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BTV update: France reports 230 outbreaks
sheep and lambs
BTV-8 now appears to be established in the Auvergne region of central France, which is around 300 miles from the Channel.
Vets have a 'huge role' in discussing vaccination
 
France has now reported more than 230 outbreaks of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8). The UK's chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens is advising farmers to take steps to protect their flocks, including talking to their vet about vaccination.

Earlier in the year, there were concerns about a possible vaccine shortage. The National Sheep Association (NSA) warned that low uptake in the past had made manufacturers reluctant to produce it. Writing in theVet Record, however, Mr Gibbens said: 'We understand the vaccine will be available for use in the UK this summer'.

BTV-8 now appears to be established in the Auvergne region of central France, which is around 300 miles from the Channel. Mr Gibbens said the threat to the UK 'remains uncertain' but the disease has 'almost certainly' overwintered and is likely to spread through France this spring and summer.

As a result, the UK will be at greater risk of an outbreak due to midge-borne spread from the continent. The risk is expected to increase towards the end of summer, affecting the south and south-east of England in particular.

The virus is carried by midges and affects all ruminants. While it does not affect human health or food safety, it can have serious financial consequences for farmers due to movement controls and loss of productivity.

Vaccinating before the warm weather sets in will provide protection before the risk of infection increases, Mr Gibbens wrote. Vets have a 'huge role' to play in advising clients on vaccination and training keepers to recognise signs of the disease.

Vets and livestock keepers should also consider the risks of importing or moving susceptible species, and check the animals' health status, particularly when sourcing stock from other European countries. All animals from affected countries are subject to statutory testing after arrival in the UK.

As bluetongue is a notifiable disease, suspected cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. This can be done via the Defra rural services helping on 03000 200 301.

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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