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France reports 13 new outbreaks of BTV-8
cow
'The weather is starting to improve and as daily average temperatures increase in mainland France and the UK, so our risk level will start to increase.' (stock photo)

Risk to the UK will rise as daily temperatures increase - Defra

France has reported 13 new outbreaks of bluetongue virus 8 (BTV-8) in just under a month, new figures show. Defra is warning that as daily temperatures start to increase, so does the risk of outbreaks in the UK.

There have now been 285 confirmed cases in France since September 2015, when the country reported its first outbreak in five years. The risk of the disease spreading to the UK is estimated to be up to 80 per cent, with cases most likely in late summer.

The latest report from Defra shows 13 new outbreaks at French cattle holdings since the last update on 13 May, 2016.

'Our risk level remains the same,' the report states. 'However the weather is starting to improve and as daily average temperatures increase in mainland France and the UK, so our risk level will start to increase.'

Recent cases in France show variable clinical signs that are not pathognomonic for BTV. Defra encouraged vets to note this variability when considering BTV as a possible differential diagnosis.

A vaccine will be made available for vets and farmers in Great Britain from mid-July. Farmers are being advised to speak to their vet about the potential benefits as a matter of urgency.

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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.