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New sheep and cattle group to tackle endemic diseases across UK
The RHWG will be an independent industry group, set up under the AHDB umbrella to minimise operating costs.

Industry-wide group will drive coordinated approach to health and welfare

A new UK-wide ruminant industry group is being established with the aim of advancing progress against endemic disease and reputational challenges in the sheep and cattle sectors.

The new Ruminant Health and Welfare Group (RHWG) will be formed on 1 April.

The creation of the group follows an industry consultation, facilitated by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) along with meat and livestock groups from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

All responders agreed that discussions on how to accelerate work to control endemic diseases were positive, with many believing that the creation of this new group will speed up work to control conditions like liver fluke, mastitis and lameness.

AHDB chief technical officer Rebecca Geraghty said: “Despite a number of worthwhile initiatives and significant progress in some areas to date, endemic diseases in ruminants continue to have a major impact on our industry’s performance and profitability.

“We are in unprecedented times. Due to Brexit and potential changes to both our operating environment and consumer preferences, we face challenges and opportunities which can be better managed by a robust ruminant industry with world-leading health and welfare.

“The broad agreement from discussions with government, devolved administrations and industry over the past 18 months is that the time is right for a clear, united UK-wide industry voice. This would act as a welcome driver for a simpler, more co-ordinated and more widely committed approach to ruminant health and welfare across all parts of the UK.”

Recruitment for a chair for RHWG started on 22 January. The closing date for applications is 20 February.

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."