Market Vets Farm

15/08/2026

🐑🐑 RAM FERTILITY CLINIC 🐑🐑

We understand how devastating the impact of the Bluetongue virus has been to so many of our clients recently. We know that looking towards the upcoming tupping season, a major concern is the effect of the virus on future ram fertility.

We want to give you some peace of mind, to try and help keep costs as low as possible, we have teamed up with Stags Livestock Market in South Molton to offer a Ram Fertility Clinic at a reduced rate!

🐑 £49 (excl VAT) per ram
- Including an examination, external assessment and semen analysis.
- Discussion with the vet regarding the rams fertility.

📞Simply call the practice on 01769 572176 to book your rams in and you will be given a time slot to bring them to the livestock market.

If there is sufficient demand we may run additional clinics later in the season. If you would prefer a later date please call to let us know as soon as possible so we can arrange this with the Livestock Market.

*Please note the lorry park will not be available for free parking during the clinic so we will be running timed slots to ensure there is room in the loading bays for you to unload and park whilst the rams are tested.

Auctions Stags Rural

05/08/2026

MooMoo the cow has arrived and she is full of beans! If you have photos with her today please post them in the comments below 🐄❤️📸🐄

We are at the North Devon show, you can find us in Trade block C, row 3 😀

We hope she brings a smile to your face today 🐄😆🐄

05/08/2026

🐄🐑 We're all set up at the North Devon Show! 🐑🐄

Come and find us in Trade Block 3, Row C, right next to NWF! 😀

Pop by and say hello, enjoy some refreshments, and have a chat with the team. We've also got Spin the Wheel and a Lucky Dip to keep the little ones entertained! 🎉✨

We know times are hard for the farming community at the moment, if you've got time for a break please come and join us.

We can't wait to see you!

31/07/2026

30/07/2026

***Blue Tongue Update***
We have seen a huge surge in suspected Blue Tongue cases over the last few days. There are now 69 confirmed cases in England with the majority being in North Devon but many more have been reported in the last few days that we are awaiting results. The team have been working round the clock visiting farms, testing suspected cases and providing advice and support to lots of worried farmers.

The majority of cases so far have been in sheep but we have seen some in cattle too the last few days. Signs have ranged from just off colour or a bit lethargic to collapsed or just found dead. Common signs we’ve been seeing are swollen lips and faces, sores in the mouth and on the lips, drooling, crusty and snotty noses, high temperatures, lameness and sore feet. Sheep in general have been much more severely affected than cattle so far but we are seeing a range of symptoms and not all signs on every farm.

Blue tongue is still a notifiable disease so if you suspect you have signs in your herd or flock please get in touch and have a chat with one of the vets. All confirmed cases so far in the area have been BTV3 which it the strain we have been vaccinating for. If you haven’t yet vaccinated please speak to one of the vets to discuss if it is appropriate for you and if you have any other worries or questions please give us a call.
The map shows confirmed cases as of yesterday

22/07/2026

There has been an ongoing increase in confirmed clinical cases of Bluetongue in the North Devon area over the past week and the North Devon area is currently high risk for Bluetongue infection. Have you protected your herd/flock yet? Vaccination for the current Bluetongue strain is available. As well as unwell animals, Bluetongue has potentially serious consequences on reproductive performance in both male and female animals.
For more information please speak to our farm vet team.

18/07/2026

There has been an upsurge of confirmed clinical cases of Bluetongue virus in both cattle and sheep in the North Devon area over the last week.
Recent symptoms in cattle have included crusty nose, red muzzle, ulcers in the mouth, stiffness when walking. Pregnant cattle can abort and calves can be affected in utero leading to the birth of dummy calves which may be blind, unable to stand and show neurological signs.

Recent symptoms in sheep have included swollen face, crusty nose, ulcers on tongue and dental pad, drooling, fever and lameness.

If you are concerned about the health of your herd/flock please speak to one of our vets for advice.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, and if suspected must be reported to APHA. If APHA agrees to testing we will visit your farm, examine the affected animals and take blood samples. Currently there are no movement restrictions or other actions required.

13/07/2026

📅 Save the date Wednesday 5th August! 🎉

We'll be at the North Devon Show, and we'd love for you to come and say hello! 👋

There'll be plenty to enjoy for all ages, including:
☕ Light refreshments
🎯 Games for both adults and children
🎨 Colouring activities
🏆 Competitions with great prizes
✨ And much more!

Our friendly team will be on hand throughout the day, including members of our farm, small animal and exotic veterinary teams, as well as a Registered Veterinary Nurse and members of our support team.

Whether you'd like to ask a question, learn more about what we do, or simply stop by for a chat, we'd love to see you!

See you there! 🐾

29/04/2026

🐐 Last week was the annual round up of the Lynton goats 🐐

Our vet Katie and nurse Emma attended to give them their yearly check up. Each goat had a health examination and they administered preventative treatment to keep them healthy.

🐐You can see the goats when walking at the Valley of The Rocks, they are a lovely sight to see! If you go to visit them please admire them from a distance and keep dogs on a lead. 🐐

21/03/2026

🚨 Important Update for Dog Owners & Countryside Visitors 🚨

As of March 18, 2026, new and stronger laws on livestock worrying are now in force across England and Wales — marking a major step forward in protecting farmers and their animals.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 has officially come into effect following a rise in dog attacks on farm animals.

👉 What’s changed?
• 💷 Unlimited fines – penalties are no longer capped at £1,000
• 🐕 New police powers – dogs can be seized, detained, and DNA-tested
• 🐑 Wider protection – now includes alpacas & llamas, and applies on public footpaths too
• ⚠️ Clearer definition – “worrying” includes chasing livestock or being off-lead in fields with sheep

📊 In 2025 alone, livestock attacks cost the UK farming industry nearly £2 million — a 10% increase from the previous year.

🐾 Dog Owners: Please Take Note

Livestock worrying doesn’t just mean attacks — even a playful chase can cause serious injury, stress, or death to animals.

✔️ Keep your dog on a lead near livestock
✔️ Make sure your dog is always under control and in sight
✔️ Stick to paths and follow local signage
✔️ Between March 1 – July 31, dogs must be on a lead on Open Access land

⚠️ Farmers are legally allowed to shoot a dog if it is attacking or chasing livestock — and may not be liable for compensation.

🌿 Countryside Code Reminder
Respect wildlife, livestock, and other people enjoying the outdoors. Responsible dog ownership protects animals, supports farmers, and keeps everyone safe.

🙏 Please share to help raise awareness and prevent further incidents.