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Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in Germany
The disease is highly transmissable among cloven-hoofed ruminants.

The UK has banned the import of cattle from Germany.

Authorities in Germany have reported the country’s first case of foot-and-mouth disease in nearly 40 years.

The discovery means that Germany has now lost its status as free from foot-and-mouth disease under World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) requirements.

The loss of status comes after foot-and-mouth disease was identified in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin. German authorities say that measures are being taken to contain the highly infectious disease.

Foot-and-mouth disease, although not affecting humans, can cause fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats. As well as affecting the sale of these animals, it can also impact the yield of animal products.

In past decades, the disease has required major slaughtering campaigns to eradicate it.

The UK government has responded to the threat by imposing a ban on the import of all cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany. GB health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease, or any related animal products.

There are currently no cases in the UK.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “We remain in constant contact with German counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of foot-and-mouth disease.  
 
"We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain's food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk incursion and spread of this devastating disease.
 
“I would urge livestock keepers to exercise the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”


Germany’s loss of status means that meat and dairy exports outside the European Union (EU) now face severe restrictions. Many veterinary certificates for exports outside the EU can no longer be issued, however EU rules mean that meat produced outside of the affected region can still be exported to EU countries.

The country’s federal agriculture ministry says that it ‘assumed third countries would immediately impose bans on such goods from Germany’.

Authorities in Berlin and Brandenburg have also enforced a six-day halt on transport of animals which can transmit the disease.


Image © Shutterstock

 

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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. 

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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.