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‘Worrying escalation’ of swine dysentery cases, NPA says
NPA said the cases continue the ‘worrying escalation’ of outbreaks in recent weeks.
Increased biosecurity and monitoring recommended 

The National Pig Association (NPA) is calling for increased biosecurity on pig farms after four new cases of swine dysentery were confirmed in one day last week.

Three cases were detected in North Yorkshire, one on a finisher unit, while a fourth case was identified on a finishing unit in Gloucestershire on 22 March.

Strict biosecurity and bio-containment measures are in place and treatment is ongoing at the units. One of the units is said to be ‘responding well’ to treatment. The origin of the outbreaks is not known, but investigations are underway, according to AHDB.

NPA said the cases continue the ‘worrying escalation’ of outbreaks in recent weeks. The association is warning farmers who have recently moved pigs from North Yorkshire to monitor them closely for the development of clinical signs.

AHDB stressed the importance of enhanced biosecurity and monitoring for clinical signs over the next few weeks, particularly in North Yorkshire and Gloucestershire.

Earlier this month, AHDB reported three outbreaks across three different counties in the north and east of the country over a period of two weeks.

Click here for NPA guidance on biosecurity measures.

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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...
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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.