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Parts of London have higher TB rates than Iraq
skin test
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a particular risk to prisoners, homeless people and those with substance abuse issues.

New report urges the Mayor of London to take action
 
Parts of London have significantly higher TB rates than countries in the developing world, according to a new report by the London Assembly Health Committee.

Released this week, the report shows there were more than 2,500 new TB cases in the capital last year. This accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all cases in England.

Some boroughs have TB rates as high as 113 in every 100,000 people, which is far higher than countries  including Algeria, Rwanda, Iraq and Guatemala.

The report found that TB services are not equally accessible to all Londoners. For example, vaccination of newborn babies is not available in all boroughs, despite being recommended practice.

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a particular risk to prisoners, homeless people and those with substance abuse issues.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, is being urged to lead the way in driving better measures of prevention and treatment in the capital. Recommendations include taking steps to educate the public more widely about this disease.

A recent survey commissioned by the London Assembly found that one in five Londoners did not know the symptoms of TB when given a list. The findings also confirm that the disease continues to be heavily stigmatised.

The report also calls for health services to standardise the control and management of TB across London. NHS London was urged to set out plans for ensuring BCG coverage across the city's boroughs by 2017.

Committee chair Onkar Sahota said: "The Mayor needs to take more responsibility for TB control in London. He is uniquely placed to drive forward measures for TB prevention, as well as better access to treatment.

"If we don't get a grip on London's TB situation now, the harder and more expensive it will be to tackle in the years to come. With pressures on health budgets, we can't afford to take our eye off the ball."

For the full report, see: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/FINAL_TacklingTBinLondon_0.pdf

Image (c) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library (PHIL)

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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.