The veterinary practice continuing to shape poultry veterinary medicine after 30 years

As the only independent veterinary practice in Northern Ireland exclusively for commercial poultry, St David’s Poultry Team reflects on the important role being a vet on farm has on flock health, welfare and performance.

Vet and Northern Ireland Director Margaret Hardy explains, “Things have changed significantly for St David’s Poultry Team since we began working with the industry in the 1980s. Through expansion we’re now the largest poultry veterinary practice in the UK and Ireland with fifteen branches, 30 poultry vets, field services technicians, laboratories, large dispensary and warehouse facilities.

“Thirty years ago, while most practices were laboratory based; we went to farms. And although we’ve grown, today we still have a truly farm based service, focusing on prevention rather than cure, and continuing to advance poultry health.”

Our vet care is different

Clinical Director for Ireland, Aonghus Lane continues, “Regular farm visits are invaluable and what makes our practice different. It means we know how each site operates; we see the birds and their environment and build strong relationships with the farmers. This combination gives us far better insight to flock health versus just doing post-mortems in practice, leading to better overall performance and more effective outcomes if there are challenges.

“Not only that, but there’s also nothing like sitting around the table with a client, sharing ideas and working together to turn those ideas into tangible results.”

It’s this approach that has driven significant improvements in broiler health and welfare over the years, with farmers continuing to achieve record-breaking crops. In layers, St David’s are helping flocks to produce more eggs of the right size and quality for longer.

Aonghus continues, “Our team is made up of some of the most well-respected poultry vets in the UK and Ireland, if not globally, working together to apply science directly on farm.”

An integrated field service team

Working with the vets, technicians provide complementary practical and cost-effective advice, guidance and services including hygiene and biosecurity planning and vaccination training.

Aonghus says, “The combination of vets and technicians on farm means sites have a detailed plan with flock-specific intervention points. This enables producers to make adjustments that can have a significant positive impact on performance and profitability.”

Free initial vet visit

If you’re a commercial poultry farmer, get in touch to book your free initial vet visit or call us on 02887 722225.