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: 17th June 2015
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

BVA welcomes Welsh programme of improvements
John Blackwell
John Blackwell has welcomed a new Veterinary Science Centre  and innovations in disease surveillance in Wales.

President praises introduction of gamma testing for bovine TB

The president of the BVA has welcomed a new Veterinary Science Centre and surveillance innovation in Wales. However, he also warned that local vets need "to remain at the heart of official veterinarian service such as TB testing."

Speaking at the Association's annual Welsh dinner last Tuesday (June 16), John Blackwell praised the introduction of gamma testing for bovine TB at Carmarthen, saying that it "takes to sixth gear the early identification and control of a disease that has blighted livestock in Wales, England and Northern Ireland".

However, he also expressed disappointment that innovative programmes, such as Cymorth TB, which provide additional veterinary support for farmers hit by disease, are currently in a state of suspension.

He urged the Welsh Government "to reinstate and expand the programme as soon as possible, including the training of vets to the new programme".

Since April 1, all TB testing and other veterinary work in Wales has been provided by two regional delivery partners: Meter a Busnes in North Wales and lechlyd Da (Gwledig) Ltd in South Wales.

Farming and food minister Rebecca Evans says that the new arrangements have been designed to provide higher levels of assurance for the quality of testing and value for money.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government is working with the APHA to develop a Centre of Veterinary Expertise for Extensive Livestock production. The centre will be based at the APHA's centre in Carmanthen and, it is hoped that it will enhance the health, welfare and profitability of animals raised in extensive farming systems.

During the dinner, Mr Blackwell also recognised the successes and progress in Wales on a number of key issues such as the introduction of the Control of Horses Act and the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) Regulations.

He also spoke about the introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs in Wales in Spring 2016, and vets' work in raising awareness with clients.

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

Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.