Cattle Quarterly Winter 2021

WINTER EDITION 2021 CattleQuarterly

Cattle Case

Healing necrotic
claw horn lesions

KATE RICHARDS NEW GRAD FARM VET IN PICTURES
Leading in extraordinary Emily Collins-Wingate Congress success stories
times interview
The essential read for BCVA members

CATTLE QUARTERLY FROM THE EDITOR

Contents Editorial
3 BCVA News
This third edition of Cattle Quarterly takes us from one
Latest from your association year into the next – often a time of reflection. We are
going into a second new year in the knowledge that there
4 Congress in Pictures is still a global pandemic that continues to have an impact,
See how the event unfolded and our profession continues to meet these challenges with
impressive resilience. It is the hope of all on BCVA Board that
8 Vet People our members have felt the resources we provide, the CPD we
Interview with Kate Richards offer, the information we share – has all made your work and
life easier in 2021.
10 In Focus
Emily Collins-Wingate interview Congress was a key event for us this year. Putting on a
conference in a pandemic is not without risk and as a Board we
14 Cattle Cases took the decision very seriously – both in terms of keeping our
Necrotic horn lesions members safe of course – and also protecting the association
financially. Additionally, we had to make the decision late so
18 Next Generation we could consider the latest Covid regulations – this meant
Student rep take-over organising the event in three months, rather than the usual
nine!
22 Foot Focus
Top Tips for Mobility Thank you to everyone who helped to make it all
worthwhile, it was a great event at Celtic Manor and a suitable
24 Send A Cow way to honour our outgoing Welsh, two-term, pandemic
Impact of climate crisis President, Nikki Hopkins. You can see pictures from our time in
Wales on pages 4-6.
26 A Colossal Contribution
Andrew Cobner on David Barrett This issue has some excellent interviews; one with Emily
Collins-Wingate, known as the New Grad Farm Vet, talking
27 CPD Diary about starting out in this career (pages 10-12), and another
What’s on in 2022 with RCVS President, Kate Richard, who talks about leading
the profession (pages 8-9). We also gave space for our 2021-
Cattle Quarterly is published by 2022 Student Reps to tell us about their concerns, experiences,
the British Cattle Veterinary Association, plans and ideas (pages 18-21), and finally, in this people
The Glenmore Centre, 17 Jessop Ct, focussed edition, there is a tribute by Past President Andrew
Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AP. Cobner to Professor David Barret, who ended his term of office
on Board at Congress, after 17 impressive years volunteering
This magazine is a member-only benefit. his time and expertise with BCVA.
Parties interested in receiving
Cattle Quarterly should email Your lameness knowledge is going to escalate with
[email protected]. this edition too – Sara Pedersen illustrates the outcome of
cows considered to have ‘non-healing claw lesions’ following
Tel: 01452 725735 extensive therapeutic trimming. Sara has also worked with Nick
Email: [email protected] Bell and Owen Atkinson to provide us with ‘Top Ten Tips’ to
Web: www.bcva.org.uk getting greater engagement with farmers to reduce lameness.

EDITORIAL TEAM I would like to encourage members to consider contributing
EDITOR – John Remnant a case study to Cattle Quarterly – even if you have never
MANAGING EDITOR – Kay Colquhoun published before – we will support you all the way. If you want
PRODUCTION EDITOR – Aimee Hyett to find out more, or send us ideas for features, then please
MEMBERSHIP & CPD - Elsbeth Matthews email [email protected] and we’ll right back to you. The Spring
OFFICE MANAGEMENT - Dee Little edition will be with you in April.
PRODUCTION
BCVA Headquarters, The Glenmore Centre John Remnant, BCVA Joint Honorary Secretary and Editor of
PRINTER – Taylor Brothers Bristol Ltd Cattle Practice and Cattle Quarterly

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission
of the publisher. Views expressed within this publication do not necessarily represent
those of the Editor or the British Cattle Veterinary Association.
BCVA is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its publications wherever
possible and Cattle Quarterly is printed on paper made from sustainable resources and
can be recycled. When you have finished with this edition please recycle it. Members
can access the online archive of Cattle Quarterly at www.bcva.org.uk.

2 CATTLE QUARTERLY

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Meet Your Board

At Congress in October Dr Elizabeth Berry took on the mantle of BCVA President, and members had the opportunity to
vote at the AGM, including nominating a new Board member, Rob Howe. Rob qualified from Bristol University in 2006 and
in 2008 he opened the LLM Farm Vets Lancashire practice.

The Officer team for 2021-2022 is; Senior Vice-President – Nikki Hopkins, President – Elizabeth Berry, Junior
Vice-President – Colin Mason, Honorary Treasurer – Kat Hart, Honorary Secretary (jointly held) – Karen Bond & John
Remnant, BVA Rep – Sally Wilson. Board Members offering their invaluable contributions are; Nicky Bowden, Rebecca
Cavill, Sarah Hampson, Rachel Hayton, Rob Howe, Jenny Hull, Alice Miller, Alan Murphy, Sara Pedersen, Bridget Taylor,
and Sarah Tomlinson.

New year renewals Season’s Greetings

For many members, the new year means membership As we approach the end of another year where Covid
renewals. For those who pay by Direct Debit, payments has challenged many of us personally and professionally,
for 2022 are due to be taken on 22nd February. In this BCVA would like to thank members for their ongoing
instance members do not have to take any action unless support and hope that we can continue to service you
contact or bank details have changed since last year. For with valuable benefits in 2022. We’ve recently expanded
all other members, your renewal notice will be sent to you. the member benefits portfolio, including Cattle Quarterly
and CattleCast. Ideas for features for this publication or
At this year’s AGM members voted to accept an subjects for CattleCast in the coming year are gratefully
increase in membership fees, having had no increase received – email [email protected].
since 2008. The value of membership has also increased
in the last year, with the addition of Cattle Quarterly and
CattleCast. Equally, coming to Congress is worth the
membership fee alone and we of course hope to see as
many members as possible at the event in Birmingham,
20-22 October. Any questions about membership can be
sent to [email protected] or members can call 01452
725735 during office hours.

FAVS 2022

BCVA is a proud sponsor of the 2022 FAVS Congress,
taking place at the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies
in Edinburgh, 5-6th February. These two days of lectures,
practicals and socials are an important opportunity to
connect with the future of our profession and encourage
undergraduates to choose a farm vet career. We look
forward to meeting vet students from across the UK. For
more information follow favscongress2022 on Instagram.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 3

CONGRESS 2021

Congress in pictures

If you were with us at Celtic Manor in October, you will have your

own memories of Congress – thank you for joining us and making

it such a successful event. If you didn’t manage to attend, here

are some of our stand-out moments. This year, more than ever,

the chance to connect in person was especially important, so the

socials seemed to have had a little extra sparkle … hassgiNpnstrbRaiuoieraigverggweiueecnbcdilogcmyahOiraedaprpttwnehtnralbcfeaeedesrestnersffs.emsauiaioe,ronkamnMninadnaeynBeogtredn,E,,

CCwcheeaerlneeccmrosemolwnetheydenwdt2heu0elp2en0gfr(aoethtmveeesnnab)tkaPdecrueekenstitodcoerCotnhowtendNgpiarkaetknsitdhsHeeaomOfptieckpri.enhnsainvging to

Nikki Hopkins hosted the chief vets for Wales, BCVA works hard
Scotland and England and RCVS President to make sure
for an important panel discussion about Congress learning
paraprofessionals. is an interactive
experience, and
Rob Howe became the delegates were
newest member of BCVA enthusiastic
Board, voted in at the AGM participants in the
at Congress, where he Q&A sections of the
also shared his expertise talks.
on parasite control and
advised on BCVA’s new Fiona Lovatt led the charge to outline the
endoparasiticides policy benefit of becoming a Farm Vet Champion and
statement. demonstrated the invaluable tools and resources
available through the RCVS Knowledge platform.
4 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CONGRESS 2021

Would it even be a BCVA Congress fundraiser
without a pre-game gin and tonic? Nikki Hopkins
leading the charge on Thursday evening, where
guests raised over £1000 For Send a Cow.

