Sci-Tech has successfully validated a poultry vaccine differentiation test for Salmonella Enteritidis. This new service allows vets and poultry farmers to distinguish between wild and vaccine strains of Salmonella Enteritidis, helping farmers maintain compliance with the Lion Code and protect public health.

‘Salmonella vaccination is mandated for poultry farmers because of the potential threat to food safety,’ said David Petrie-Dolphin, Business Development Manager at Sci-Tech. ‘All eggs sold in supermarkets must be stamped with the Lion Code to show that they have been produced to the highest possible standards. To get this stamp, they need to adhere to all requirements of the Lion Code.

‘As part of the required Salmonella test, we are able to detect the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis and determine whether the strain is vaccinal or wild,’ David continued. ‘If no Salmonella is found, or the strain is vaccinal, then the farmer can continue to trade. If a wild strain is identified, then the farmer will have to get rid of the current batch and start over. So, our vaccine differentiation test helps them save time and money whilst safeguarding public health.’

The test detects the Salmonella Enteritidis vaccine using a chromogenic reaction. Any samples that have a positive Salmonella Enteritidis result can be further screened in the laboratory for differentiation.  The new test is highly beneficial for Salmonella surveillance, as it confirms the presence of the vaccine strain for the CEVA Salmovac vaccine. Results are available within 48 hours to allow potential action to be taken as quickly as possible.

‘At Cawood, we are committed to helping our customers meet their goals whilst maintaining compliance. Developing and validating new solutions is a big part of this,’ said Sean Stevenson, Divisional Managing Director for Cawood Agriculture. ‘It also helps us further cement our position as the UK’s leading scientific group, supporting a safer, healthier planet.’

For more details on our Salmonella service, contact us.

Farmers Weekly has named Jamie Leslie, of Scholland Farm, Shetland, as the 2022 Mixed Farmer of the Year. Sponsored by Cawood, the award celebrates the successful integration of two or more complementary businesses to create a sustainable farming enterprise.

The awards, which took place on Thursday 6^th October in London, are the most prestigious and biggest in UK farming. The very best of British agriculture is showcased every year through the recognition of hard working and innovative farmers across the industry. Awards are presented across a variety of categories, including Livestock Advisor, Arable Farmer, Farm Innovator, Environmental Champion, Grassland Manager, Young Farmer, Lifetime Achievement, and Farmer of the Year.

‘On behalf of everyone at Cawood, I would like to congratulate Jamie,’ said Sean Stevenson, Managing Director of Cawood Agriculture. ‘We are proud to sponsor this award as we have three business units that serve British farming with agronomic analysis services. These services, including soil, plant tissue, and grain testing, animal feeds and pet foods analysis, and animal health and veterinary diagnostics analysis, provide farmers with the data they need to help them measure progress and improve performance. As we support arable and livestock farmers and advisors, as well as farmers with diverse offerings, we are very happy to be involved in highlighting the achievements of mixed farmers.’

Jamie runs complementary beef, sheep, pigs and arable enterprises with a real focus on grassland management. His achievements include effectively using foliar nutrition sprays to improve crop health and drive yield in an extreme environment, which sees soils with up to 76% sand content. An example of a farmer successfully dealing with unique challenges in an extreme environment, Jamie drives his business forward and improves productivity while actively cutting back on inputs. The marketability of farm produce is always at the forefront of his mind.

‘It was a pleasure to present Jamie with his award and attend the ceremony once more this year with our customers and colleagues,’ continued Sean. ‘Seeing the winners and runners up of all the categories first hand was a fantastic reminder of the agricultural industry’s achievements. We are proud to support sustainable food production as well as farmers and their advisors across the country by helping them meet their goals.’

For more information on our agricultural services, click here to read our Cawood Agriculture brochure. To learn more about Jamie, the awards, and the other winners and runners up, visit the Farmers Weekly Awards website.