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New guide advises farmers on liver fluke
Experts develop 10 top tips for preventing cattle disease

A new guide has been developed to offer farmers 10 top tips for preventing liver fluke disease in cattle, in light of concerns over anthelmintic resistance and evidence to suggest prevalence of infection has risen considerably in recent years.

The guide has been developed by the industry group, Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) with input from the Moredun Research Institute and other partners.

Farmers are urged to identify the risk of fluke on their farms and ensure that they treat it properly, avoiding resistance.

The one-page fact sheet developed by COWS can be viewed and downloaded free of charge and recommends the following 10 steps to farmers:

1.    Identify high risk grazing areas of fluke
2.    Ask for abattoir feedback on any liver rejections
3.    Investigate fluke related losses in sheep
4.    Treat your cattle using the most appropriate drug, most suitable for time of year and the age/types of cattle involved
5.    Always administer anthelmintics effectively (refer to COWS and SCOPS guidelines)
6.    Consider if you need to reduce pasture contamination levels in spring/summer
7.    Remember to repeat the treatment if necessary
8.    Have an effective control plan for cattle that reduces the risk of drug resistance
9.    Institute quarantine measures on all incoming stock
10.  Be Prepared

Professor Jacqui Matthews, deputy director of Moredun Research Institute and steering panel member for COWS, commented: “The COWS industry group has produced some excellent information to help farmers prevent production losses in their animals due to liver fluke.

"Moredun is delighted to be working with COWS and its partners and circulate practical guidance for UK cattle farmers. It is imperative though that farmers continue to discuss liver fluke treatment choices with their vet or suitably qualified person (SQP) as part of their specific herd health plan."

Visit www.cattleparasites.org.uk to download the factsheet.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.