Professors Jude Capper and
David Barrett enjoying David’s
last Congress Gala night
as a member of the BCVA
Board, as his role as Senior
Vice President finished during
the event, after serving the
association for 17 years. See
the tribute to David on page
26.

As a Welsh vet putting on For some, the fundraising gets competitive, and the evening
her presidential Congress in becomes a bit of a blur!
Wales, Nikki Hopkins made
sure there was plenty of local
produce on offer, and the
Celtic Manor’s Welsh cake
chef was kept busy.

The Friday Gala dinner offers the rare chance to get out of muddy
wellies and lab coats, as demonstrated by PhD student in calf
health at SRUC, Beth Riley.

BCVA Congress is a great opportunity for UK vet students to get a
taste of the event and we could not do what we do without them.
This year we had an enthusiastic and talented collective who we
hope to see more of in the future.

Nikki Hopkins passed the presidential chain onto Elizabeth
Berry at Congress, which gave our new President the
opportunity to congratulate her predecessor for steering the
profession through the pandemic, extending her term of office
to two years in order to offer stability at a time of significant
change.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 5

CONGRESS 2021

Talking Trade

The commercial exhibition at BCVA Congress is as important to our delegates as the science and socials
– this is where industry innovations can be found, where meaningful conversations take place, where deals
can be struck, and crucially, where stationary cupboards can be restocked! Putting on a conference during
a pandemic was not without risk for BCVA, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our
colleagues in industry for their ongoing support.

We hope to see you for more memory making
moments at Hilton Birmingham Metropole,
20-22 October, for BCVA Congress 2022.

6 CATTLE QUARTERLY

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VET PEOPLE

RCVS President on an
Extraordinary Year

Kate Richards qualified from Edinburgh and was a farm vet
for 15 years before working with industry and then in senior
Civil Service roles. She has worn many hats at Belgravia
House, and was elected RCVS President in April. Now more
than half-way through her term of office, she tells us how she
got here, how the RCVS has operated during the pandemic,
and where she hopes the profession is going.

Firstly, I must thank everyone in the veterinary professions for Government to put Afghan vets and vet paraprofessionals who
their commitment and dedication to upholding animal health had worked with, and for, UK affiliated charities to be added to the
and welfare throughout the pandemic. Vets and vet nurses emergency evacuation list.
have had their resilience tested. It has been extremely tough for
everyone. Belgravia House was closed with staff working remotely In a similar vein, in 2020 the RCVS Council supported a
until the building reopened in late summer, however many staff scheme in partnership with the Refugee Council to provide
remain working from home. financial support to those with refugee status who have veterinary
degrees not recognised by the RCVS to sit the Statutory
Despite the disruption, disciplinary hearings continued with Membership Examination. I am really pleased that this scheme
respondents offered remote options as appropriate. As restrictions has been expanded and now includes free access to RCVS
eased the Disciplinary Committee were able to convene closer Knowledge Library resources. In addition, the RCVS collaborated
to the respondents’ location so they could more easily attend the with membership organisations, including the BCVA, who have
proceedings allowing them to, for example, be better supported agreed to provide free membership to veterinary professionals
by family and friends. We emerged from the lockdowns without a with refugee status.
backlog of hearings.
Connecting with BCVA
In both July and September, with practices and employers
saying that the pandemic was continuing to impact veterinary I was delighted to be invited to join a panel for a discussion at
teams and the provision of services, I wrote to the profession BCVA Congress on the role of paraprofessionals in farm animal
about the extension of the temporary guidance on remote practice. The RCVS is committed to the vet-led team model
prescribing. This temporary dispensation was kept under constant whereby vets work alongside and delegate to appropriately trained
review by Standards Committee until there was sufficient evidence and regulated paraprofessionals.
to decide to end the dispensation on 21 November.
The 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act is outdated and inflexible
Looking back on what we have done and how we have and a huge amount of work by RCVS working parties and
worked since March 2020, it is important to now ensure that these committees and a public consultation has been collated into clear
innovative ways of working are reflected upon and continued proposals for legislative reform. I have written to Lord Benyon,
where appropriate. the Under Secretary of State at Defra, and am speaking to key
stakeholders about these proposals which include making the
Points of pride for the profession RCVS an umbrella regulator for all relevant professions. This
model would raise the status of the paraprofessionals and give
The launch of the VetGDP initiative last summer is supporting new assurance to vets and the public around delegation.
graduates in that crucial transition period from vet school to the
workplace, ensuring they progress into confident and competent A variety packed career
members of the profession. I have spoken to a number of 2021
graduates who are very complimentary about their advisors and I only ever wanted to be a farm vet, but as a graduate in the 1980s
value their support. it seemed unlikely as all the farm vets I knew were male. However,
I was offered my two jobs as a farm animal vet in Scotland’s
I am especially proud to have been a signatory on the joint northeast through connections I’d made on EMS placements. I left
RCVS, BVA and BVNA letter to the Prime Minister last August. practice after 15 years because, although I knew ‘my patch’ very
Seeing the events unfolding in Afghanistan we asked the UK

8 CATTLE QUARTERLY

VET PEOPLE

well, I wanted to be involved with the wider profession. connect with many within the profession as I have stood in their
Appointed as a farm animal vet advisor in a pharmaceutical shoes – and in their wellies.

company meant a move to west London, but now I was working The RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Group aims to break down
with vets across the UK providing technical support for the barriers with regards to selection, recruitment, and retention to
cattle and sheep products in my portfolio. Then when Foot encourage more diversity within the professions. In a previous
and Mouth Disease broke out in 2001, I volunteered to work in role I was the Equality and Diversity Champion and worked on
Defra’s Disease Emergency Control Centre at weekends. I was Investors in People. I am passionate about breaking down barriers
determined to help out in the crisis. I’d never considered working and promoting the benefits and value of diverse and inclusive
for government but in Page Street, Defra’s HQ in central London, I teams and organisations.
saw first-hand the commitment and dedication of the civil servants
and was particularly impressed by the leadership. When a farm Looking forward
animal veterinary advisor role was advertised by Defra a year
later, I applied. I am a STEM ambassador and committed to talking to schools
about what it is to be a vet and the career opportunities available.
Joining the Civil Service was the start of a path I never So far in my presidential year I have spoken to around 600 pupils
could have predicted! After two years as a veterinary advisor, and encourage anyone thinking of joining the profession to find
I was promoted to Scientific Secretary to the Spongiform out as much as they can about the sector and to follow their
Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC), a role funded by dream. I saw no female farm vets when I was young, but it was
Defra, the FSA and Department of Health. It was One Health in what I wanted to do, despite having no role models. I didn’t do it all
action. At Defra I became very interested in communications and on my own though. I had huge support from my parents who were
volunteered for a communications role on the Avian Influenza (AI) teachers and knew very little about the veterinary world, but I was
Outbreak Team in addition to my SEAC job. determined. I made as many connections within the profession as
I could and I’m still making them.
It was the AI role which gave me the confidence, experience
and evidence to apply for a role in HMRC leading a corporate While much progress has been made in building connections
communications team within HMRC’s HQ in Whitehall. I became with the medical profession, I would like to do more in this area.
known as the VAT Vet! After that I was in the Scotland Office as As has been shown during the pandemic, vets have a vital role
Principal Private Secretary for the Secretary of State for Scotland. in protecting human health through our knowledge and expertise
Next it was Cabinet Office working on Civil Service Reform and in zoonoses, epidemic disease and veterinary public health. This
finally the Ministry of Justice to lead a Corporate Services team. is an area I will continue to focus on during the rest of my term in
office, finding new channels to spread the word about what great
Although it appears that I have moved around I’ve essentially profession this is and how important it is to society.
stuck to my core passion of farm animal work. While at HMRC and
the Scotland Office, while my ‘day job’ was not veterinary related,
I was on BCVA Board and a Trustee for the Animal Welfare
Foundation which kept me grounded and connected with the
profession.

