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: 27th June 2022
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

Chief vet removes foot-and-mouth disease control zone
The symptoms of swine vesicular disease can be confused with foot and mouth disease.
Officials declare a new temporary control zone for swine vesicular disease.

A temporary disease control zone has been removed after tests for a suspected case of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) returned negative. 

The 10km control zone was placed around a premises near Feltwell, Kings Lynn, on Thursday (June 23) following suspicion of vesicular disease in pigs.

In its latest update, Defra said: “Following official testing at the UK national reference laboratory, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer has negated suspicion of foot and mouth disease in pigs at a premises Near Feltwell, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk. The 10 km Temporary Control Zone (foot and mouth disease) has been revoked.

“Suspicion of vesicular disease in pigs remains and a new Temporary Control Zone (Swine vesicular disease) has been declared.”

According to Defra, the symptoms of swine vesicular disease can be confused with foot and mouth disease. The main sign is blisters, appearing at the top of hooves, between the toes and occasionally on the snout, tongue and lips. Other signs include lameness, loss of appetite and fever.

Swine vesicular disease is spread by contact with infected pigs or body fluids, pigs eating infectious meat, or contact with anything contaminated with the virus. Pig keepers are urged to practise good biosecurity on their premises and to report any suspected cases to the APHA.

The condition does not affect humans, although there have been some isolated cases of accidental infection of laboratory personnel working with the virus. The last UK outbreak occurred in 1982.

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

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.