Latest news with #IBR
Agriland
22-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Watch: The protocol for IBR vaccination of youngstock
Cases of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus are widespread in the cattle population in Ireland, with evidence of exposure in over 70% of dairy herds and 48.8% of beef herds. IBR can cause both clinical and subclinical disease, resulting in significant economic losses at farm level. Clinical infections usually occur when animals are infected for the first time. Typical clinical signs include discharge from the eyes and nose, loud laboured breathing and high temperatures with resulting depression and reduced appetite. Milk yield can be affected, and abortion may also occur. Subclinical infections are those without obvious clinical signs and may go unnoticed, but can result in losses of 2.6kg of milk/cow/day. Those infected for the first time shed high levels of the virus for approximately two weeks. Once infected, animals become lifelong latent carriers of the virus. At times of stress (e.g., mixing/housing/breeding/calving), the virus can reactivate and be shed again, potentially infecting other herd mates. Control of IBR There are three components to controlling this endemic disease: Biosecurity Culling Vaccination Biosecurity Biosecurity includes bio exclusion and bio containment: Bio exclusion (the process of keeping disease out of a herd) is of particular importance in Ireland as many herds purchase cattle, avail of contract rearing, or attend marts or shows. IBR can spread up to 5m, so neighbouring cattle during grazing season can be a source of infection. (the process of keeping disease out of a herd) is of particular importance in Ireland as many herds purchase cattle, avail of contract rearing, or attend marts or shows. IBR can spread up to 5m, so neighbouring cattle during grazing season can be a source of infection. Bio containment (the process of reducing the threat of infection within a herd) relies on herd management – segregating of age groups for example. Culling Culling IBR positive animals can quickly reduce herd prevalence, but it is often impractical and uneconomical. Vaccination To control IBR, vaccination must: Reduce the number of new infections – Reduce virus spread in a herd Reduce severity of clinical signs – Limit cost of disease impact In the absence of virus circulation among the young calf group, vaccination with Bovilis IBR Marker Live starts at three months-of-age, revaccination six months later, and all subsequent revaccinations within 6-12 month periods. Herds with moderate to high seroprevalence are best to remain on a six-monthly vaccination programme. Speak to your vet regarding the most suitable protocol for your herd. If vaccination is needed before three months-of-age (high-risk herds/disease in calves), intranasal vaccination is recommended to overcome maternally derived antibodies. An intramuscular programme begins at three to four months, as stated previously. For spring-calving herds, this means calves will receive their first intramuscular dose in June/July. Bovilis IBR Marker Live provides protection by reducing clinical signs and virus excretion. It is a 2ml single dose IBR vaccine with the fastest available onset of immunity (four days after intranasal administration and 14 days after intramuscular administration). The aim of whole herd vaccination is to decrease the level of IBR in the herd over time by reducing spread and severity of disease, ultimately minimising the economic impact of the virus.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Many Will Lose Access to Student Loan Forgiveness Programs If GOP Gets Its Way: See If You'll Be Affected
Student loan forgiveness has been a hot-button issue in the U.S., and the subject was a cornerstone of the Biden administration's efforts. Over the past several years, there has been an unprecedented amount of student loan forgiveness, which has brought significant financial relief to millions of Americans. Find Out: Try This: The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) reported that former President Joe Biden approved student loan forgiveness for 5.3 million borrowers — a total of $188.8 billion. However, under the Trump administration and a GOP-controlled Congress, things are looking quite different. Here's what President Donald Trump and the GOP are looking to do to limit student loan forgiveness. At present, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program offers student loan forgiveness to those working full-time for a government or not-for-profit organization and who have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan. But Trump wants to make a significant change to the existing program. On March 7, 2025, Trump signed an executive order targeting the PSLF program. The order directs Linda McMahon, the current Secretary of Education, to revise the PSLF program to 'exclude from eligibility organizations that engage in activities that have a substantial illegal purpose.' The Trump administration claims that the program had been 'abused' by the Biden administration to forgive the loans of more than 1 million under