What I’ve learned is that seeking opportunities in areas about
which I am passionate has paid dividends, both from making
connections with people and gaining new experiences and skills. It
has opened doors for me. I have definitely become more confident
about making choices in my career and realised that no move
is a wrong move, I’ve always learned from the experience and
the people I have met along the way. My manager at HMRC still
keeps in contact with me on Facebook!

Challenges and celebrations

Workforce shortages have been evident for a few years and the
situation has been exacerbated by Brexit, the pandemic and an
increased demand for veterinary services within clinical practice,
export certification and food safety. The Workforce Summit hosted
by the RCVS in November brought together key stakeholders from
across the professions and generated innovative proposals to
address the shortage in the short, medium and long term. (A full
summary of the proceedings is available on the RCVS website).

That the profession has waited 177 years for an all-woman
presidential team is hugely significant. I’m the tenth female RCVS
President and hope that by talking about my diverse career I can

CATTLE QUARTERLY 9

IN FOCUS

The New Grad Farm Vet

Emily graduated in 2020 from Surrey and joined Westpoint
Farm Vets straight away after spending time with the practice
as a student. Having grown up around a smallholding, Emily
is particularly enjoying working with smallholder clients and
she has an ever-growing social media following where she
shares her life on farm.

Where it all began Going Large

My grandparents were originally from Portsmouth, but they moved My family will attest that it has always been farm for me. I enjoyed
out to the countryside before I was born. They’ve had animals my small animal work experience, but I can’t imagine myself
for as long as I can remember, and I spent a lot of time there. It ever being a small animal vet – being inside all day makes me
wasn’t set-up or run as a commercial farm, but they did supply miserable! I think a lot of people discount farm because they’re
free range eggs to some local shops, and there were turkeys not from that background, or maybe the working conditions aren’t
reared for Christmas. Growing up with animals around just felt seen as desirable, but I’d take a horrendous caesarean in the cold
normal – some of my baby pictures feature a turkey on the handle and wet over hours of back-to-back consults any day. Farming has
of my pram! Being a vet was all I ever wanted to do, and I always come a long way in terms of gender balance, but I can’t say there
knew that I wanted to be a farm vet, even though I wasn’t from a isn’t more work to be done.
farming family or had any experience of proper farming.
When I started my clinical farm EMS in third year I had a
A Surrey Pioneer couple of really unpleasant experiences. I was told that girls don’t
make good farm vets, and that I should just quit because I wasn’t
I visited Surrey for an Open Day and applied to be part of the from farming. I’m sure I’m not alone in experiencing different
first cohort, even though the Open Day was looking at architect treatment to that of male student counterparts. Those experiences
sketches and building plans on a screen – there wasn’t a physical did knock me, but I can confidently say that farming has improved
vet school to see at that point. The passion of the staff and vision massively even in that short time. Female farm vets, and vets not
to take a fresh approach to veterinary education had me hooked. from farming backgrounds, aren’t the exception anymore.
I had an offer for the 2014 entry, but my final maths a-level exam
had other ideas. Thankfully Surrey was happy for me to re-sit and My advice for anyone who has even slightly considered farm
apply the next year and looking back I wouldn’t change a thing. is to go for it, go and do some EMS and don’t let misconceptions
or invisible barriers hold you back. Everyone has heard the saying
that you can’t be what you can’t see, and in hindsight that was
exactly the case for me. During my degree I met some incredible
female farm vets, who weren’t from farming backgrounds, but were
amazing vets. Every industry needs people to champion those
from diverse backgrounds, so if you’re considering farming or just
have questions please reach out and start that conversation. Most
farmer won’t care whether you grew up on a farm or not - they just
want to know that you care about them and their animals.

Farm EMS

It’s pretty well accepted that farm EMS isn’t as easy to come
by as small animal. There aren’t as many practices, they’re
generally geographically isolated and often students need their
own transport to get there. All that aside, I would really strongly
recommend farm EMS to every student, even if you never plan
to set foot on a farm again after graduation. Having been on the
student and vet side of EMS students, I can see how valuable
the transferable skills are. Farm vetting is as much about
communication, problem solving and resilience as it is about
surgery and PD-ing cows!

10 CATTLE QUARTERLY

IN FOCUS

My advice for students going on EMS; please don’t discount plus a wider network throughout the rest of the company. I’ve
farm just because it’s not your first choice. If you’re engaged and really relied on that during the pandemic and have been able to
give things a go, I guarantee you will learn things. I personally speak to vets hundreds of miles away on an on-call weekend or
don’t care whether a student wants to go into farm or not, but it about a difficult case.
can be challenging having students who make it very obvious they
don’t want to be there. Starting work during the pandemic was certainly different,
and the biggest challenges for me were getting to know my team
Top three tips: and forming relationships with those extra challenges. A few of us
1. Make sure the office staff, receptionist and vets have started an early morning online case discussion to make up for
your phone number. Plans can change very quickly all those missed conversations that would have happened in the
in farm, and entire days of visits can be cancelled if office between visits.
an emergency comes in. There’s nothing worse than
being sat in the office alone because the vet went to On farm things did feel more normal, but we were still wearing
an emergency and couldn’t tell you. PPE and social distancing. Even little things like not being able to
2. If there are certain areas of weakness or topics you’d go inside for a cup of tea after a visit affected the relationship you
like to focus on please let your practice know! We ask have with clients. In the really challenging months, with everything
students to write some key aims on a board in the shut and people furloughed, I did really appreciate the normality
office, so we can prioritise them getting to fertility/sick of farm life, and being able to go out to work every day as normal
animal/health planning calls. Equally if you’d just like to definitely kept me going.
see some of everything, that’s good to know too!
3. Try and get as stuck in as you can, I will always try and The Learning Curve
involve students more who are engaged and helpful.
If you have some time in the office, ask if there’s They say you don’t really learn how to drive until after you pass
anything that can be done – we have kits to make-up your test, and I’d say the same about being a vet. Even without
and samples to process the same as in small animal the difficulties of the pandemic, no amount of practical experience
practices. can fully prepare you for the first time you’re on farm by yourself,
having to make decisions and clinical judgements. Whilst you
It’s been a tough year for everyone, especially vet students might be physically by yourself, I think it’s important for new grads
who have missed out on so much practical experience. I hope to remember that support is only a WhatsApp or phone call away,
the profession has accepted that the next few cohorts of students no one will mind you talking through a case when you start out. I
need to be given extra support and time to develop those skills still frequently chat things through with other vets, and there’s no
they would have done on EMS. There are so many ways to do this shame in that.
– for example Vet Partners ran a New Grad Boot Camp to provide
practical learning opportunities on farm in a safe environment that Every veterinary degree now places a lot of emphasis on
graduates may have missed out on. communication skills, but it’s not until you start in practice that you
realise just what proportion of your day is talking to people. Often
Student Turns Teacher you’re 100% reliant on your communication skills to ask the right
questions and be able to give the right advice. Some things do
Having students with me as a new grad felt so odd, but I know only come from experience, which isn’t that helpful as a new grad
it’s a really valuable experience for students and graduates. The other than to reassure you that things that feel alien will get easier.
biggest thing I try and do is involve students as much as I can on
farm, starting from always introducing them to the client – there’s Reaching Out
nothing worse than awkwardly standing there with no one knowing
who you are. Throughout vet school I was involved in the wider profession as
President of the Surrey Veterinary Society. The connections I built
As a student, I remember the first time a vet got me to
speak to a client directly, rather than just standing there up then have made the transition into practice much smoother,
listening to the conversation. It isn’t appropriate in and I wanted to contribute to that network building for
all situations, but lots of clients have been happy the vets and vet students of the future. It sounds crazy
for final year students to do the history taking but my Instagram account has been a big part of my
and clinical exam. My biggest challenge as a support network this year. Online I can connect with
new graduate was stepping up and having those farm vets, wherever they are, to share experiences
conversations with clients. I’m hoping to make that and advice. When I had tough visits, or situations
a bit easier for students if they’ve started asking that didn’t go as planned, I would share that online
those questions whilst on placement. Equally, as and be able to talk things through or learn from
a vet, having a student has made my life so much other people.
easier sometimes. Having an extra pair of hands Social media is an ever-growing part of our
to scrub into a surgery really turned around the lives, and it can be a great tool for educating and
last caesarean I did, and it’s much easier than sharing our stories with the wider world. Of course,
teaching a client how to scrub in and it can also be incredibly negative and toxic, it’s all
making sure they don’t touch the wrong about how you use it. Most weeks I have
things. conversations online with vet students
about the reality of being a farm vet,
Employed in a Pandemic and many of them have discounted it
as an option for them. Equally members
I spent a lot of time seeing practise of the public get to see how much time
with Westpoint, who I currently work and effort goes into ensuring the highest
for. I wanted to stay near family and I welfare possible for our farm animals – it’s
appreciated having a good-sized team, all about breaking down stereotypes and
getting some facts out into the discussion.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 11

