A NEW training course on the health, hygiene and handling of farmed deer has been organised by the Venison Advisory Service.
Scheduled for Saturday August 24, Cassafuir Farm, Stirlingshire, courtesy of Jamie and Natalie Hammond, the full day course will offer an overview of deer diseases and care; practical handling of hinds with calves at foot; tagging/sexing; drenching calves; weaning and setting up rutting groups.
The course will be led by VAS director and British Deer Farms and Parks Association Council member, Alan Sneddon, and Lockerbie-based practising vet specialising in deer, Gareth Boyes.
VAS director Dick Playfair said: "Delivery of training for the farmed deer sector featured in the new strategy for Scottish Venison launched last year, and in this area we have just pressed ahead. The first health and handling course in March this year was a great success and we hope that this course will be equally well supported. No one else is delivering this type of training in Scotland and there is definitely a need for the spread of this knowledge as our farmed deer sector grows."
Course fees are £200 for BDFPA members, £250 for non-members. Places for the course are limited and can be booked at the BDFPA website, www.bdfpa.org
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