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New terms for NI vets who carry out TB tests
cow
Current veterinary inspectors will soon receive a letter to inform them of the change in their appointment status.
PVPs become 'approved veterinary surgeons'

Private veterinary practitioners (PVPs) who carry out TB tests in Northern Ireland will now be known as 'approved veterinary surgeons'.

The change was announced this week by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

Previously, PVPs were appointed as 'veterinary inspectors' under the Diseases of Animals (NI) Order 1981, which according to the DARD, gives them legal powers that are not required for carrying out TB tests.

Current veterinary inspectors will soon receive a letter to inform them of the change in their appointment status.

Vets employed by the DARD will keep the title 'veterinary inspector' and will be able to use the full range of powers, including serving cattle movement restriction notices when they are required.

The amending legislation will also clarify animal movement controls during testing. When movement restrictions are in place during a herd TB test, PVPs will advise herd owners of the end of the test when all animals have negative readings.

If animals provide inconclusive or reactor readings, PVPs will issue an advisory document to the herd keeper to inform them that movement restrictions will continue until the DARD can interpret the test results and apply specific movement controls.

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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.