Ultrasound scanning during Covid19 restrictions - Update 13th July 2020

Update for Signet Clients – Provision of Ultrasound Scanning - 13th July 2020

From July 2020 we are once again able to provide an ultrasound scanning service for all Signet clients (previous to this we had been restricted in the distance we were able to travel).

If you would like to get your flock scanned, please contact your nearest technician to book an appointment.

Background

In March I wrote to clients to say we were having to withdraw our ultrasound scanning services from farms due to advice that was emerging with regard to the Covid19 outbreak.

In the light of changes in Government policy and a review of the way we deliver our service – we are taking steps to get staff back onto farms. I would remind clients that Signet’s breeding analyses can still be provided in the absence of scanning data, using a “weights only” service; an approach we strongly recommend this year for older or potentially vulnerable clients.

Ultrasound Scanning

For those clients that wish to use the service, we can currently provide it for clients. Please contact our technicians directly to book an appointment (postcode and contact details are provided in this link). 

We ask all clients to read our updated operating procedures and to forward a disclaimer (word or pdf) or similar email acknowledgement that you have read our conditions.

Specifically these include:-

• ensuring that 2 metre distancing can be adhered to; as Technician do not plan to routinely wear face masks when scanning. We recognise this may require handling systems to be modified.
• adequate water is available for thorough disinfection and cleaning of kit. Staff will bring soap and sanitiser.
• farm staff are free of Covid19 and children/vulnerable adults are not present
• any change in the Covid19 status of farm staff within the next 14 days is notified to Signet

We are aware this decision simply applies to clients in England and Wales. Clients in Scotland and Northern Ireland already use freelance technicians, whom they can contact directly for further advice.

I understand access to this service will come too late for many of the early lambing flocks – but for those that are interested please contact your local technician directly to book an appointment.