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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.