IN FOCUS

A few clients follow me online, and I always have permission for to have the senior vet on farm every visit, but new graduates need
what I post. to be integrated into these teams to allow that client partnership to
progress. Communication teaching has improved and is focused
Finding Fulfilment on in vet school. The key things for me are honesty, attitude and
listening. Clients want to know you care about their situation,
Everyone says that the day bringing new life into the world doesn’t whether that’s a retired couple with some pet sheep, or your
make you happy is the day you should hang up your waterproofs. biggest dairy farm. If I don’t know the answer to a question, or
My first spring season was exhausting, but a good lambing, no don’t have a definitive diagnosis I will say that. If a surgery isn’t
matter what time of the night, will always put a smile on my face. quite going to plan, I’ll explain that too. No one has minded me
calling for a second opinion, and clients will always be more
You get a lot of ‘firsts’ in your initial months as a farm vet, and forgiving if they are kept informed about a situation as it happens.
they’re always amazing but there are smaller milestones which
I’ve noticed too. Not being from a farming background, I tried Work Still to Do
particularly hard to learn about the other aspects of running a
farm so I could integrate better with farm teams. Initially my on- The profession is facing many challenges – staffing shortages and
farm chat was just about the extortionate price of straw, and how staff wellbeing were issues even before the pandemic. I think it’s a
well the cull prices were holding, but I’m slowly learning more and difficult environment to ensure new grads are getting the support
that does give me a boost. we need, but this is an area we should try and prioritise or risk
losing these vets before they’ve even found their feet.
The other thing I underestimated is the buzz you can get from
educating people. I remember a client calling me at 3am on Easter Every member of the veterinary team can make a difference,
Weekend with their first difficult lambing. They described what they but I think culture change needs to come from the top down.
could feel, and we managed to talk them through correcting the There is always more work to be done, but managers should be
position and delivering live twins. Even as new graduates we have making a conscious effort to ensure their team are going home
a lot of knowledge, and it’s easy to underestimate that compared as soon to finish time as possible, and not using their evenings
to more senior colleagues, but we can still make a real difference. and weekends to catch-up on work admin. If a system only works
when everyone consistently gives up their personal time, the
There are challenging sides to the job, and TB testing isn’t system needs to change.
always the most interesting visit in the world, but we shouldn’t
just switch off and rush through those visits. As a new grad, TB Personally, my upcoming challenges are continuing to learn
testing is great way to get to know farmers without the pressure of and develop, without stagnating, and taking on more responsibility
a sick animal to deal with. Often there are some castrates, or PDs within my practice. I don’t have any specific areas of interest
to do on the read day so there’s always the possibility for some yet, but there’s a lot more to learn before I’ll feel confident and
clinical work too. Even more importantly we should be engaging competent with all general areas of farm vetting.
with farmers about TB, talking about risk management and
sensible decision making. I challenge anyone to listen to BCVA We are part of an industry where there is always more to give,
Board member Sarah Tomlinson speak about TB and not feel but awareness of our own wellbeing and the importance of time
empowered to pick up the gauntlet and do their bit to tackle this away is increasing. When I started work, I was told to book my first
disease. holiday as soon as I got access to the HR system, and to always
have something planned to look forward to. Visiting friends and
Clients & Communication trips away were hard during the pandemic, but scheduling time to
just be is important too. I’ve started doing some activities outside
The partnerships you develop with clients is such a key part of of work and getting back to the hobbies I enjoyed pre-pandemic.
being a farm vet, and that was a struggle during the height of Having a weekly club or rehearsal to attend gets me out of ‘work
the pandemic. As a new starter it can be hard to find your place, mode,’ and dog walks in the countryside will always help clear my
head after a difficult day.
especially if you’re
shadowing a senior vet Find Emily on the Socials
on visits or going as a
second vet to a routine. @newgradfarmvet on Twitter
I think it’s all about time, thenewgradfarmvet on Instagram
and to some degree
you do have to prove
your worth. We’re not
a heavy dairy area so
I’ve only just done my
first small routine as
second vet, without the
first vet present, but
having clients trust my
judgement and skills is a
really good feeling. The
hardest thing is clients
who won’t acknowledge
your presence on farm,
or only speak to the
senior vet even if you’re
stood next to them.

There will always
be clients who’d prefer

12 CATTLE QUARTERLY

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VILLAGE HOTEL, BRISTOL, BS34 6FG

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01452 725 735
[email protected]

CASE STUDY

Healing Necrotic Claw Horn
Lesions: A case series

Sara Pedersen BSc BVetMed CertCHP DBR MRCVS offers
a case series that demonstrates the impact of treating ‘non-
healing claw lesions.’

The term ‘non-healing lesion’ is often used to describe haemostatic
complicated or extensive claw horn lesions where exposed
corium is often infected with digital dermatitis resulting in a purposes.
severely lame cow. These lesions include necrotic toe, wall ulcer
and axial wall cracks. Depending on

As the term suggests, these cases can be difficult to heal the lesion either
without the right approach and often they become candidates
for digit amputation. However, with correct intervention and good a single or double
communication between the farmer, trimmer and vet to ensure
these cases are presented for veterinary treatment, it means that block was applied
we can see a rapid improvement in the welfare of the cow and
reduction in lameness severity. to the healthy

The aim of this case series was to observe the outcome of partner claw and
cows perceived as having ‘non-healing claw lesions’ following
extensive therapeutic trimming. A total of 9 cows from two farms NSAIDs were
were included, all of which had a history of chronic lameness
(>8 weeks duration) or had been repeatedly treated with no or administered for 3
limited success by the farmer and/or professional foot trimmer.
All cows were observed for a minimum period of 8 months to consecutive days
assess healing, improvement in mobility and survival in the herd.
A selection of different lesions is presented here. (20ml Ketofen;

Approach Ketofprofen

All cows were examined in a foot trimming crush and trimmed 100mg/ml, Ceva).
according to the 5-step functional method. Anaesthesia of the
affected distal limb was achieved using intravenous regional It was advised
anaesthesia (IVRA; 20ml Adrenacaine; Procaine Hydrochloride
50mg/ml Norbrook; NB unlicensed via this route so statutory that following
withholds apply). Most commonly the cranial branch of the lateral
saphenous vein was used or the treatment, the
common digital vein using a 21G
butterfly catheter. lesions were gently

Once anaesthesia was washed with water
achieved, the lesion was trimmed
so that all necrotic tissue and in the parlour and IVRA where are the veins
loose horn was removed and the
margins around the lesion thinned that the cows did
so that there were no hard ridges or
sharp points that would aggravate not pass through the
the exposed corium during the
healing process. A licenced topical footbath for at least 7 days.
antibiotic spray was applied to the
lesion (Engemcyin; Oxytetracycline The lesions were rechecked every 2-3 weeks to ensure that
Hydrocholoride 25mg/ml, MSD
Animal Health). A pressure bandage there was no reinfection of the corium and that horn regrowth was
was also applied for 6 hours for
not causing any irritation or pinching of the corium which could

cause growth of granulation tissue and delay healing. Blocks

were replaced as necessary to ensure that height difference was

maintained to allow rest of the affected claw.