the PSLF program. The intention of this order is to direct taxpayer funds used in the PSLF program towards more traditional, 'essential public service roles,' such as nursing, and away from any programs the administration considers ineligible. Ineligible organizations include those the Trump administration finds 'advance' causes such as 'radical' diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agendas. As of mid-May, there have not been any changes implemented to the existing PSLF program, but it remains to be seen if that will change. For You: House Republicans are also working to reform and limit pathways to student loan forgiveness. The House Education and Workforce Committee recently released a plan that, if implemented, would bring sweeping changes to existing student loan plans. If passed by Congress, student loan borrowers currently enrolled in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, such as SAVE, PAYE or the ICR plan, would have their plans terminated. Borrowers would be transitioned to an income-based repayment (IBR) plan, which has stricter terms. Depending on the plan, student loan borrowers with an IDR plan may receive loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of payment. The IBR plan, on the other hand, requires 25 years of payments and, Finger Lakes 1 reported, usually carries higher monthly payments — 10% to 15% of your discretionary income. To add, Parent PLUS loan borrowers would also be impacted. By eliminating the ICR plan, which is the only income-driven option for Parent PLUS loans, many could completely lose their pathway to forgiveness, if no other option is introduced. The impact on student borrowers remains to be seen, but many borrowers should prepare for an increased financial burden if these changes are implemented. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates The 5 Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025 Sources National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 'Biden Administration Announces 'Final' Student Loan Debt Relief Approvals.' House Education and Workforce Committee, 'Providing for reconciliation pursuant to 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025.' Finger Lake 1, 'Student loan forgiveness update: GOP moves to cut key programs.' This article originally appeared on Many Will Lose Access to Student Loan Forgiveness Programs If GOP Gets Its Way: See If You'll Be Affected Sign in to access your portfolio
Powys County Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
More than 150 cattle for sale at Powys border dispersal sale
More than 150 cattle from a Powys border dairy herd dispersal sale will be going under the hammer. Halls auctioneers at Shrewsbury Auction Centre will be holding a dispersal sale for a herd from near Welshpool tomorrow (May 20). The Dairy Herd from Groton, Marton, comprising 165 in-milk commercial Holstein and Brown Swiss cows and heifers is being told for T. A. Wainwright and Son on Tuesday, May 20 at 11.15am. Allen Wainwright's grandfather moved to Groton with his herd from Oswestry in 1921 and ran a mixed farm until 1966. Sue and John Wainright, Allen's parents, then took over and increased the herd to 100 using higher yielding genetics provided by Brian Challinor. When Brian retired, the family moved to Genus, and Sue and John semi-retired in 2000. This was when Allen took over the breeding policy and the Groton Herd has been on RMS with Genus ABS for the last 15 years. Jonny Dymond, Halls' dairy auctioneer and Shrewsbury Auction Centre manager, said the company is delighted to be selling the Groton Herd on behalf of the Wainwright family 'The Wainwrights began milk production at The Groton in 1921 and now the time has come to remove the daily workload that comes with dairy farming and look for an easier life in the arable sector,' he said. 'This is a modern, healthy and vibrant herd of cattle displaying supreme legs and feet and udder attachment. Sixty-nine have calved since February 1, with 33 due July to September and 46 due in the winter months. 'The Wainwrights have always been great supporters of Shrewsbury Auction Centre with their calves which are firm favourites among the buyers. With this in mind, the fact that all pregnancies are to British Blue of Angus is sure to appeal. 'I recommend this herd most highly for both traditional systems and indoor units where their potential is limitless.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Cows have been bred for very good legs, feet and udders with strength, not extreme stature, plenty of milk with kilos of fat and protein. The herd has used top proven and Genomic sires from Genus following the GMS mating programme using a sexed and beef strategy. Fed a TMR diet with cake in the parlour, cubicle housed and grazed in the summer, the herd is currently producing an average of 30kg of milk per day on an AYR calving pattern. The calving interval is 372 days and 305 day averages are 8,414kg of milk with 4.42% butterfat 3.32% protein and 120 cell count. The herd is vaccinated for BVD, IBR, LEPTO and Black Leg and was TB tested on March 31, having been TB free for more than four years. This auction will be followed by the dispersal of nearly 500 pedigree Holsteins from the Lilleshall Herd for S. M. Gilman and Partners, Abbey Farm, Lilleshall, Newport on Friday, May 30 at 10am.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Roof Builders: Quality roofing does not have to break the bank
