Game Bird Client Meeting 2017

About 100 people attended our 2017 game bird client meeting held jointly with Bishopton and Minster vets at Topcliffe Village Hall on 21st February.  The high level of attendance reflects concern in the industry about the possible effects of Avian Influenza (AI) and the prevalence of Mycoplasmosis in game birds which in some situations is proving hard to treat.
For those who were unable to attend the meeting, these subjects will be reviewed in our spring newsletter for our game bird clients which we hope to publish in the next few weeks.

New Member of Staff

Our laboratory technician Fran Jeffery left us for a new job on 11th February. We wish her every success in her new career. We are please to confirm that Julie Walker will be joining us as our new laboratory technician on week commencing 20th March. Julie has been working at APHA Thirsk and she helped train Fran in parasitology work earlier in her career so we hope we will not only be able to continue with the work we now undertake but may be able to extend the range of tests we can offer our clients.

SANDHILL VETERINARY SERVICES / BISHOPTON VETERINARY GROUP CO-OPERATION

Sandhill Veterinary Services (SVS) and Bishopton Veterinary Group (BVG) have agreed a programme of co-operation and mutual support relating to game bird, fancy pigeon and commercial poultry work.

This co-operation will see Dan King, a veterinary surgeon at BVG, spending time particularly during the summer months, working at Sandhill Vets. Dan’s interest is primarily with game birds but he will also be available to help with pigeon and commercial poultry clients as required.

This programme of co-operation and mutual support is intended to give a greater depth of cover to the clients of each practice, and allow each practice to service extra clients in a sustainable way as demand has increased. It is not in any way a preparation for Richard Byas to retire in the next few years, neither is it a takeover of BVG bird clients by SVS. It has been agreed between both practices that pre-existing clients of both SVS and BVG will continue to use the services of their respective practices but allow them to gain from the greater expertise and efficiencies that will ensue. 

Additional permanent staff

Janet Bullock who worked for us over the summer months joined us on a permanent basis last October. Like Sandie and Fran, Janet is working part time over the winter months and full time during the busy summer game bird season.

High Levels of Coccidiosis in Game Birds 2014

This year we are seeing higher than usual amounts of coccidiosis in both young pheasants and partridges. Clinically significant levels are being seen regularly in pheasant chicks from three weeks of age so this possibility needs to be taken into consideration by rearers if they suspect that birds are less than 100% fit.

Coccidiosis Oocysts seen under the microscope

Easter opening times

The office is closed on Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday. Other opening times are as normal. For emergencies please ring 01845 578710.

Summer Staff

We are pleased that Janet Bullock is returning to join us for the summer months. Janet will be with us again from 28^th April and we will be fully staffed for the summer months from 6^th May.