Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st September 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Plan to up the UK's defence against disease
pigs
BPEX says the pig industry is facing the greatest risk from emerging and exotic disease since 2001.

Pig industry working on PEDv contingency plan

Steps are being taken to boost the UK's defences to certain exotic and emerging diseases that could cause serious harm to the pig industry.

A contingency plan is being developed should porcine epidemic virus (PEDv) ever enter the country.

A number of other recommendations have been made by a round table under the auspices of the Pig Health and Welfare Council, and are being developed by industry partners.

PEDv is spreading across North America at a devastating pace, while African swine fever is moving west out of Russia. The risk facing the pig industry is at its highest peak since 2001, according to BPEX, a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

In a progress report published last week, it was revealed that the National Pig Association (NPA) has updated biosecurity protocols for the import of live pigs, semen and embryos to include risk management measures for PEDv and swine deltacoronavirus.

The NPA also led a review of current biosecurity resources for farms, abattoirs, transport, feed and live imports. In addition, discussions are being held on biosecurity measures for fallen stock industry contractors.

To encourage more samples to be sent in for PED testing, BPEX says it will now offer free testing of intestinal contents of pigs of all ages from outbreaks of diarrhoea in England and Wales.

BPEX veterinary advisor Derek Armstrong commented: "This work is being carried out by AHVLA and the results will be passed back to the pig unit’s veterinary practice."

Three biosecurity seminars will also be held this month for those across the supply chain. Delegates will benefit from hearing the experiences of an American producer who has had to battle PEDv.

Click here for the full list of recommendations and the progress report: http://www.bpex.org.uk/R-and-D/Pig-Health/diseases.aspx

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Rabbit Awareness Week set to return this summer

News Story 1
 Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) is returning this summer, running from 24-28 June 2024. The theme for this year will be 'Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies'.

The focus on rabbits' diet comes after the most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report report revealed that 42 per cent of veterinary professionals identified inappropriate diet as one of the five most important rabbit welfare issues that need to be address.

The campaign will include veterinary blogs, videos, and digital waiting room resources. Practices can sign up to receive updates about RAW. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.