Combating iceberg diseases

Graianfryn farm is setting out to develop a new flock health disease control protocol following a recent screening for Iceberg diseases on the North Country mule flock. The findings highlighted the need for strategic action to improve overall flock health and productivity.

To address these findings and to boost performance, a health management plan will be put in place focusing on proactive measures for both disease prevention and effective management, by implementing the following options:

• Bio-security of purchased animals: New stock will undergo rigorous quarantine, segregation and testing for disease surveillance before flock integration.
• Targeted disease management: If disease is identified, strategies like flock separation, vaccination or culling affected animals will be implemented.
• Ongoing flock health: Maintain a consistent testing schedule and use screening data to inform culling and refine disease control.

In addition to this, an online calculator will be developed with Liverpool University to help other farmers make key decisions on managing iceberg diseases within their own flock.

This project will contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:

• Resource efficiency
• High animal health & welfare