Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th September 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

First bluetongue cases confirmed in Lincolnshire
More than 40 premises in England have now been affected by the virus.
Temporary control zone has been extended.

Three cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in north east Lincolnshire following surveillance in the East Riding of Yorkshire temporary control zone (TCZ).

The first case was confirmed on 10 September, followed by two further cases on 11 September. In response, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has extended the TCZ in the area.

On 11 September, a case was also identified in Essex within the restricted zone that covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and part of Greater London.

In total, cases have been confirmed on 41 premises in England during the current vector season. The first case was confirmed on 26 August.

The secretary of state for for environment, food and rural affairs recently permitted the use of three unauthorised vaccines for BTV-3 under licence. The vaccines reduce symptoms of the virus, rather than prevent it, meaning that any movement restrictions in force will still apply to vaccinated animals.

The virus is also continuing to spread in mainland Europe. Switzerland reported its first cases of BTV-3 on 30 August and cases have continued to be detected across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. The disease has continued to spread in France and Denmark after their first cases of BTV-3 were detected earlier this year.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “I urge farmers to contact their veterinarians if they wish to use the vaccines and to continue monitoring their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal [and] Plant Health Agency.”

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.

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

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.