Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th December 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Latest TB statistics published
The percentage of herds not officially TB free (OTF) due to a TB incident increased in the high risk area and edge area of England, but decreased in Wales and the low risk area.

Increase in slaughterings attributed to changes in testing policy

The latest quarterly TB statistics show the herd incident rate and herd prevalence have increased in England between the last two 12-month periods (up to the end of September 2015 and the end of September 2016).

Scotland's figures have remained relatively stable, whereas Wales has seen a decrease in incidence and prevalence.

Defra's report shows the high risk area of England has the highest incidence and prevalence, while the low risk area and Scotland have the lowest.

New herd incidents have decreased in Wales and the high risk area of England by 20 per cent and one per cent respectively. In Scotland, the edge area of England and the low risk area, the number of incidents increased by five per cent, 17 per cent and one per cent respectively.

The percentage of herds not officially TB free (OTF) due to a TB incident increased in the high risk area and edge area of England, but decreased in Wales and the low risk area. In Scotland, the number of non-OTF herds is very low and approximately 45 per cent of herds are exempt from routine surveillance testing.

There was an increase in the number of cattle slaughtered. For England and Wales, Defra attributes this to changes in testing policy. There is an increased use of interferon-gamma blood testing in herds with recurrent or persistent incidents. This is more sensitive than standard skin tests. In addition, since April 2016, all herds with TB incidents in the high risk area must have two skin tests at severe interpretation in order to attain OTF status.

For the full report visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/incidence-of-tuberculosis-tb-in-cattle-in-great-britain

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.