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.
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

Bluetongue restriction zone expands
The UK is said to be in 'a seasonally low vector period' for bluetongue virus.

Defra has identified further cases of the virus in Dorset.

A restriction on the movement of cattle has been extended to Dorset following the identification of bluetongue (BTV-3) disease.

The confirmation of cases by the APHA and DEFRA brings the total number of of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2024/25 vector season to 212.

A spokesperson for the APHA said: “Following the identification of cases in cattle in Dorset as part of the winter surveillance and in accordance with our policy of seeking to contain and slow the spread of disease by preventing the long distance moves of high-risk infected animals, the restricted zone was further extended on 14 February 2025 to include: Dorset, Additional areas of Wiltshire, Somerset (part), East Devon (part).”

The UK’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss recently stated the UK was currently ‘a seasonally low vector period’ for bluetongue virus, but urged farmers to remain vigilant for the disease.

She added: “We are committed to working with everyone affected and will continue to keep the Restricted Zone under review.”

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease that should be reported to the APHA on 03000 200 301

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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

Zoetis launches equine quality of life survey

News Story 1
 Zoetis UK has called on horse owners to complete a short online survey about their horse's behaviours.

The survey comes as the company collaborates with VetMetrica to develop a tool to measure health-related quality of life in horses. The tool is expected to be particularly useful for horses living with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or laminitis.

It will take approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey, which explores the relevance and clarity of each behaviour.

The survey can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.