Roof Builders: Quality roofing does not have to break the bank If you think a new steel roof will break the bank, it's time to think again. The North Coast's very own roofing specialists, Roof Builders, are on hand to offer expert service at competitive rates. Based in Shakaskraal, the steel roofing manufacturer and supplier is available to serve the North Coast and greater Durban areas. With experience in supplying custom steel roof sheeting and accessories, their team is passionate about offering durable, high-quality roofing solutions tailored for coastal conditions. Co-founders Lee Ramsden and Charlie Brown believe that there is a misconception about the affordability of quality roofing. 'In reality, for an average home of around 350m², the supply cost of new IBR roof sheeting in a mid-range colour-coated finish is about R60 000 ex. VAT,' said Ramsden. 'While installation, flashing and barge boards add to the total, the sheeting itself isn't as costly as most homeowners expect.' The team stresses the importance of regular roof maintenance, especially in coastal regions where salt, wind and moisture speed up deterioration. Neglected roofs often lead to full replacements when timely repairs could have extended their lifespan. Choosing the right materials, applying rust inhibitors to cut edges and ensuring proper installation with galvanised self-tapping screws are all essential steps to prolong the life of your roof. Roof Builders encourages homeowners to see their roofs as long-term investments in property protection, not just an expense. With local support, shorter lead times and custom product solutions, Roof Builders is available to guide you through every step – without the price shock. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Agriland
13-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
ABP Demo Farm: Silage, calf weaning and cattle weights
ABP Demo farm manager Sean Maher has outlined the latest progress on the Co. Carlow-based calf-to-beef demonstration farm, along with what has been happening recently on site. In the latest update from the farm on Friday (May 9, 2025), the farm manager said: 'Spring 2025 has been very kind. 'Grass growth has been steady whilst not setting the world alight. We've started our first-cut silage with 25ac of ground cut on Wednesday, May 7.' He said that it is an early cutting date for first-cut silage on the farm but noted that surplus grazing paddocks would have often been taken out for bale silage in previous years by now – but this is not the case this year. Commenting on grass-growth rates, Maher said: 'Growth has been good at 70kg DM/ha/day which is well exceeding the current demand on the farm and may give us the opportunity to harvest some surpluses in the future.' 'Night-time temperatures are still low, regardless of how warm it is during the day.' Maher noted that these temperatures are having an impact on grass-growth rates. Calf weaning on the ABP Demo Farm There have been 290 of the 400 head of 2025-born calves on the farm weaned off milk. Maher said: 'Weights have been steady like all other batches. These calves have an average weaning weight of 90kg and spent a total of 40 days on milk on the ABP Demo Farm. 'We are very happy with the calf weights and performance is well on target for turnout to grass at approximately 120kg in mid-May to June. 'We have no calf turned out to grass as of yet. Night-time temperatures are still too low. We feel this could lead to calves going backwards and potentially cause some sickness. 'Weaned calves are eating 2.5kg concentrates/head/day with access to ad-lib straw as a source of roughage. The weaning strategy has not changed this year.' In 2024, a new protocol was trialled in the calf-rearing strategy on the ABP Demo Farm to tackle incidents of summer-scour syndrome. Calves remained housed for an average of 46 days post-weaning with the aim that the stronger calves going to grass would be more capable of adapting to their new grass diets. The move has added cost to the system, but has been effective in significantly reducing incidents of summer-scour syndrome. This year, Maher explained that the plan is 'to keep all weaned calves indoors for at least 30 days post weaning before turning them out'. All calves will be infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) vaccinated and weighed at turnout and the plan is to graze calves in bundles of 80 for the year. Yearling cattle at grass The spring 2024-born cattle are currently out at grass and are performing well. The farm manager said: 'These cattle were all weighed on April 22 and came in at an average weight of 360kg. 'The steers had an average weight of 370kg and heifers had an average weight of 345kg. 'These cattle are paddock grazing in batches ranging in size from 40-50, with an emphasis on offering cattle fresh grass every three days.'
