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: 19th July 2018
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

PRRS diagnosis at record levels in early 2018
Government vets say the unprecedented diagnosis rate could be down to better survival and transmission of the virus.
Weather conditions could be contributing to rise in cases  

New government figures show record-breaking figures for the diagnosis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in UK pigs.

In the first quarter of 2018, the diagnosis rate was 16.6 per cent - the highest quarterly rate that has been recorded so far, according to APHA’s latest GB Emerging Threats report. Previously, the highest rate was 12.7 per cent, in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The majority of diagnoses were for pigs in England.

A seasonal rise in PRRS cases is generally seen in the winter months, followed by a dip in summer.

However, government vets say the unprecedented diagnosis rate could be down to better survival and transmission of the virus, as well as cooler, darker, wetter conditions. In addition, colder, wetter weather could be making it more difficult to clean and disinfect housing.

Temperature fluctuations and ventilation issues in winter could also contribute to PRRS, as it does for other respiratory diseases.

Overall, the APHA’s report shows total diagnostic submissions were down seven per cent compared to the average of the previous four years.

To view the full report, visit: Click here

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

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.