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Broiler litter thought to be behind NI botulism cases
cows
All cattle and sheep can be affected by botulism, which is usually fatal and characterised by progressive muscle weakness (paralysis).
Testing finds 'strong circumstantial evidence'

Broiler litter is thought to be behind many of the botulism outbreaks in Northern Ireland, according to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

An investigation by AFBI's veterinary sciences division found "strong circumstantial evidence that broiler litter is a risk factor for many of these outbreaks". The risk relates to the contamination of broiler litter with chicken carcases, which are taken by scavenging animals and transferred onto pasture.

Botulism is a form of blood poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that can produce toxins in certain environmental conditions. The bacteria are found in the environment and rise to high levels in bird and animal carcases.

It is thought that broiler litter can become dangerous to ruminants when it is contaminated with the carcases of chickens that have died during production. Scavenger animals such as foxes and dogs may transfer carcases onto pasture, after gaining access to them during storage or after spreading on land.

All cattle and sheep can be affected by botulism, which is usually fatal and characterised by progressive muscle weakness (paralysis). Diagnosis is often based primarily on clinical signs and known history of exposure to contaminated litter.

In order to minimise the risk of botulism, prompt and careful disposal of carcases and litter is essential.

Veterinary surgeons may apply to the VMD for two vaccines, which are available under 'special treatment certification', but these should not be used as an alternative to preventing exposure to contaminated poultry litter.

For more information on the control of botulism, visit: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/botulism-cattle-ongoing-concern

 

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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.