IVRA Common dorsal digital vein

14 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CASE STUDY

Lesion Type 1: Wall Ulcer

Case details: 1st lactation heifer, 75 days in milk. Presented as lame on her left hind leg during a routine trimming visit.
There was a large amount of necrotic corium which was removed along with all detached horn.

Day 0 Under anaesthetic + 3 days pain relief

Day 0 Day 17 Day 31 Day 45 Day 238

Lesion Type 2: Axial Wall Crack Day 31

Case details: 2nd lactation, 223 days in milk.
Presented as lame on her right hind leg with a history
of repeated lameness with trimming/treatment by the
producer. More challenging to trim due to accessing
this area of the claw, the same approach was taken
with removal.

Day 0 Day 17

Day 0

Day 45 Day 59 Day 238

CATTLE QUARTERLY 15

CASE STUDY

Lesion Type 3: Necrotic Toe

Case details: Chronically lame cow with a long history of
multiple treatments by the foot trimmer and farmer. In this case
a portion of the pedal bone also needed to be removed due to
severe necrosis. It was pared back using knives and nippers
until there was fresh, clean bone.

Day 0 Day 37

Day 57 Day 79

Day 280 Outcome

All cows enrolled in the case series showed a
clinical improvement in lameness and a reported
improvement in milk yield following resolution of the
lesion. The advantage of this approach in comparison
to digit amputation is that both claws are retained.
Whilst it would be expected that cases would be at an
increased risk of recurrent lameness due to underlying
damage, they can be managed closely to reduce risk
of future lameness.

Ultimately, it is preferable to avoid severe
lameness cases in the first instance, however, when
these cases do occur the approach above offers an
alternative to amputation (and its associated reduced
longevity) and also presents an opportunity for greater
vet, trimmer and farmer communication and teamwork
in the overall goal of tackling lameness.

16 CATTLE QUARTERLY

Top Tips for Tackling CASE STUDY
Necrotic Lesions:
See Your Case Here
• Anaesthetic: This is essential
for these lesions and should The aim of Cattle Cases is to present clinical
be administered as soon as scenarios which are encountered in farm practice,
possible after examining the and we especially welcome submissions from our
claw. members, especially those working in farm practice.
You might take a problem orientated approach
• Be bold: Remove all of the to a challenging diagnosis, present a treatment
necrotic and underrun horn or surgical dilemma, or focus on one aspect of a
and tissue to improve the complicated case. If you have a case that you think
chances of a quicker recovery. will make a good article then please email Editor@
bcva.co.uk for the guidelines.
• Thin the margins around the
lesion: Make sure there are About the Author
no sharp edges or sections of
horn that could put pressure BCVA Board member, Sara Pedersen, is a 2005
on the exposed corium. graduate of the RVC and has since worked
predominantly with dairy cattle. She achieved a
• Pain relief: Ensure NSAID Certificate in Cattle Health and Production in 2009
cover is provided for at least 3 and a Diploma in Bovine Reproduction in 2012 and
days after treatment. is an RCVS-recognised specialist in cattle health
and production.
• Rest: Ensure that the
treated claw is rested through In 2014, Sara left full-time practice to focus on
application of a block to her role as Director with Farm Dynamics, providing
the sound claw – correct national and international consultancy and training
application of the block is services to agri-businesses. At the start of 2017, she
crucial to aid healing. embarked on a part-time PhD with The University of
Nottingham on cattle foot trimming.
• Recheck: Recheck the
lesions regularly to ensure that Acknowledgments
they are healing correctly. The
block may need to be replaced Thanks to both Joe Kirby of Kirby Cattle Services
or further horn pared away. Ltd and Alun Howells of Wales & West Hoof
Trimming for their help in selecting cases and
assisting with the case series and to the farmers
involved.

BCVA is printing this case study in Cattle Quarterly with
the author to demonstrate an example of a particular case
or cases as seen in practice. It is not a statement of BCVA
policy or guidance on diagnosis or treatment. Reference
to any specific product or entity does not constitute
endorsement or recommendation by BCVA. Readers
are advised to follow the principles of evidence based
veterinary medicine and use their clinical judgement on
how best to manage cases under their care.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 17

NEXT GEN

Next Generation Views

Our latest brilliant cohort of Student Reps share their stories,
experiences, views and concerns.

Olivia Abbiss, Nottingham, on choosing a farm vet career

Prior to starting vet school, I had always enjoyed my experiences on farms, from delivering my first
lamb, milking dairy cows and working alongside a beef farmer to help with TB testing. However,
despite several years in Young Farmers, I am not from a farming background and initially it was my
experience and love of horses that made me want to pursue a veterinary career.

This year I began clinical EMS placements, which introduced me to some truly inspirational farm
vets, who made me consider the opportunities and benefits of a career incorporating farm animal
work. They welcomed me into a supportive community of vets and farmers, and I thoroughly enjoyed
the collaborative relationship between these two parties, working together to improve animal health,
welfare and productivity on farm. It felt like farm veterinary work was a real team effort, with vets
and farmers both celebrating the small wins - be this the delivery of a live calf by caesarean after a
difficult labour, or a successful PD session with lots of in-calf heifers.

At vet school, we began clinical teaching this year, and the development of my knowledge of
farm animal diseases, from ketosis to digital dermatitis, has continued to kindle a joy for farm animal work. The enthusiasm of the
lecturers, and opportunities for practical skills, such as foot trimming, makes me feel one step closer to being a vet in practice.

I cannot wait to continue developing these skills and meeting more inspirational farm vets over the next year as I begin
rotations. Therefore, the focus for my remaining clinical EMS placements is large animal and mixed practices, where I can
combine my unwavering enthusiasm for equine veterinary work with my newfound passion for farm animal medicine.

Katie Allan, Edinburgh, on studying during a pandemic

Never could we have imagined the impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on our day to day
lives, when we first entered vet school. Our time at university changed dramatically – with teaching
online, practicals postponed, and EMS cancelled, I was naturally concerned about how this would
affect my education and confidence. Without the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, I worried
that I would be incompetent both during my final year and as a new graduate.

I found the best way of coping with the lockdown lifestyle was to keep busy and hoped that I
would be back at university in no time. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case! It was strange training
for such a practical profession using a hybrid model, especially during my clinical years.

Despite the many obstacles in our way, I was keen to make the best out of a bad situation
and improve my skills in any way possible. When a local farmer asked for a hand over lambing
and calving time, I was delighted to take up his offer. This is my favourite time of year, and I often spent my holidays when I was
younger helping on my family’s beef and sheep farm, which is where my passion to become a vet stemmed from. Working here
allowed me to improve various skills whilst doing something I love, and enjoying the outdoors, all of which was great for my overall
wellbeing.

Thankfully, as time has progressed, we have been able to attend more practical sessions in vet school and gain more EMS.
COVID-19 has definitely changed my vet school experience, but there are positives to be taken from this situation; it has made me
more resilient and taught me not to underestimate my capabilities. I won’t take normal life for granted again… but could this be the
‘new normal’?

