MBM Vets Farm

31/08/2026

13/08/2026

Tup Testing Available...

Wednesday 16th September 2026

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12/08/2026

** BLUETONGUE UPDATE **

Scotland has now had its first confirmed case of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3).

So far, 353 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in the UK, and the virus is spreading rapidly.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease spread by biting midges. It can affect sheep, cattle, goats, camelids and deer. It does not affect humans or food safety.

Signs in sheep include ulcers in the mouth and nose, drooling, swelling of the head and feet, abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths or death. Cattle tend to suffer lethargy, crusty lesions or redness around the nose, fever, milk drop, abortion, foetal deformities and stillbirths.

Some important facts about BTV-3:

× Actual case numbers are likely to be much higher than currently reported due to turnaround times for confirmatory tests. We are likely underestimating the current extent of disease as there is around a 2 week lag in results - there are currently 1563 potential cases under investigation.

× 1 confirmed 'case' is 1 infected holding, not 1 infected animal.

× Scotland is currently in 'peak vector season' where transmission of disease is expected to be highest.

× Movement controls are currently in place for susceptible animals moving from Bluetongue restricted zones (England, Wales, NI, Isle of Man).

× Routine culling is not a control measure for BTV-3, and therefore compensation is not available for animals lost or affected by disease.

As BTV-3 is notifiable, animal keepers should be vigilant for signs and immediately report any suspected cases to APHA. We can provide guidance if you have any concerns about your animals.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect your animals. We are currently sourcing vaccine (Bultavo-3) - please get in touch with us ASAP to discuss your concerns.

Sheep require 1 dose while cattle require 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. The vaccine takes 3 weeks to fully protect animals after the initial course, so we advise considering vaccination as soon as possible. It is worth bearing in mind that vaccinating pregnant animals now could potentially reduce losses next spring. Vaccination use has to be recorded on ScotEID - we will provide instructions on how to do this when collecting the vaccine.

We understand that this is a worrying time, but we are here to help with any queries or concerns - just give us a call on 01563 522701.

02/02/2026

We are in the process of arranging our next lambing course. If you would like to attend, please call the office on 01563 522701 to express your interest!

12/12/2025

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09/12/2025

We currently have a power cut at Syke.

If you have an emergency please contact 01563 522701 as normal and you will be put through to our Out of Hours handler.

Thank you for your understanding.

09/12/2025

We currently have a power cut at Syke.

If you have an emergency please contact 07977243419 directly.

Thank you for your understanding.

23/10/2025

Congratulations to Stuart, Mary and the rest of the team at Grougar Mains who are 'Dairy Farm of the Year' finalists at the Scottish Agricultural Awards taking place tonight.

Well done on getting so far and we wish you the very best of luck for bringing home the trophy tonight 🏆 🐄!

12/09/2025

Due to the Equine split we have also been looking at some of our other working practices and are moving our invoices to email rather than post.

You may well have been contacted alreadt to ensure we have an up-to-date email address and ensure you are happy with the change.

The first email invoices will be sent out in October.

If you have any questions, please get in touch by phoning 01563 522701 or by email on [email protected].

10/09/2025

As you may be aware, MBM Equine is reorganising and merging with two other equine practices to form Thistle Equine.

As a result, MBM will no longer have help from the equine staff who helped run our Syke practice. Therefore, from the 1st of October MBM Syke will no longer be open on a Saturday morning with all phone calls going through to our Out of Hours service. We will continue to be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm as normal.

To facilitate drug collections there will be a lock box outside where we can place non fridge items over the weekend to allow collection. If you wish to use this facility, please let us know when placing your order as drugs will only be put in the lock box if requested.

We are also looking to centralise our call answering and stock service. This will mean eventually all calls and drugs will come to Syke. All drugs will be sent to Mauchline, Beith or Kilmarnock to allow collection at the site nearest your farm. We are doing this to make us more compliant with regulations regarding the dispensing of medicines and to try and deliver a better more efficient and more consistent service. This will mean there will be no medicines being stocked at Mauchline, Beith or Kilmarnock, so nothing will be there unless you have ordered it. We are going to start the centralisation of calls with Beith on the 1st of November and then with Mauchline on the 1st of December.

If you have any questions, please get in touch by phoning 01563 522701 or by email on [email protected].