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Livestock attack DNA project moves to next stage
The project is being run by Liverpool John Moores University.
DNA collection kits are being distributed as part of trial.

Canine DNA collecting kits are being distributed as part of a research project to tackle livestock worrying.

The Canine DNA Recovery Project, run by Liverpool John Moores University, is working with farmers, police forces, and the veterinary profession to improve the collection of dog DNA from livestock that has been attacked.

The kits are being distributed in 10 regions through participating police forces, NFU Mutual, the National Sheep Association, and Farmers Union Wales. They include swabs, scissors, tape, and detailed instructions on collecting DNA.

It is hoped that eventually the kits will be used to help prosecute the owners of dogs involved in livestock worrying.

A panel discussion on the project took place at the Royal Welsh Showground on Wednesday, 24 July.

Those attending heard from Nick Dawnay, the forensic scientist leading the project, as well as from Carmarthen MP Ann Davies, beef and sheep farmer Wyn Evans, and Rhys Evans of North Wales Police’s rural crime team.

FUW’s regional vice-president Anwen Hughes, who chaired the discussion, said: “I have been keeping my eye on the developments of this project since its inception and have been involved in many of the discussions regarding livestock worrying issues in Wales, on behalf of FUW members.

“It is difficult to unsee the horror left behind after dogs have attacked and disfigured sheep in a field. It impacts our own mental health and well-being, in addition to the cost implications it has on the business. It is a harrowing situation to be in.”

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.