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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th October 2017
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High fluke risk forecasted for parts of UK
Farmers are advised to check the fluke forecast for their area.
Greater risk due to high rainfall in summer

Parts of the UK are facing higher risk of liver fluke this autumn, according to the latest parasite forecast from SCOPS.

Met Office reports show rainfall was relatively low over the winter of 2016-17. However, parts of Scotland, Wales, North and South-West England saw higher than normal rainfall in June/July this year.

Rainfall was lower in August but there is a greater risk of fluke in these areas owing to wetter than average weather earlier in the summer.

The NADIS forecast predicts a high risk of fluke infection in western Scotland and South Wales this autumn. Meanwhile there is potential for medium risk in eastern Scotland, North-West England, South-West England and North Wales.

Elsewhere, in the central and eastern regions of England, there is currently thought to be a low risk. However, the forecast may change depending on rainfall in September and October.

Acute fluke in sheep was confirmed in Cheshire last month, while positive results were also reported from lambs in South West Scotland, and from Parasite Waatch farms in South West England and South West Wales.

Farmers are advised to check the fluke forecast for their area and discuss testing or treatment options with their vet, in addition to quarantine protocols for new or returning animals.

Sudden deaths in sheep should be investigated and it is advisable to reduce fluke risk through management where possible. For example, removing sheep or cattle from the wettest fields or housing early.

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.