Vets get ready for Devon County Show

A dedicated team of vets are getting ready for next week’s 119th Devon County Show .

Main Duty Veterinary Surgeon, Clare Smith (BVSc MRCVS.), from Wolfgar Veterinary Group at Cheriton Bishop and a team of veterinary professionals is ready to deal with any emergencies that might crop up.

Last year Clare was called on to see everything from a sick cow, horses with colic to a rabbit suffering from a cut that required stiches.

“We have responsibility for literally thousands of animals from dogs to horses, rabbits, cavies and, of course, livestock,” said Clare, aged 31. “Its great being part of the County Show, everyone works well together and are very supportive.”

The vets work closely with the Show organisers to cover bio security, ensure general animal welfare and husbandry and put in place contingency plans for if an animal gets loose.

Clare qualified from Bristol University in 2006, worked in a mixed practice for three and a half years in the county of Hampshire before she joined Wolfgar in Cheriton Bishop in 2009.

“I never wanted to be anything else other than a vet,” she added. “Vets are very much part of the community and that has made it much easier for me to settle into a new place. Since I’ve started working in Devon I’ve received a very warm welcome and just love the way of life.

“Farmers have to be progressive to survive and we play a big role in helping them. Our job of managing animal health is intrinsically linked with productivity and demonstrates the cost benefit of controlling disease. Over the years our work is changing from a ‘fire brigade’ approach to a more preventative herd health”.

Clare exemplifies one of the key themes of this year’s County Show as young people are encouraged through features and debates to find out more about farming and rural business and the many career opportunities on offer.

The 119th Show which is also celebrating its 25th year at its present home - the Westpoint showground - will be packed with artisan food and drink producers, local arts and crafts, livestock and horse classes and a dog show along with an extravaganza of serious competition and entertainment in six rings across the showground. Entertainment ranges from the Kangaroo Kids performing amazing acrobatic stunts on quad bikes to the world fruit and veg boules championships.

For more information and to buy tickets at advance prices, please visit the website:
www.devoncountyshow.co.uk