to preserve good herd health and efficiency, particularly in areas where ticks thrive. With preventive efforts and early intervention, Redwater is a controllable threat to the wellbeing of your livestock. AUTUMN 2012 ISSUE LIVESTOCK MATTERS 6

8 MASTITIS CONTROL MICHAEL O CONNOR MVB At this time of year it is essential that we implement the correct steps in order to best treat the current cases of mastitis but more importantly to prevent further cases. Mastitis control and drying-off We are fast approaching the critical drying-off period in what has been a very difficult year in dairy farming in Ireland. Veterinary Surgeon Michael O Connor XLVets Practice O Connor Julian Vets, Co.Tipperary The poor weather and grazing environment have impacted heavily on the milking performance of our dairy herds this year; as some herds delayed turnout, had a shorter grazing period and had to supplement feeding in order to try to maintain milk yields. In some cases this juggling act has come at a cost with an impact on health issues, in particular increased mastitis and rising bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) levels. As we get closer to drying off the SCC often rises as milk yields drop and this is usually due to sub-clinical mastitis. Sub-clinical mastitis and therefore rising SCC can be difficult to treat during lactation as the milk from these cows may appear normal and so these cases often go unnoticed and untreated. 7 LIVESTOCK MATTERS WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...

9 MASTITIS CONTROL Mastitis control At this time of year it is essential that we implement the correct steps in order to best treat the current cases but more importantly to prevent further cases. A control plan should be all-inclusive, as no single change will impact a herd mastitis and SCC issue. So simple steps to help achieve this may include: Identify clinical cases promptly and treat correctly. Keep records and monitor the success/failure of treatments. Combination treatment (tubes and systemic antibiotics) for repeat cases. Perform milk culture and sensitivity tests to identify bacteria involved; this will often help determine where it's coming from and how it's being spread and will also aid in the selection of your dry cow therapy (DCT). Identify high SCC cows and milk them last. Determine affected quarters and treat where possible. Make a plan for individual cows: e.g. cull older chronic cases if possible, early dry-off for younger cows to allow more aggressive treatment etc. Assess your milking parlour and milking routine; begin pre- and post- teat spray etc. Dry cow period While the dry cow period offers us the best chance to treat mastitis it also serves as a major source of new infections with the first three weeks of this period being the most crucial. This is particularly more relevant in higher yielding cows whose teats don't close immediately at the time of drying-off and so this puts your most valuable cows at the greatest risk of new infections. The use of teat sealers in conjunction with DCT is a vital step in the attempt to control new infections. The benefits of the dry cow therapy (DCT) plus sealers are: Higher cure rates than can be achieved by treatment during lactation. A higher concentration of extended antibiotic treatment can be used safely. Duration of action of antibiotics in udder is much longer. Incidence of new infections in dry period is reduced. Damaged mammary gland tissue is given time to heal and recover. Clinical mastitis at calving is reduced. An individual treatment plan incorporating a systemic antibiotic course as well as DCT plus sealer can be carried out for high SCC cows that have had more than one clinical case during the lactation. This option should be discussed with your vet in order to achieve best results. Abrupt drying-off is recommended although this can be difficult in higher yielding cows. It is recommended to reduce cows to maintenance diet and milk once daily for 3-5 days before then carrying out DCT, applying sealer and teat spraying at the last milking. Avoid every second day milking as this will disrupt the natural keratin plug that is forming in the teat canal along with the teat seal that you have just infused. DCT selection is important in order to best match the duration of the dry period and the mastitis challenge in your herd. It is best to discuss this with your vet in order to make the right choice. It is vital to make a thorough plan to deal with these problematic cows now in order to make a substantial difference for the following year s milking and the performance of the whole herd. AUTUMN 2012 ISSUE LIVESTOCK MATTERS 8

10 MILKING PROCEDURE JAMES KEANE MVB Foremilk stripping for all cows is very useful. Any clots, discoloration or wateriness of the milk are signs of mastitis. Early detection of mastitis is important. Milking procedure The main mechanism of transmission of contagious mastitis (caused by either Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae or sometimes Streptococcus uberis) is spread of bacteria from cow to cow at milking. Proper control measures need to be taken to reduce this spread of contagious mastitis. The milking process can be divided into three distinct activities: 1. Cow preparation for milking; 2. Milking technique; 3. Post-milking teat disinfection. Veterinary Surgeon James Keane XLVets Practice Gortlandroe Veterinary Clinic, Co.Tipperary 9 LIVESTOCK MATTERS WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...

