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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th November 2015
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New bovine TB campaign revealed
cattle farm
In low risk areas of the country, it is estimated that 50 per cent of new TB breakdowns are caused by purchased animals.
Info hub launched to help farmers and vets tackle TB
 
Farming minister George Eustice has unveiled a new campaign to tackle bovine TB, which includes an information hub for farmers and vets, as well as a five point biosecurity plan.

A single website - www.TBhub.co.uk - will now hold all bovine TB advice from the government, leading vets, farming experts and agricultural colleges.

The site covers everything from biosecurity measures to understanding trading rules. It aims to be the 'go to' place for beef and dairy farmers to find information on dealing with TB on their farms.

Mr Eustice also announced a new Bovine TB Biosecurity Five Point Plan, which aims to improve disease prevention on farm and in the trade.

The five points of the plan are:
  1. Restrict contact between badgers & cattle
  2. Manage cattle feed and water
  3. Stop infected cattle entering the herd
  4. Reduce risk from neighbouring herds
  5. Minimise infection from cattle manure

In England last year, more than 3,000 farms were affected by new TB breakdowns. Each breakdown is estimated to cost the farmer more than £10,000, and the taxpayer around £20,000. In low risk areas of the country, 50 per cent of breakdowns are said to be caused by purchased animals.

Mr Eustice commented: "There are simple and practical ways for farmers to reduce risk to their herds and neighbouring businesses from bovine TB which are set out in this new action plan approved by vets and farming experts."

By the end of this month, posters featuring the five-point plan will be on display in vet surgeries, cattle auction marts and the offices of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Copies will also be sent out to farmers around the country and regular surveys will be carried out to track progress.

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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.