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PCV2 vaccine approved for pregnant sows
piglets
PCV2 can have a devastating impact on pig health, as well as economic losses for farmers.
Vaccine is a first in the EU
 
A vaccine to protect against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has now been approved for use in pregnant and lactating sows.

The European Medicines Agency has authorised this use of the Ingelvac CircoFLEX, which was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim.

According to the head of the pharma company, George Heidgerken, this is the first PCV2 vaccine to be licensed in the EU for the protection of both piglets and sows.

PCV2 can have a devastating impact on pig health, as well as economic losses for farmers. Infection may lead to wasting, paleness of the skin, dyspnea or diarrhoea in piglets and, in breeding sows, can result in reproductive losses.

In both piglets and sows, the virus can also cause subclinical infections.

According to Boehringer, Ingelvac CircoFLEX reduces mortality, clinical signs and lesions associated with PCV2.

In addition, the company says studies have shown vaccinating sows has 'significant positive effects' on reproductive performance and the number of piglets born alive and weaned.

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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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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.