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Defra announce new measures to combat bTB
Badger
The announcement follows the publication of results from the second year of badger culling, which revealed that 341 badgers were removed in Somerset - exceeding the minimum target of 316.

Plans include a new service giving farmers advice on TB management

Defra have announced new measures to combat bovine TB as part of their strategy to beat the disease in England.

The department has published a Biosecurity Action Plan, which sets out plans to help farmers reduce the risk of the disease spreading on their farms.

There will also be a new service giving farmers within the badger cull areas bespoke veterinary advice on TB management.

The announcement follows the publication of results from the second year of badger culling, which revealed that 341 badgers were removed in Somerset - exceeding the minimum target of 316.  In light of this, chief vet Nigel Gibbens said the culls should continue for at least two more years in this area, stating that industry-led culling can, in the right circumstances, "deliver the level of effectiveness required to be confident of achieving disease control benefits".


Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: "During the last parliament bovine TB rates in England soared to the highest in Europe. That is why we are taking strong action in pursuing our comprehensive strategy, including tighter cattle movement controls, vaccinations and culling.

The chief vet’s advice is that results of this year’s cull in Somerset show they can be effective. That is why I am determined to continue with a comprehensive strategy that includes culling."

Defra plans to launch a consultation on a package of tougher cable measures in the New Year, which include statutory post-movement testing for cattle entering the low risk area.

Further planned measures include launching a web-based map revealing locations of TB, and publishing disease reports for the edge and low risk areas. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.