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Farmers reminded of bluetongue risk
The last confirmed case in England was in March.
Cases are increasing in northern Europe.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer is urging farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) after a recent increase in cases in northern Europe.

The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium have all detected new cases of the virus, with the Netherlands alone seeing more than 200 cases. Some of the animals have shown severe clinical signs.

Although the virus is not currently circulating in Great Britain, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has said that there remains a very high probability of the disease being introduced by infected midges blown over from Europe.

The counties considered most at risk are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex. Surveillance measures are continuing and some free testing has been made available in areas where the risk if highest.

Last November, the first case of bluetongue since 2007 was confirmed at a farm in Kent. A total of 126 cases have been detected in England, but there have not been any confirmed cases since March.

Jenny Stewart, interim chief executive at APHA, said: “The recent increase in cases in Europe underlines how important it is for farmers and animal keepers to continue monitoring their livestock and to take up the offer of free testing where necessary.

“APHA’s risk assessment confirmed there is a very high chance of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain this year, and our world-leading scientists, vets and field teams stand ready to tackle an outbreak of bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported.”

BTV is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of the disease in animals in England must be reported to APHA on 03000 200 301.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.