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NOAH launches blueprint for animal health
The blueprint acknowledges that the health and welfare of animals is a collective responsibility.

Scheme to encourage responsible animal health and welfare

A new three-step blueprint to encourage response animal health and welfare across the UK has been launched by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).

The campaign kickstarts with the release of a new infographic outlining how good animal health is an essential component of good animal welfare. It forms part of NOAH’s ongoing work to show what animal health looks like through a variety of lenses, experts and stories.

The blueprint acknowledges that the health and welfare of animals is a collective responsibility. It aims to encourage the animal medicines industry, veterinary surgeons, farmers and pet owners to work together to:

    •    STOP disease getting into the animal
    •    EQUIP animals to fight disease if they do encounter it
    •    TREAT animals appropriately when sickness is unavoidable.

Together, these steps incorporate the full range of animal health priorities, from reducing the risk of infectious diseases to prescribing appropriate treatments.

The campaign will provide educational materials to help farmers, vets, pet owners and industry stakeholders understand their role when it comes to animal health and welfare.

“A collaborative, comprehensive approach to animal health is absolutely vital to ensure animals across the UK are happy and healthy,” said NOAH chief executive, Dawn Howard.
“Our new blueprint is a guide for all those who touch animals’ lives, and over the coming months we will be providing even more resources to inform and encourage responsible animal health and welfare.”

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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...
News Shorts
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.