18 CATTLE QUARTERLY

NEXT GEN

Megan Allen, Bristol, on how the veterinary profession
might change

The veterinary profession has had to change in the last couple of years – post-Brexit, and we
shouldn’t be surprised, but instead should perhaps continue to hope for it – at least in terms of animal
care and welfare. Along with the responsible use of antimicrobials becoming an ever-increasing issue
which needs addressing in both the animal and human sectors, I believe the main developments in
our profession will stem from changes in the farming community that we serve.

Post-Brexit changes and questions over imports from countries with a lower welfare standard
than we hold in the UK will undoubtedly put strain on those members of the farming community who
were already considering leaving the industry. Succession issues are common and ultimately that
issue, and whether farms remain working farms, will ultimately affect the nature of the veterinary
profession. Small, middle ground farmers who are struggling to make ends meet may be forced out
of an already demanding industry, leaving veterinary work stretched and spread out between large
dairies, suckler herds or sheep flocks encompassing vast areas with a few small holders dotted around in-between.

Change can also be positive; an increasing premium is being placed on British farming products and this should be embraced
and supported wherever possible - not only giving the farming community but the veterinary profession a well needed boost in
times of uncertainty over the climate and overall animal welfare. Hopefully this change will happen, with people supporting British
and local businesses after further education over what makes British farming great.

The one thing that will remain throughout the next 10-20 years will be the purpose of vets, the link with farming and the spirit
of the farming community.

Lucy Gleave, Liverpool, on the love of cows

What is there not to love about cows? They are metabolic machines that I think are the toughest of
animals. Some are like big friendly dogs – and others, perhaps not so much! A career with these
animals and within the cattle industry would be the dream job for me. There are so many vital sections
that are crucial in the successful running of a farm to ensure optimum efficiency, with the welfare and
health of the animals being paramount. This starts from as soon as they are born and of course follows
them throughout their life. Having the opportunity to help out and work both alone and in a team to
problem solve through these situations is something that I can’t wait to do.

The biggest challenge, I feel, when working with livestock will be the tough times that farmers will
go through, whether it be TB breakdowns, bad weather, or poor market prices. It is often in these times
that the most crucial - and difficult - decisions will happen. From seeing this first-hand, it has shown to
me how giving support is vital for the cattle industry to survive. On a more personal note, I feel another
challenge will be dealing with the cases when the outcome is not what you wanted, as I feel this can be tough and can be a real
test of perseverance.

What I am looking forward is being able to work with different farms to help them get the best out of their animals. Something
that I have loved from my EMS placements is the ability to see different set-ups, from low intensity to high intensity, and seeing
how no farm is ever the same - each farm has its individual challenges, whether it be different breeds or different characters (both
cows and farmers!). I suppose I’m most looking forward to being able to help and have a positive impact to ensure the best for
these incredible animals.

Abi Hunt, Surrey, on choosing the farm route

Coming into vet school I was the classic ‘wanted to be a vet since the age of 8’ kind of student.
However, up until the age of 15 I wanted to be a small animal vet. I am not from a farming background,
so I guess farm wasn’t anything I ever considered until I started getting work experience on a local
dairy farm which completely changed that!

After my first day on the farm, I decided being a farm vet was my career of choise, and this was
strengthened as I worked there until I went to university. I was really interested in the relationship
between vet and farmer and how they work together to make changes to the farm.

The farm I worked on was really progressive and seemed keen to help me learn. I loved being
able to work outdoors and enjoyed the physical challenge of the work. This interest has stuck with me
throughout vet school and led me to now where I am in third year and still want to be a farm vet!

At Surrey, the lecturers encourage us to explore all the different fields of work we can go into. We have practicals and lectures
to cover all species. We also cover all species on our EMS, however, I always look forward to the farm species most. I enjoyed
lambing this year and my time on a rotary dairy farm over the summer and I have enjoyed exploring the variety that farm practice
provides. I think that the university aims to give us a well-rounded experience but also allows us to focus in more on what we
enjoy most - which I am looking forward to during my elective clinical EMS placements in the years to come.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 19

NEXT GEN

Nat Lam, Cambridge, on the challenges of
climate change

Climate change is a cause for concern because it affects animal welfare both directly
and indirectly, such as changes in disease pattern and increased exposure to heat and
extreme weather. Consequently, it is very important to belong to a profession that can
help UK farming move towards the 2040 Net Zero target.

Cattle are one of the main contributors to the livestock sector’s emissions, and
therefore one can argue that pursuing a career in a mixed practice would allow you to
become a major contributor to the Net Zero target. However, veterinary medicine also
interfaces with climate change in many ways, and so regardless of which type of practice
you work in, there is a role for everyone - from research to reviewing and adopting practices which minimise greenhouse gas
emission.

In regard to farming systems, I am excited about the prospect of fighting climate change through management system
modification as well as breeding strategies. For instance, reductions in methane production was reported to correlate with greater
nutrient quality and digestibility (Hristov et al., 2013). As veterinarians are important sources of information for farmers, dialogues
with farmers would be critical to promote acceptance of future climate change mitigation measures.

Anaïs Leboucq, Dublin, on Day One skills

As we all know, studying veterinary medicine involves many hours sitting in lecture theatres
or at the library, going through power point slides and book pages. Graduating and starting
your career as a veterinarian means finally being able to apply all the theory to practice.

There is only so much experience we can acquire during our rotations at university and
during placement, meaning we are all anxious about the first time we will have to do the job
on our own. What if we struggle in front of a farmer to carry out simple procedures and lose
our credibility? Routine things such as even packing the car and not forgetting something
can be stressfull when you are just starting.

As students, we have had a try at most of the ‘Day 1 skills.’ A few IV injections on
rotation, some skin sutures on placement, surgeries on cadavers … the hope is then to find
a first job with enough guidance so that our proficiency in those can increase as rapidly as it
can. Then, there are areas of veterinary practice that will only become perfected and reliable
with years of experience such as ultrasound scanning and your overall exposure to cases and different diseases. This is where
CPD becomes such an important part of our careers.

With Covid-19, we all became used to joining webinars. However, being able to go back to congresses and attending wet labs
will be both a way of improving ourselves as practitioners and maintaining a sense of collegiality within our community. Extra-
curricular learning is already strongly encouraged at university, evening talks and student congress weekends (such as FAVS
congress) being fully part of the student life! We are also aware of the newer challenges that we will have to deal with during our
careers (antimicrobial use, climate change). Our generation of vets will probably remain enthusiastic about completing their CPD.

Hannah Marrow, Glasgow, on our role with the climate crisis

It is commonplace to see agriculture under-fire about its role in the climate crisis. As a result, it is
important that it can make the necessary steps to reduce its impact and I feel this is something the
veterinary profession can heavily influence.

For instance, the vet can have a major impact on farm productivity through improving the
health of the herd (or flock). Reducing wastage on farm, through losses of animals or productivity,
is something I feel is important in combating climate change at a farm level. Emphasising the
importance of this has positive effects on both the environment and welfare of our farm animals and
is an area in which the vet has great potential to improve.

I hope to work in a practice where combatting climate change is prioritised. Having grown up
around farming, I feel that it can be overlooked on some farms and its importance for the future not
recognised. Recent climate change events have brought into the focus the impact agriculture has on
our planet; it is of vital importance that farming is seen to be responding and improving its impact in-
order to maintain a good image.

It is very common for anti-farming messages to be circulated online and it is partly our responsibility to highlight the important
role farming plays in our ecosystems. I do feel it is necessary to utilise our position as vets to spread the message about the
benefits farming brings to our local environment. We have a responsibility to work with and champion British Farmers. I hope my
career will provide a platform for me to discuss these issues with colleagues and farmers and have a positive influence on farm.

