Parkside Vets - Farms and Smallholders

13/10/2026

As winter approaches, now is the time to prepare cattle housing.
From a veterinary perspective, good shed conditions directly reduce pneumonia, scour, lameness and general stress.

Key checks before housing:
✔️ Ventilation – fresh air movement without draughts
✔️ Bedding – dry, clean and topped up regularly
✔️ Stocking density – avoid overcrowding to limit disease spread
✔️ Water troughs – cleaned and flowing well
✔️ Feed space – enough room for all cattle to eat comfortably

Good preparation now helps keep cattle healthy through the winter period.

01/10/2026

Scotland bluetongue Restricted Zone to be extended
The Bluetongue Restricted Zone currently covering parts of south-west Scotland will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland from 00:01 on Saturday 03 October. This is in response to further spread of the disease, the need to simplify trading conditions ahead of autumn movements and following agreement with industry. Please see GOV.SCOT for more information.https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/SCmjC4kW0ILxkGVc5SGXs4oETR?domain=gov.scot/

The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, transport and taxation.

16/09/2026

As vets we have to take notifiable diseases seriously, and these diseases aren't made notifiable for the sake of paperwork - they're listed because they post a serious, rapid threat to animal welfare, livestock health, and the farming economy.

With Bluetongue present, early action is crucial - forgive us if we keep repeating ourselves, but it is really important to remember VACCINATION is the best way to protect your livestock. Early reporting helps protect neighbouring farms. Quick intervention and containment saves livestock lives.

If you suspect Bluetongue in your stock (fever, lesions, swelling or lameness), call us and the APHA right away. Your call protects the entire farming industry.

02/09/2026

🐑 Thinking ahead to lambing? Now is the time to consider protecting your flock against Enzo (Enzootic Abortion) and Toxo (Toxoplasmosis), two of the most common causes of abortion in sheep.

Vaccination is an important part of keeping ewes healthy and protecting next season's lamb crop.

📞 We're now taking orders for Enzo and Toxo vaccines. Please give the practice a call to discuss your requirements and place your order.

🐑💚

20/08/2026

Temporary Control Zone put in place in South West Scotland

Following confirmation of a fifth case of bluetongue BTV-3 in Scotland, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been put in place in South West Scotland.

Livestock keepers must follow the movement controls on animals and germinal products and apply for a licence where needed. Check the bluetongue case map and GOV.SCOT for more information.

If you keep cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants you must remain vigilant.

The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, transport and taxation.

17/08/2026

🐑 Prepare for Tupping Season
Now is the time to start thinking about ram management and getting a date in the diary for your tup's annual MOT.

Good pregnancy rates are only possible with healthy, fertile rams. Even a single infertile or sub-fertile ram can have significant impact on flock performance.

A breeding soundness examination can be carried out on farm or at either our Kings Cross Road surgery or Ladybank surgery.

☎ To book please contact the office on 01382 811111.

14/08/2026

Some of you may have noticed a new voice answering the phones in our large animal office over the last few months, or may have spotted a new face if you have popped in to collect medication. We are very lucky to have had Melissa helping us out in the office while Jennifer is on maternity leave.

🚨STAFF SPOTLIGHT - MELISSA🚨

I have worked at Parkside Vets for over 9 years as a receptionist on the small animal side of the practice, and recently joined the large animal team in February of this year. I am part of the busy reception team at the Dundee and Barnhill branches as well as working with the office team while Jennifer is on maternity leave.

I have worked in many different fields over the years from TV sets to admin and training as a florist before working on the front desk at The Discovery and The Verdant Works.

The animals are my favourite part of the job, especially seeing so many different varieties of animals on a daily basis. I love the fact I can come to work and have the opportunity to cuddle so many dogs - where else could you do this?

The hardest part of my job is saying goodbye to our furry clients who we have known for many years.

In my spare time, I spend all of my time with my three little dogs - they are my life. We go everywhere together and I wouldn't have it any other way. If we are not curled up on the couch, we will be out walking in the park or down by the beach. I love to read and have more books than bookshelves at this point! I also like to rescue all house plants that are in desperate need - I have over 40 plants in my care at the moment. I have also recently taken up embroidery as a new hobby.

I've grown up around animals from my first love - cats to terrapins, many a fish to guinea pigs and now dogs. I have three little dogs - Bella (Patterdale), Emma (Chihuahua) and Mika (Heinz Variety).

11/08/2026

Unfortunately, there has now been a reported case of Bluetongue in Dumfries and Galloway. Currently it is just a single animal on a holding that has shown signs and tested positive, with investigation undergoing as to where this may have come from.

As this disease moves into Scotland, it is vital we keep a very close eye on the situation and stay vigilant in monitoring our animals – any concerns at all please contact us on 01382 811111 to chat with one of our vets. Remember Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and must be reported to APHA immediately if suspected - failure to report a suspected case is an offence.

There are a variety of clinical signs you may note – fever, lethargy, excessive salivation, ulcers around mouth/teats/eyes, nasal/ocular discharge, abortions, weak calves/lambs. If there is anything at all you are unsure about, please contact us immediately to discuss.

There are vaccines authorised for use but unfortunately due the situation down south they are currently out of stock. We are working with various suppliers to source but as it stands there is a nationwide shortage.

Some helpful sites can be found via the following sites:

Bluetongue: latest situation - GOV.UK

Clinical signs of bluetongue | AHDB

Bluetongue Cases and Zones

08/08/2026

Maedi Visna (MV) in sheep

As there is no treatment, prevention is critical for flock health.

⚠ Test & Cull - Use blood or milk testing to identify carriers and remove them, along with their offspring, from the flock.

⚠ Strict Biosecurity - Prevent the introduction of the virus by only purchasing sheep from MV -accredited flocks.

⚠ Quarantine: Always test and isolate bought-in animals before they join the main group.

Regular screening and prompt investigation of wasting or pneumonia are the best ways to protect your flock's efficiency.