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SBV transmission method confirmed
Midge hypothesis proven correct by Belgian scientists

Belgian scientists at the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG) and the Belgian Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (VAR) have proven the hypothesis that the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) is transmitted by midges. The teams have announced their intention of publishing the findings of their research in due course.

SBV was found in three species of biting midge, specifically Culicoides dewulfi, Culicoides obsoletus and Culicoides pulicaris, which are also known to transmit the Bluetongue Virus (BTV). All three are common to the UK and Culicoides obsoletus in particular is known to be prevalent on UK farms.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) recently began to state that they "cannot rule out the possibility that domestic (local) midges may have transmitted SBV within the affected areas" in light of the likelihood that domestic midges could have become infected themselves after biting already infected animals. A full breakdown of the known spread of SBV on UK territory is available here.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.