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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th November 2011
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BVA Encourages DARD to Utilise Private Vet Practices
BVA President, Carl Padgett
Private veterinary practices should be used more for disease control, according to BVA President.
 
Speaking at the British Veterinary Association North of Ireland Dinner on Thursday 10th November, the President of the BVA said that there is an economic case for the Northen Irish Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) to make vets an integral part of Northen Ireland's agri-food strategy.

Carl Padgett, the President of the BVA, said: "Here in Northern Ireland there is a great network of rural and urban practices available to meet the needs of animal keepers and the Executive, but my message to DARD is 'use them or lose them.'

He added: "Vets in practice have the willingness and, most importantly, the expertise to deliver on TB, brucellosis and a whole host of other production animal diseases and they must be an integral part of that strategy."

Mr Padgett advocated the tackling of endemic diseases "head on." He commented: "We want to see clear strategies for BVD, Johne's disease, IBR and other production disease. There is appetite from industry and there is a clear economic case for action."

The issue of the unique financial situation facing veterinary students from Northern Ireland was also raised, with a reminder that the possibility of graduates returning to Northern Ireland with a debt of up to £54 000 in tuition fees alone.

Carl Padgett concluded: "They may seem unconnected but the future ability of Northern Ireland to deliver safe and healthy food may well be affected by the affordability of a veterinary degree. Some imaginative thinking is now required to find the right solution." 

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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.