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Bluetongue restricted zones merged and extended
As of 22 September, 97 cases have been confirmed.
Movement restrictions now apply to more than a dozen counties.

The two restricted zones put in place to tackle the spread of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been combined and extended after new cases of the virus were identified close to them.

The single restricted zone now covers all of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent.

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

Since the first case of BTV-3 in this vector season was confirmed on 26 August, 97 cases have been confirmed in England.

Jenny Stewart, chief executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said “Since the first BTV-3 case for this season was detected last month, case numbers have continued to rise, and I want to remind keepers of the importance of monitoring their livestock and taking up free testing where necessary.

“Scientists, vets and field teams from the Animal and Plant Health Agency are working hard to help tackle bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported.”

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

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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. 

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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.