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: 18th May 2016
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

Vets urged to be vigilant for lumpy skin disease
cows
LSD was detected in the European Union for the first time last August, when Greece reported two outbreaks.
Early recognition is 'imperative'
 
Vets are being urged to look out for skin wheals and unexplained abortions in cattle this summer and autumn, as these could be early signs of lumpy skin disease (LSD).

Once confined to Africa, LSD was detected in the European Union for the first time last August, when Greece reported two outbreaks.

More than 100 further outbreaks occurred between September and December 2015 and the disease reappeared in April of this year. Almost simultaneously, it was found in a second EU country, Bulgaria, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Professor Kenton Morgan, from the University of Liverpool, wrote in Veterinary Record (Vol 178 No 20) letters: 'Early recognition is imperative in limiting the impact of novel or exotic diseases.

'Where clinical signs are easily visible, as is the case with LSD, there is a need for those who regularly observe cattle… to be vigilant for the appearance of skin wheals or lumps. Skin wheals, whether palpable or visible, and unexplained abortions should trigger the addition of LSD to the list of differential diagnoses. Look out also for swelling in the legs and lymph nodes.'

The transmission of LSD is not well understood, making it difficult to assess the risk of spread, Prof Morgan added. Vaccination is a major control strategy.

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

RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.