20 CATTLE QUARTERLY

NEXT GEN

Georgia Owen, RVC, on diversity and inclusivity

What is the first thing that springs to mind for most people when they think of a farm vet? For many it
would be the classic ‘James Herriot’ stereotype, jumping out of his Land Rover armed with a leather
duffle and Labrador at his side. In reality of course this is far from the truth of what it means to be a
farm vet today.

We were all drawn to this profession for different reasons, but how many of us have had to factor
in how our background, personal or religious beliefs will fit into our job? How many of us have been
deterred from applying for a position because it ‘might not be for someone like me’? The truth is farm
vetting isn’t for just one type of person.

I believe there are several things that we can do together to encourage and drive inclusivity
within the profession. The first, and most crucial, is acceptance. We need to make more conscious
decisions to openly encourage people into the profession from different walks of life. I think a lot of
individuals and corporations believe that they aren’t part of the ‘problem’ and whilst this may be true to an extent, it is important to
make active decisions to employ a more diverse cohort of people.

Another important factor is integration into the farming community. Whilst we may succeed to increase diversity within the
workplace, how are we supporting individuals once they enter the profession – for instance, religious & health accommodations,
mental health support & personalised mentoring?

If a friend or work colleague raises a complaint about prejudice or discrimination they have faced in the workplace or out on
a job, we need to make sure we are actively supporting them and acknowledging that it is an issue. Communication between
employers and co-workers is integral in building a work environment that allows people to feel included and safe within their job,
especially when being a farm vet can be very isolating at times.

By having more open and honest conversations with each other and giving a voice to under-represented groups, we can start
to build a better profession that is more inviting, and open to change.

Jess Varney – Harper and Keele, on a career that comes at a
cost

Getting through vet school is difficult. Getting through vet school as a graduate is almost unrealistic.

I am that typical student that dreamed about vet school from a young age, and my dream
almost stayed that way. Why? Money.

I was discouraged from applying to vet school by schoolteachers and found an alternative
animal degree; I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Science in 2019, which is a huge
achievement as I am the first person in my family to attend university. However, I still aimed for vet
school, so I juggled part-time jobs and animal work-experience placements throughout my studies
and applied to vet school – I got in! This amazing news was shortly followed by the stark realisation
of having to self-fund over £45k for tuition fees alone, before even thinking about other hidden costs associated with the course.
There is no government support for tuition fees when studying vet med as a second degree, which currently costs £9,250 per
year. Without working throughout my studies and competing for bursaries from charitable trusts, I would not be at vet school.
Due to the financial burden many graduates are put-off, but money should not be the barrier preventing perfectly capable and
passionate students from embarking on a career in veterinary medicine.

BCVA Student Clinical Clubs

BCVA provide Clinical Clubs online for student members.

1st February 2022
Problems in Dairy Calves with Kat Hart

1st March 2022
Approaching the Individual Mastitis Case with Rachel Hayton

5th April 2022
Fertility Cases with Rebecca Cavill

CATTLE QUARTERLY 21

FOOT FOCUS

Best Foot Forward

As we approach the end of the year it seems a good opportunity
to set some goals or resolutions for 2022. With reducing lameness
in the UK dairy herd top of the agenda, now is the time to focus on
feet and engage more farmers in discussions around Healthy Feet.
Here Dr Nick Bell, Owen Atkinson and Sara Pedersen share their
‘Ten Top Tips’ for engaging farmers.

Make sure you’re on the same Take a team approach: If you are
page: Avoid inadvertently disengaging on farm when the foot trimmer is
your client by telling them solutions to there, ask if it’s a good time to have
a problem they don’t think they have. a discussion about what they find on
Give a team a solution, they might the feet, seek their opinion and take a
find many problems; give that team a problem, they team approach to engaging the farmer.
might find many solutions.
Share a success story: Often it’s
Build your own confidence hearing the benefits from another
first: If you’re wary of engaging farmer that can be the most effective
in conversations due to lack of way of inspiring change.
confidence or experience in this
subject area then brush up your Create a foot-focused action group:
skills and knowledge on any of the range of BCVA Sometimes farmers like to learn from
lameness courses (more coming soon too!). each other – encourage them to share
ideas and solutions by forming a
Build the farmer’s confidence in Farmer Led Action Group.
you: Start with an easy win. Digital
dermatitis is often an easy lesion Offer a free mobility score: In some
to control by following a few simple instances, there may be ‘lameness
principles. blindness’ which can make it very
difficult to start a conversation. Having
Show an interest and be proactive: some facts and figures to hand on the
Ask lots of open questions to explore lameness levels and costs can help with farmers
the current thoughts and actions – who are more data driven. Even better, if you can
most farmers actually enjoy talking score the herd alongside the farmer it can also help
about feet! Even better, make it break down some of the recognition barriers.
practical and so next time you’re on a routine visit
and see a lame cow, ask if you can lift the feet and Don’t be afraid to be honest:
take a look. Sometimes upsetting your client is
necessary but it can drive action. Say
Use data to create discussion: If when a situation is not acceptable.
you have lesion records then plot Sometimes you have to flag when
some trends and use the data to lameness levels are unacceptably high but remind
generate some questions e.g., why them you can offer help and support.
were there so many sole ulcers in
October last year?

22 CATTLE QUARTERLY

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SEND A COW

Impact of Climate Crisis
on African Farmers

The climate crisis is the single most significant issue
affecting people across rural Africa. It threatens not only their
lives, but the world’s ability to feed itself – now and in the
future. Becky Moorcroft of Send a Cow tells us about Send a
Cow’s approach.

Sub-Saharan Africa has recorded steady economic We used to have wheat and oat, so, my children ate fine
growth since the new millennium, but the climate crisis until 10 years of age. We even shared food with children in
has the potential to reverse the continent’s progress. the village and lived a social life. Now, when we can, they
Nearly 70% of the people in Africa rely on the land to feed just eat Injera (flatbread) and Shiro (chickpea or broad bean
their families and make a living. stew) for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

Figures from the World Bank indicate that if global Dessie shared that the changes in climate she has seen
temperatures rise more than 1.5°c (compared to pre-industrial have been on the short rains, known as the ‘Belg’ in Ethiopia.
times), 40-80% of productive land around the world will be Previously, these rains came in January, which helped keep
lost. Global warming reached 1°c in 2017, and families in crops alive through to May or June when they were ready
rural Africa are already experiencing the devastating effects. to harvest. Describing the impact of these rains not arriving
(March 2020), Dessie’s assessment of the situation was
Gaspard and his family, who live in the Bugesera district stark: “Climate change is killing us.”
of eastern Rwanda, are already experiencing crop failures
due to the climate crisis. Weather changes have disrupted Titus Sagala, Country Director for Send a Cow Kenya,
seasons, increased the impacts of pests and reduced rainfall explained, “The poorest communities in Africa, who largely
overall. depend on rain-fed agriculture, are bearing the brunt of this
crisis. The impact is clear: it is increasing world inequalities.”
Gaspard is seeing his traditional crops drying up: “This With governments across the world coming together to make
region is suitable for bananas, but our bananas were affected commitments during COP26 summit, we asked Titus what
and we didn’t get any for home consumption. Even our sweet action he would like to see from the rest of the world, and he
potatoes were affected. We got nothing due to the climate said, “The leaders need to be more sensitive to the needs
crisis. All of this caused our family to go hungry.” of small-scale farmers. Put in place policies that encourage
preservation and enhancement rather than increased
The challenges faced by rural families across East Africa production at the expense of the environment. Promotion of
are increasing. The effects of the climate crisis are not only development activities that preserve the environment rather
the dramatic droughts or flooding that make headline news, than destroy. Promotion of organic methods and only limited
but also the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that use of non-organic products.”
make it very difficult for hardworking farmers to plan when to
plant, and when they can harvest. Home-grown solutions to the climate crisis

In Ethiopia, farmer Dessie and her family of four live in All of our solutions are African-designed to enable families to
the Elsa Kebele (village) of Kutaber District. When Send a grow enough to eat and generate an income. The techniques
Cow visited her, the area was looking very arid. Surrounding used are also climate-positive and help regenerate the natural
farmland had been ploughed by farmers, ready for planting, environment. Within our planting programmes we include
but they were waiting for rain before planting seeds and trees, shrubs and grasses, which, as well as improving soil
seedlings – not knowing when it would arrive.And meanwhile quality, also have a net impact on removing greenhouse gas
the turned soil was drying out. emissions from the atmosphere.

