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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th June 2015
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BVA welcomes Welsh programme of improvements
John Blackwell
John Blackwell has welcomed a new Veterinary Science Centre  and innovations in disease surveillance in Wales.

President praises introduction of gamma testing for bovine TB

The president of the BVA has welcomed a new Veterinary Science Centre and surveillance innovation in Wales. However, he also warned that local vets need "to remain at the heart of official veterinarian service such as TB testing."

Speaking at the Association's annual Welsh dinner last Tuesday (June 16), John Blackwell praised the introduction of gamma testing for bovine TB at Carmarthen, saying that it "takes to sixth gear the early identification and control of a disease that has blighted livestock in Wales, England and Northern Ireland".

However, he also expressed disappointment that innovative programmes, such as Cymorth TB, which provide additional veterinary support for farmers hit by disease, are currently in a state of suspension.

He urged the Welsh Government "to reinstate and expand the programme as soon as possible, including the training of vets to the new programme".

Since April 1, all TB testing and other veterinary work in Wales has been provided by two regional delivery partners: Meter a Busnes in North Wales and lechlyd Da (Gwledig) Ltd in South Wales.

Farming and food minister Rebecca Evans says that the new arrangements have been designed to provide higher levels of assurance for the quality of testing and value for money.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government is working with the APHA to develop a Centre of Veterinary Expertise for Extensive Livestock production. The centre will be based at the APHA's centre in Carmanthen and, it is hoped that it will enhance the health, welfare and profitability of animals raised in extensive farming systems.

During the dinner, Mr Blackwell also recognised the successes and progress in Wales on a number of key issues such as the introduction of the Control of Horses Act and the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) Regulations.

He also spoke about the introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs in Wales in Spring 2016, and vets' work in raising awareness with clients.

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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.