Wet weather sparks surge in fatal disease

The recent spell of extremely wet weather may have triggered an outbreak of the bacterial disease blackleg, which can be fatal in cattle.

Scottish Agricultural College vets yesterday issued a warning to farmers to be on the lookout for the disease following a number of cases being confirmed at its disease surveillance centres (DSCs)at St Boswells, Ayr, Dumfries, Edinburgh and Perth.

SAC vets believe the recent wet weather may have triggered the increase in cases.

Alwyn Jones, veterinary inspection officer at the St Boswells DSC, said “Cattle between six and 24 months old are particularly susceptible to this disease. Affected cattle are often found dead, although occasionally they may be lame and have a swollen upper limb before they die.”

Jones added: that the disease could be easily prevented by vaccination and said farmers should investigate the unexpected death of any cattle and consult their vet on the need to vaccinate young stock when out on pasture.