South East Region Update
5th April 2012
At the time of writing, once again the region is now very much to the forefront for a disease outbreak, this time in the form of Schmallenberg virus, previously Blue Tongue. Geographically, together with the Eastern Region, we have the greatest risk from midge borne diseases from the Continent when prevailing winds bring plumes of the midges over the Channel. Although, in most cases, it appears that there have only been a very small percentage of ewes affected within a flock, some farmers have not been so lucky and our sympathy goes out to them.
One farmer has told me that he has been very disappointed by the time that it has taken his VI centre to confirm an outbreak. Is this the reason for the relatively low number of outbreaks that have been confirmed or is it a case of people not reporting it? I hope it is not the latter, and perhaps by next month we might have very different figures to hand. We intend to have a Seminar session on SBV at our South Sheep 2012 Event where hopefully we will be advised as to how to prepare for next season without a vaccine available.
Sheep worrying by dogs has been highlighted by NSA in the farming media just recently. This has been a high priority for our Region for more than a year and it has now been confirmed by Sussex being classed as one of the most affected counties. The NSA now have a database available for recording incidents which will help us to build a comprehensive picture of the extent of the problem. Please phone Malvern with details if you, or your neighbours, have suffered an attack.
The Region is now fully focused on NSA South Sheep 2012 which is featured in much more detail elsewhere in this issue of the Sheep Farmer. We have a dedicated committee guided by Sue Martyn, our Event Organiser, but we will always be grateful for any offers of help from Members who can perhaps spare an hour or two, before, during or even after the Event.
A Programme of Meetings / Farm Walks, etc. for 2012 is being put together at the moment and will be posted out to Members as soon as possible.
Looking forward to seeing you at NSA South Sheep on 13th June at Nugent Farms, Lambourn, Berkshire.
Bob Blanden
Regional Secretary
