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France approves mandatory CCTV in abattoirs
cctv
Twenty-eight assembly members voted in favour of compulsory CCTV, while four opposed it.
Proposed law set to come into force in 2018

French National Assembly members have voted in favour of compulsory CCTV in slaughterhouses, following a number of concerning revelations about animal welfare in the past year.

There are around 1,000 slaughterhouses in France, which came under close scrutiny in 2016 after animal rights groups covertly filmed then published footage of workers killing animals without stunning them.

Under the proposed new law, which is set to come into force in 2018, authorities will install cameras in all areas where live animals are handled, including places of transport, accommodation, stunning and slaughter. Those caught inflicting unlawful cruelty on animals will face one year in prison.

Twenty-eight assembly members voted in favour of compulsory CCTV, while four opposed it. However, it must still pass the French Senate in February before becoming law.

A trial is set to take place this year to determine how the technology will be rolled out.

Animal rights group Animal Aid is urging Defra minister George Eustice to implement similar measures in the UK.

In December 2016, a Welsh working group concluded there was ‘not sufficient basis’ for introducing compulsory CCTV in Welsh slaughterhouses.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.