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Bluetongue restricted zone extended to Essex
A specific licence is now required to move susceptible animals out of the restricted zone.
Over 40 cases have now been confirmed.

The county of Essex has been added to the restricted zone after more cases of the bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) were confirmed in Suffolk amid continued evidence of local transmission.

The restricted zone now covers Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. A specific licence is required to move animals outside the zone.

Within the zone, essential movement of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) can take place without a licence, but farmers have been urged to do so only when absolutely necessary. Susceptible animals can only be moved from infected premises under licence.

As of 2 September, the virus has been confirmed in 41 animals across 13 premises. The first case was confirmed in Norfolk on 26 August.

This year has also seen thousands of cases of BTV-3 in Europe, with countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France affected by the virus.

Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “We have not taken this action lightly and we are clear that farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA immediately.”

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.

Further information on the restrictions can be found here. A guide on spotting the signs of the virus is available here.

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.