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Blowfly risk rises to 'medium' in southern England
"Strike risk typically changes very slowly at the start of the season".

Warmer weather triggers NADIS alert system.

The risk of blowfly strike has risen to 'medium' in parts of southern England, according to the NADIS and Elanco Blowfly Alert System.

The Blowfly Alert System predicts the emergence of blowflies based on Met Office Data to help vets and farmers predict the risk of clinical ceases and help treatment timings.

The alert states: “As a result of recent warmer weather the blowfly strike risk has now started to rise in southern England. Even in areas where the strike risk is still low, occasional strikes may occur, so care is needed.

“Strike risk typically changes very slowly at the start of the season, but lowland ewes with dirty back ends can be particularly susceptible before shearing at this time of year.”

Blowfly strike causes serious discomfort to sheep and is estimated to affect around 80 per cent of farms in the UK. It can have a serious impact on welfare and productivity, costing the industry some £2.2 million every year.

Farmers are advised to check their flock 'at least once a day' and to look out for the signs of blowfly infection, which include irritation, nibbling at the tail and increased tail swishing.

The advice also calls on farmers to discuss preventative treatments with their vet or SQP, based in the age of their lambs during the risk period and anticipated slaughter dates.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.