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Measures introduced to protect UK from African swine fever
Outbreaks have been seen in many European countries.
The disease is circulating in Europe.

The UK government has introduced new measures to protect the UK from African swine fever (ASF).

The new rules, which come into force today (27 September 2024), are designed to prevent ASF being brought into the UK through infected meat.

To this end, personal imports of pork and pork products from the European Economic Area, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland are now banned unless the products are manufactured and packaged to EU commercial standards and weigh less than a maximum of 2kg.

Anyone breaking the law may be fined up to £5,000 in England, and the products will be seized and destroyed.

Although the UK has never had an outbreak of ASF, the disease is circulating in continental Europe.

This year, outbreaks of ASF in domestic pigs have been reported in Croatia, Germany, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine, and in wild boar in the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden and Ukraine according to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The UK’s pig industry is worth around £8 billion and it is estimated that an outbreak of ASF could cost the UK between £10 million to £100 million.

Baroness Hayman, biosecurity minister, said: “African swine fever is a deadly disease wreaking havoc in Europe.

“These new measures will protect British pig farmers and pork products, preventing infected meat from being brought over the border and threatening our biosecurity.”

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

Click here for more...
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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.