Society gets tougher on health status at official sales

The 2010 sale season which is fast approaching sees Council’s decision to raise the health standard of cattle offered for sale kicking into action. First sales to be affected will be those conducted through UA’s new market at Stirling and those at H&H’s Borderway sale centre. Other sales will follow suit in 2011.

In summary, all cattle entered for these sales will be required to come from BVD accredited herds and be vaccinated and if not from BVD accredited herds then the individual animals will require to be tested and vaccinated against BVD. Similarly on the Johnes front, cattle entered must come from herds which are testing for Johnes and taking steps to eradicate the disease.

This is a bold initiative by the Society and we are proud to be the first breed society to raise the standard at our official sales. This initiative will go a long way to increasing buyer confidence. Beef farmers have enough to worry about without having to contend with buying pedigree cattle of unknown health status at an official Society sale. Council are to be commended in raising the bar in regard to this very important issue. As our membership grows and new breeders are coming forward to official sales, it is important that we try to make life as easy as possible.For more information on high health status click here.

To ensure you are fully prepared for selling cattle at Society Sales the following check list has been created for you:

OFFICIAL SOCIETY SALES CHECK LIST

All members entering cattle for any official Society sale should ensure that the following simple steps are taken so reducing any problems. Remember all cattle will be inspected by a Society appointed vet prior to the sale whose decision on any related matter is final.

Closing Dates for Entries: Check with the Auctioneers or on the Society’s website for the closing dates for entries. As a general rule closing dates are usually about 4 to 6 weeks before the sale date but can vary depending on the auctioneer’s rules.

Tagging: Ensure animals are double tagged in accordance with current EU legislation.

Other Documents Required: Check that the date of birth on your entry form is the same on both their Pedigree Certificate and their BCMS Passport or equivalent document in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

Contagious Diseases: Check that all animals are free from Warts (particular attention should be paid to the sheath and scrotal area of bulls), Ringworm, Mange, Lice or other contagious diseases.

Treatments: If your entries are showing signs of any of the above conditions and have been treated then a signed veterinary certificate to that effect must accompany your entry.

Health Declaration Forms: All cattle entered for official society sales must be accompanied by a completed Health Declaration Card copies of which are available from the auctioneers or can be downloaded from the Society’s website.

BVD: If your entries are from a BVD accredited herd then they must be vaccinated with a veterinary approved vaccine no more than 12 months prior to the date of the sale. If your entries are from a herd which is not BVD accredited then the individual animals which you have entered must be tested free of BVD and vaccinated no more than three months prior to the date of the sale.

Johnes Disease: All entries for official Society sales must come from herds which have entered into a CHeCS Approved Health Scheme and should be monitoring the levels of Johnes Disease within their herd and taking steps to reduce its incidence if present.

Testicle Size: All bulls entered for official sales will have their testicles examined by a vet. The minimum circumference at the widest part of the scrotum should be 30cms at 12 months of age, 32cms at 18 months of age and 34cms at 24 months of age. The testicles should be even sized and of a firm consistency.

Presentation: It is in all vendors’ interests that your animals are presented in the best possible condition and should be washed and clipped where ever possible. If you can’t do this and would like some help then call the office and we will put you in touch with someone who can help.