With enough rainfall, Dessie’s small plot of land provides
for her family. However, without rain:

“If the crop fails my children don’t get the food they need.

24 CATTLE QUARTERLY

SEND A COW

Send a Cow’s Agroecological Climate Positive A January – Use Your
Approach is practical training that includes sustainable
growing techniques, livestock management, pest and weed Footprints For Good
control, agroforestry and integrated farm management. The
techniques we use emulate natural organic processes that Get fit, cut carbon and help families in rural Africa fight
can be adapted to local environments and also remove the hunger and the climate crisis.
reliance on chemical fertilisers and GM crops. Farms improve
their soil quality, crop diversity and productivity, and farmers By the second week in January, the average person
are better equipped to adapt to climate pressures. in the UK will have created a greater carbon footprint
than a single person in Ethiopia will account for in a
No need for expensive fertilisers whole year. Those who have contributed the least are
suffering the most from the effects of the climate crisis.
Farmers in sub-Saharan Africa often struggle to grow crops
in dry, degraded soil. Manure from well-looked-after farm This January, use your footprints for good by taking
animals can be vital in rebuilding its fertility, and creating part in Send a Cow’s virtual relay and join hundreds of
the kind of humus-rich soil that retains moisture well. Many other supporters cutting their carbon and fighting for
farmers regard the manure produced by cows and goats as climate justice for families in rural Africa.
even more valuable than the milk or meat that they provide.
In a virtuous circle of sustainable farming, they quickly Run, walk or cycle your target distance and
appreciate that well-kept livestock produce more and better- contribute to 60 million footprints for good that will take
quality manure. us on a virtual relay from the UK to Ethiopia, Uganda,
Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia and Burundi. Along the way,
Rediscovering local skills and building new techniques you will learn more about the families on the frontline of
which respond to new circumstances help farmers like the climate crisis and how your donations will make a
Gaspard and Dessie to combat the effects of falling crop difference.
yields, soil degradation and devastating pests, so they can
do more than survive on the front line of the crisis. This work Raising just £60 could help three families with the
enables them to thrive: by building up their financial stability tools, seeds and training in sustainable farming, soil
and giving them the opportunity to plan for better lives for health and rainwater harvesting so they can stand up to
their children. extreme weather and grow enough to eat.

Sign up today and be a climate champion -
sendacow.org/relayforhope

To find out more about our work
or how you and your practice can get
involved please contact Becky Moorcroft,
[email protected].

CATTLE QUARTERLY 25

BCVA PEOPLE

Celebrating a Colossal
Contribution

At BCVA Congress this year Professor David Barrett completed his
time on the Board. His input into the association is only matched by
his impact on the veterinary profession and UK agriculture. Fellow
past BCVA President, Andrew Cobner, shares his memories of
working alongside David.

The list of David Barrett’s achievements and contributions to took the time to cycle to the top of Cheddar Gorge just for the hell
our profession is almost endless. He took up the position of of it while most of us there that day took the flatter route to Bristol
Professor of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction Vet School.
at the University of Bristol in 2011, after 18 years at the University
of Glasgow and was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College On Day 9 of the trip David had picked up a thigh strain and the
of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical conditions were horrendous. We crossed the border into Scotland
Practice in 2017. In 2019 he was made an Associate of the Royal in teeming rain.
Agricultural Societies (ARAgS) for a veterinary career spanning
30 years in support of UK livestock agriculture – clinical practice, David was amazing. In spite of the injury (off the bike he looked
education, research and professional leadership. He is a Fellow like he could barely walk) he cycled the very wet 84 miles of that
of the Higher Education Academy and became Bristol Veterinary day. He even cycled on ahead of me, Paul Burr and Matt Yarnell to
School Education Director in 2020. In 2021 he also became a get his house ready so that we could stay there that night, before
Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB). taking us down to the Inn on the Loch to enjoy a meal with his
children Chris and Abby.
Even before he qualified from Bristol Vet School in 1990 he
joined the BCVA and within six years of qualifying he became part With David by my side there was never any doubt that we
of the BCVA Council on which he served until 2001. He re-joined the would complete the journey and I will never forget the support and
Board in 2010 becoming one of the cornerstones of the association companionship of those 14 days and over 1000 miles.
for the next 11 years. He was my Junior Vice President in 2017,
going on to be President in 2018. Thank you

David was always the level-headed counterpoint in our more David Barrett has been a fantastic servant to BCVA, the students
reactionary moments, the rational brain who could always provide of Bristol and Glasgow vet schools and the profession as a whole.
the sanity check that we all needed. This however only tells one His determination, diligence and resolve are second to none. We all
part of the story of David’s involvement with BCVA and one aspect owe him a debt of gratitude for his services and wish him well for
of his nature. What isn’t immediately apparent from his extensive the rest of his career.
academic CV is that he is also a supremely fit athlete who runs
marathons and ultra-marathons – for fun!

An epic journey

When I became president, it was BCVA’s 50th anniversary and
so it was decided that we should do something a little special to
celebrate. Someone suggested that we should cycle from Land’s
End to John O’Groats to raise money for Send a Cow, and
somehow I agreed to this. Many took part in the endeavour but in
the end only two of us went the whole distance – me and, of course,
David.

In the fourteen days of that epic journey, we had a fantastic
time meeting vets across the country. I had had to go through a
lot of training to be able to undertake the journey whereas David
took it all in his stride. It may not have been effortless for him but it
certainly looked it from my angle as I trailed in his wake. He even

26 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CPD DIARY

CPD Diary

January March

11/01/22 BCVA Webinar - Integrated 30/03/22 Medicines Course
12/01/22 Parasite manangement BCVA Office, Quedgeley
13/01/22 Rob Howe Various
18/01/22 Members: FREE Members: TBC
25/01/22 Non-Members: £40 Non-Members: TBC
27/01/22
MilkSure for Vets (online) FULL  April
to Owen Atkinson 
28/01/22 Members: £144  12/04/22 BCVA Webinar - Stressfree
Non-Members: £192  Stockmanship
08/02/22 Owen Atkinson
MilkSure for Vets (online) FULL Members: FREE
08/03/22 Owen Atkinson  Non-Members: £40
Members: £144 
Non-Members: £192  May

MilkSure for Vets (online)   10/05/22 BCVA Webinar - Investigating
Rachel Hayton Problems on AMS
Members: £144  Tom Greenham
Non-Members: £192  Members: FREE
Non-Members: £40
MilkSure for Vets (online)
Rachel Hayton October
Members: £144 
Non-Members: £192  20/10/22 BCVA Congress
to Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Young Vets Meeting
Village Hotel, Bristol  22/10/22 Look out on the BCVA Website for
Various
Members: £377 updates
Non-Members: N/A
More information about all BCVA courses can
February be found in the CPD section at www.bcva.org.
uk - and you can also email office@cattlevet.
BCVA Webinar - Suckler Cow co.uk for more details. All information is correct
Nutrition at the time of going to print, but please visit the
Karen Stewart website regularly, as courses are often added
Members: FREE to the programme as the opportunities arise.
Non-Members: £40 Also, remember that as a BCVA member you
have additional, free online CPD in the form
March of CattleCasts and the Webinar Library.

BCVA Webinar - Medicine Audits
Jude Roberts
Members: FREE
Non-Members: £40

CATTLE QUARTERLY 27