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Wild boar cull planned in Belgium
A cull of wild boar is being planned by Belgian authorities to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever.
Move to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever

A cull of wild boar is being planned by Belgian authorities to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).

According to the National Pig Association (NPA), some 114 dead wild boars have been confirmed with ASF to date - all of which were found in the restriction zone in the
Luxembourg region of the country. When this figure stabilises, the NPA adds, the authorities intend to shoot the remaining wild boars.

Around 3,000 domestic and commercial pigs have already been culled in the Luxembourg restriction zone in a bid to keep the virus out of commercial pigs. Authorities will continue to test wild boars for ASF by sending samples off to Belgium’s central laboratory, Sciensano, for diagnosis.  

Despite pig prices taking a tumble as a result of export bans by non-EU countries, they are now reported to be stable. Farmers in the restriction zone whose pigs have been culled are set to receive compensation. 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.