11 MILKING PROCEDURE Cow preparation for milking Milking technique Provide a low stress environment for cows. A normal milk let down response is vital. Increased dunging and urination is a sign of stress in cows. Try to have a pleasant, repeatable and predictable milking environment. Foremilk stripping for all cows is very useful. Any clots, discoloration or wateriness of the milk are signs of mastitis. Early detection of mastitis greatly improves the effectiveness of treatment. Routine stripping also provides cows with an effective signal for milk let down. Teat cups should only be attached to clean and dry teats. Cows should be as clean as possible when they enter the parlour. In order to achieve this; Clip tails regularly (suggested three times per lactation). Roadways around troughs and gates should be maintained in a clean condition. Cubicle beds kept clean and dry. Clip udders once per lactation. Wash and thoroughly dry dirty teats. Low pressure warm water should be used to wash teats and dry with individual paper towels. Pre-dipping is useful in reducing environmental mastitis and TBC's. Disinfectant is applied prior to milking. Allow contact time of 30 seconds before wiping off. The milking machine should be attached as soon as possible after milk let down occurs. Put teat cups on when teats are plump with milk. Minimise air leakage when putting on teat cups.this is to ensure vacuum levels remain stable, reducing the risk of liner slip. Vacuum should always be shut off before teat cups are removed. Allow cups to slip free of the teats. Disinfection of clusters between cows will reduce bacteria numbers. Post-milking teat disinfection After milking bacteria multiply on the teat skin and may extend into the teat canal. This can be minimised by the application of a good post-milking teat disinfectant to the whole surface of each teat immediately after milking. Adequate coverage of each teat is vital. The entire circumference of each teat should be covered and a drop of disinfectant should be observed at the end of each teat. Spray should be applied from directly underneath teats and not from the side. If teat condition is poor, a teat disinfectant with a higher emollient content should be used. This should be monitored and revert to original teat disinfectant after an adequate period. After cows exit the parlour it is important that they remain standing for 30 minutes in order to reduce new infections while the teat sphincter closes fully. Modern calf houses are easier to clean and disinfect AUTUMN 2012 ISSUE LIVESTOCK MATTERS 10

12 Welcome to the Autumn XLVets readers competition. AUTUMN 2012 YOUR CHANCE TO WIN... We have an XLVets fleece to give away to the first correct entry drawn at random after the competition closes. ENTER TODAY To enter, simply answer the three questions below and complete your details on the entry form. All the answers can be found in the articles in this issue of the magazine. Details of where to send your entry can be found below. GOOD LUCK... A winner will be chosen from all the correct entries received before the closing date, Friday 16th November Winners will be revealed in the next issue of XLVets Ireland Livestock Matters. one... List two parasitic diseases that can be transmitted to farm animals by dogs or cats 1 2 My details Name Address two... What is the incubation period of Redwater? three... What does SCC stand for? Daytime Telephone Number XLVets Practice Name Fleece size (please circle) S M L XL I would like to receive further information from XLVets by I do not wish to receive further information from XLVets Send your completed entry to: Farm Competition No.8 XLVets Ireland, Dromsally, Cappamore, Co.Limerick The editor s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The actual fleece supplied may differ slightly from the one pictured. Summer 2012 Livestock Matters competition winner: Dermot Ryan, Ballymorris, Bansha, Co.Tipperary (client of Glen Veterinary Clinics, Tipperary Town). XLVets Ireland Our primary aims are 4 fold: 1. To be a primary source of on-farm advice and the central co-ordinating consultant for other farm services for our clients. 2. To be committed to the sharing of current best practice advice to our clients through direct XLVets newsletters and client training, associated with our own high levels of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 3. To be highly competitive in the health and medicines market with not just prescription only medicines but also re-establishing the vet as a primary source for other on-farm medicinal and consumable products supported by impartial professional advice. 4. To improve our own efficiencies and reduce our costs by economies of scale over a wide range of practice needs and requirements.