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Remain vigilant for blowfly strike, forecast warns
Nearly half of farmers (43 per cent) said blowfly season now lasts longer than 20 weeks.

Cases are still being reported despite falling levels 

Outbreaks of blowfly strike are still being regularly reported despite falling levels, according to the latest forecast from Nadis and Elanco.

The risk level is now ‘low’ for most of the country, owing to a series of mini heatwaves during the summer. However, farmers have been warned to keep their guard up.

Cases have continued to be reported well into November, and even December, in previous years.

"In most areas the falling temperatures mean that the strike risk is now relatively low," says Richard Wall, professor of zoology at Bristol University.

"However, blowflies are still active, and any prolonged warm autumn weather could still result in late season strikes, particularly with the onset of further rain. High levels of care are still required."

Nearly half of farmers (43 per cent) said blowfly season now lasts longer than 20 weeks, while 37 per cent experienced cases later than previously, according to a survey.

Fiona Hutchings, technical vet at Elanco, added: "There are no guarantees when it comes to blowfly strike - with levels identified into November, an essential part of any strategy, has to ensure an early treatment that extends right through the long season."

SQPs are being urged to recommend IGR preventative treatments, whilst continuing to monitor updates from the blowfly strike tracker and Nadis alerts. Farmers are also encouraged to report any incidents of strike in their animals. 

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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.