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TB update ‘leaves important questions answered’
The BVA is urging clarity on cull time frames, numbers and methodology.
BVA calls for clarity on cull time frames

Vets have responded to a government update on tuberculosis (TB), saying that it ’leaves important questions unanswered’.

Published on Wednesday (19 July) the update follows a consultation on licensed badger control, conducted at the beginning of the year.

But BVA president Gudrun Ravetz says that the announcement and supporting guidance miss out important information on the cull time frames, numbers and mid-cull review methodology.

‘We would urge clarity in each of these areas to ensure that the progress is made, enabling the application for Officially TB Free status, is not undermined,’ she said in a statement.

‘It is clear that badger population estimates have previously demonstrated considerable uncertainty and imprecision, but to help secure disease control benefits and prevent population extinction it is critical that as accurate as possible population estimates, using an evidence-based methodology, are obtained and made openly available in advance of a licence being granted.’

In the update, Defra minister George Eustice notes that the government has, this week, applied for officially TB-free status for the Low-Risk areas of England.

He also outlines further measures to help eradicate the disease from England, including a consultation on proposals to catch the disease in cattle as soon as possible and the re-commencement of the Badge Edge Vaccination scheme.

Together with the announcement, the government has also published responses to a consultation on badger control and its licensing guidance.

But the BVA queries whether the new guidance for cull licences provides the necessary clarity to ensure that such operations can effectively take place each year.

“Whilst badger culling in a targeted, effective and humane manner remains part of the Government's bTB strategy, BVA will continue to urge Government to use the targeted and humane method of cage trapping and shooting only - rather than the continued use of controlled shooting for badger control operations.”

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.