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New bovine TB campaign revealed
cattle farm
In low risk areas of the country, it is estimated that 50 per cent of new TB breakdowns are caused by purchased animals.
Info hub launched to help farmers and vets tackle TB
 
Farming minister George Eustice has unveiled a new campaign to tackle bovine TB, which includes an information hub for farmers and vets, as well as a five point biosecurity plan.

A single website - www.TBhub.co.uk - will now hold all bovine TB advice from the government, leading vets, farming experts and agricultural colleges.

The site covers everything from biosecurity measures to understanding trading rules. It aims to be the 'go to' place for beef and dairy farmers to find information on dealing with TB on their farms.

Mr Eustice also announced a new Bovine TB Biosecurity Five Point Plan, which aims to improve disease prevention on farm and in the trade.

The five points of the plan are:
  1. Restrict contact between badgers & cattle
  2. Manage cattle feed and water
  3. Stop infected cattle entering the herd
  4. Reduce risk from neighbouring herds
  5. Minimise infection from cattle manure

In England last year, more than 3,000 farms were affected by new TB breakdowns. Each breakdown is estimated to cost the farmer more than £10,000, and the taxpayer around £20,000. In low risk areas of the country, 50 per cent of breakdowns are said to be caused by purchased animals.

Mr Eustice commented: "There are simple and practical ways for farmers to reduce risk to their herds and neighbouring businesses from bovine TB which are set out in this new action plan approved by vets and farming experts."

By the end of this month, posters featuring the five-point plan will be on display in vet surgeries, cattle auction marts and the offices of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Copies will also be sent out to farmers around the country and regular surveys will be carried out to track progress.

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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.