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African swine fever 'spreading slowly'
wild boar
African swine fever was identified in Lithuania and eastern Poland in early 2014, and subsequently in Latvia and Estonia.
Report defines outbreaks as a ‘small-scale epidemic’
 
African swine fever is ‘spreading slowly’ in the Baltic countries and Poland, according to a new report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The latest epidemiological data shows the disease is spreading at a rate of around 2km a month in Latvia and Estonia, and 1km a month in Lithuania and Poland.

In addition, the number of infected animals found among hunted wild boar is very low (up to three per cent). Therefore, the outbreaks in the Baltic countries and Poland can be defined as a ‘small-scale epidemic’, EFSA said.

African swine fever was identified in Lithuania and eastern Poland in early 2014, and subsequently in Latvia and Estonia. No additional member states have reported cases since then.

Andrea Gervelmeyer, a veterinary epidemiologist at EFSA, commented: “This report is the outcome of a fruitful cooperation with Member States. We look forward to continuing investigations on this disease, which has serious socio-economic consequences in affected countries.”

A second report will be published in autumn 2017, providing updated analysis and a review of the management options for wild boar.

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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.