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ASF spreads to Belgium
ASF was recently reported in China and Bulgaria for the first time.
UK experts concerned as virus moves closer

African swine fever has been detected in Belgium for the first time since 1985, prompting concerns that the virus is moving closer to the UK.

The virus was confirmed in four wild boar in Etalle, Luxembourg.

Commenting on the outbreak, Zoe Davies, chief executive of the UK’s National Pig Association, said: “We are very concerned as this was a big jump geographically for the virus. It brings ASF closer to the UK and highlights how the virus can be moved long distances to reach new pig populations.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the virus does not reach the UK pig herd.

ASF was recently reported in China and Bulgaria for the first time and there has been an increase in outbreaks on commercial pig farms in Romania and Poland. Experts say the virus will ‘almost certainly’ spread to other Asian countries.

As a result, the risk of the virus entering the UK via contaminated pig products has been raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium’.

Davies added: “Our focus is on making sure we do absolutely everything we can to keep the virus out – the consequences of ASF reaching our pig herd are enormous, but it will only take one mistake to let it in.

“We also want to ensure we are fully prepared, so we will be ready should the worst scenario happen.”

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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.