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AHVLA simplifies bTB testing instructions
Requirements clarified for herds affected by new TB breakdown

Taking effect from January 1, 2014, the AHVLA is simplifying bTB testing instructions for cattle herds affected by a new TB breakdown.

For herds in England that have their officially TB free status withdrawn (OTFW) as a result of a new TB breakdown, a minimum a two additional tuberculin (short interval) skin tests read at the "severe" interpretation will be required.

Going forward, the number and interpretation of additional short interval tests will depend on the scale of the tuberculin reaction, the post-mortem and laboratory culture results in other skin test reactors in the herd.

The AHVLA says this is not a policy change, but a clarification of existing instructions, which state that should test reactors be identified with visible lesions and/or culture-positive test results, the two additional skin tests will be required.

This requirement also applies to officially TB free status suspended (OTFS) herds that are suffering a new breakdown in the "edge of high risk" area. Should the herd require further short-interval tests following this, they will be read at the normal "standard" interpretation unless reactors show subsequent visible lesions or are culture positive.

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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.