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UK farmers warned about bluetongue outbreaks
sheep
"There is quite strong evidence that with the outbreak in France - and the potential weather situation - it could move to the southern part of the UK in 2016."
NFU says outbreaks possible in 2016

Livestock farmers are being urged to prepare for the possibility of a bluetongue outbreak in the UK this year.

There have been recent outbreaks of serotype 8 (BTV-8) in the Allier region of central France. These are the first cases to be confirmed in the EU since 2011.

While Defra has said the risk to the UK is low, the National Farmers Union (NFU) is warning that factors including rising temperatures and wind direction could increase the threat over the coming months.

An unusually warm winter is believed to have facilitated the virus's spread in France.

At an NFU Council meeting, livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said the union is in talks with Defra and APHA about the likelihood of bluetongue reaching the UK, Farmers Weekly reports.

"There is quite strong evidence that with the outbreak in France - and the potential weather situation - it could move to the southern part of the UK in 2016," he is quoted as saying at a recent NFU Council meeting.

NFU is working to ensure the vaccine is available for UK farmers in time for spring. In previous outbreaks, Defra has subsidised the vaccine cost but it is likely that the industry will have to cover the costs this time, Mr Sercombe added.

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk