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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.