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Cattle test positive for BTV in northern France
BTV is transmitted by midges and can infect all ruminants, though sheep and cattle are most affected.
UK farmers urged to be vigilant

Farmers are being warned to look out for signs of bluetongue 8 (BTV-8) and to consider vaccinating their stock, after the virus was detected in a previously disease-free part of northern France.

Defra says the holding where BTV-8 was confirmed is less than 150km from the south coast of England. Farmers across the south of England in particular should be vigilant for clinical signs such as mouth ulcers, drooling, swelling of the mouth, head and neck, fever, lameness and breathing problems.

A safe and effective vaccine is available in Great Britain and livestock keepers - particularly those on the Kent and Sussex coastline - are being advised to speak to their vet about the benefits of vaccination.

BTV is transmitted by midges and can infect all ruminants, though sheep and cattle are most affected. It can reduce milk yield, cause sickness, reduce reproductive performance or, in the most severe cases, cause death in adult animals. However, the virus does not affect people, and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to consume.

Defra’s latest risk assessment states that the risk of an outbreak in the UK is currently low, but this will change as we move into summer.

Nigel Gibbens, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said the detection of BTV in northern France is a “timely reminder” of the need to remain vigilant and to report suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.

“We have robust disease surveillance procedures and continue to carefully monitor the situation in France, where bluetongue disease control measures are in place,” he added.

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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.