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E coli O157 prevalence to be investigated
cows
Survey findings will inform the development of measures to reduce public health risk.
New survey aims to determine how widespread shedding is on British farms

Scientists have undertaken a survey to find out how widespread E coli O157 is among finishing cattle. It is hoped their findings will help with developing measures to reduce the risk of human infection.

Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 can be passed from cattle to humans through contaminated food or contact with cattle or their environment. In addition, it can remain infective in soil for months.

The new survey, beginning this month, will run until December 2015. It is part of a project by the Roslin Institute to find out why some cattle shed large amounts of O157 in their faeces, and to come up with strategies to reduce the human health risk.

Writing in the Veterinary Record (Vol 175, No 8), Madeleine Henry, Sue Tongue and George Gunn from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), say they aim to find out the number of British farms with finishing cattle on which at least one animal is shedding O157.

Staff from SRUC and ADAS will visit a random selection of farms in England, Scotland and Wales to collect faecal pat samples. A farm management questionnaire will also be completed.

The Scottish E. coli Reference Laboratory will identify the more common phage types among cattle isolates, and more these to isolates from human cases to assess the role of cattle in human infection. Findings will inform the development of measures to reduce public health risk.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and confidentially will be maintained.

For further information, see the Veterinary Record, August 30, 2014, Vol 175 No 8, or contact Madeleine Henry at vetepidemiology@sruc.ac.uk or 01463 246072.

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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
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."