All the latest news from Torch Farm Vets in North Devon

Nematodirus alert

Latest update: Torch Farm & Equine Ltd – March 22

Two cases of Nematodirosis have been confirmed in affected lambs by APHA this past week in Devon and Carmarthenshire. These are the first Nematodirus cases recorded this season by APHA

Nematodirosi is a major cause of severe diarrhoea and mortality in young lambs, predominantly in spring. Under certain climatic conditions Nematodirus battus worm can strike very quickly, with little or no warning

Cold weather delays hatching so when the temperature changes suddenly it can trigger a mass hatch. If this coincides with the time when lambs are starting to take in significant amounts of grass (over about six weeks old), the results can be devastating

The rise in temperatures in recent days means an increased risk to lambs from hatching nematodirus, says the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group.

Speaking on behalf of the group, sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings says: “Nematodirosis can strike very quickly so you can’t afford to have a ‘wait and see’ policy. And because the damage is done by large numbers of immature larvae that are not producing eggs, faecal egg counts are not a reliable indicator of risk. Rapid action is often required, particularly if you have 2022-born lambs grazing pasture that carried lambs last spring. Lambs typically start eating significant amounts of grass at six to 12 weeks’ of age, although this may be younger if ewes are under stress and not milking well.”

If you are concerned about Nematodirus please speak to your local practice where one of our vets can help.

*content taken from the APHA’s endemic disease alert system*

Our Coronavirus site safety risk assessments can be found here:

Coronavirus statement

Latest update: Torch Farm & Equine Ltd – November 21

Coronavirus statement

Latest update: Torch Farm & Equine Ltd – November 2021

We continue to adhere to current Government advice about Coronavirus (Covid-19), along with guidelines issued by the RCVS and BVA.

In response to the Government easing restrictions, we are pleased to be able to welcome clients into our practices again in line with safety measures designed to protect us all.

Our foremost priority remains the health and safety of our clients, staff and visitors to our premises. Additional safety measures include, but are not limited to:

Medicines may still be collected by clients from designated collection points or from reception collection points.

Risk assessments before on farm or equine visits

Site risk assessments

PPE equipment issued to all staff appropriate for their position including face masks and desk screens

Hand sanitiser at entry and exit points of all locations

Hand sanitiser and wipes at each workstation

Touch points are cleaned 3 times during a working day at all our locations

Extra cleansing routines in all work areas throughout the day

Staff temperature checking before they enter a site

We request that masks are worn at all times when entering the building and if you are feeling unwell that you do not visit the practice.

Our priority is to support the Government’s plans to control the spread of the virus and if official guidance changes, we will adjust practices immediately.

All our sites can be contacted by telephone during normal working hours 08:30 – 17:30 and our Emergency service out of hours.

We thank you for your support.

Our Coronavirus site safety risk assessments can be found here:

RISK ASSESSMENT – BIDEFORD

RISK ASSESSMENT – MULLACOTT

RISK ASSESSMENT – SOUTH MOLTON

RISK ASSESSMENT – HOLSWORTHY

RISK ASSESSMENT – ROUNDSWELL