Blackleg warning in Caithness area
Vets at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) have issued a warning to farmers in Caithness after several cases of Blackleg have been diagnosed in the area.
This alert follows the recent diagnoses of several cases of blackleg, which is a fatal but preventable disease, at the Thurso Disease Surveillance Centre.
Caused by the bacterium Clostridium chauvoei in soil, blackleg can lead to significant losses. Disturbances to soil grazing are thought to be a potential trigger factor as this could expose clostridial spores.
The SRUC says that it is not unusual to see outbreaks of the disease in the warmer months and young stock are out to grass at this time of year.
Vets at the college say that cattle aged between six and 24 months are particularly susceptible and affected animals are often found dead, or may be lame and have a swollen upper limb before they die.
The college is recommending that farmers consult their vet for advice on the need to vaccinate young stock when out on pasture, and to investigate any unexplained cattle deaths.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
