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High risk of liver fluke in parts of UK - SCOPS
Some reported cases related to animals that were treated in September and have become re-infected.
Farmers urged to speak to vets about localised risks

Forecasts suggest there is a high risk of liver fluke infection in parts of Scotland, Wales and Cornwall, following one of the wettest summers on record.

Higher than average rainfall was seen in many parts of the UK between May and October this year, NADIS reports. North, west and central Scotland, west Wales and Cornwall are predicted to be at high risk of fluke. Eastern Scotland and parts of north and south west England are expected to face medium risk, while most of central and eastern England are at low risk.

According to SCOPS, recent reports from the SRUC, APHA and others generally support this forecast. However there are localised variations, meaning it is important that farmers discuss the most appropriate action for their farm with their local vet.

SRUC reports that Dumfries and Ayr had the highest number of cases of acute liver fluke disease in early November, with cases also appearing in north eastern Scotland. APHA reported numerous cases in Wales, including acute liver fluke in sheep in north and mid Wales and sub-acute disease in south Wales. Chronic fluke disease was also reported in mid Wales, Cumbria, Devon and the Bristol area.

Lamb livers from a farm in Leicestershire were condemned and a large Welsh abattoir reported an increase in lamb liver condemnations due to fluke, from 2.8 per cent in October, to over five per cent in November.

Re-infection is a major concern, SCOPS warned. Some reported cases related to animals that were treated in September and have become re-infected. Flukicides do not have any residual activity, so if treated animals are put back on the pasture that is infected, they will become re-infected.

Veterinary surgeons are also urging farmers to ensure clostridial vaccinations are kept up to date. Black disease is a major cause of losses in cattle and sheep that have damaged livers as a result of fluke.

Whilst liver fluke most commonly affects sheep, SCOPS says cattle farmers must also be aware of the risks and discuss testing with their vet.

Product choice is also essential, as although Triclabendazole is the product of choice, there are cases of resistance to this product, so farmers should check their farm’s status. SCOPS also reports many instances of farmers using adulticides in the autumn, meaning immature flukes are not removed.

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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.