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BTV update: France reports 230 outbreaks
sheep and lambs
BTV-8 now appears to be established in the Auvergne region of central France, which is around 300 miles from the Channel.
Vets have a 'huge role' in discussing vaccination
 
France has now reported more than 230 outbreaks of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8). The UK's chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens is advising farmers to take steps to protect their flocks, including talking to their vet about vaccination.

Earlier in the year, there were concerns about a possible vaccine shortage. The National Sheep Association (NSA) warned that low uptake in the past had made manufacturers reluctant to produce it. Writing in theVet Record, however, Mr Gibbens said: 'We understand the vaccine will be available for use in the UK this summer'.

BTV-8 now appears to be established in the Auvergne region of central France, which is around 300 miles from the Channel. Mr Gibbens said the threat to the UK 'remains uncertain' but the disease has 'almost certainly' overwintered and is likely to spread through France this spring and summer.

As a result, the UK will be at greater risk of an outbreak due to midge-borne spread from the continent. The risk is expected to increase towards the end of summer, affecting the south and south-east of England in particular.

The virus is carried by midges and affects all ruminants. While it does not affect human health or food safety, it can have serious financial consequences for farmers due to movement controls and loss of productivity.

Vaccinating before the warm weather sets in will provide protection before the risk of infection increases, Mr Gibbens wrote. Vets have a 'huge role' to play in advising clients on vaccination and training keepers to recognise signs of the disease.

Vets and livestock keepers should also consider the risks of importing or moving susceptible species, and check the animals' health status, particularly when sourcing stock from other European countries. All animals from affected countries are subject to statutory testing after arrival in the UK.

As bluetongue is a notifiable disease, suspected cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. This can be done via the Defra rural services helping on 03000 200 301.

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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.