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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th April 2012
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
Miniature piglet racing a hit!
Image - www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Specially bred pigs race after months of training

The introduction of miniature piglet racing at Pennywell Farm in Devon has proven to be a spectacular hit, and the inaugural race (held after months of training) saw 9 month-old Red Runt successfully negotiate the trials of Bacon Brook and the Trough to beat fellow miniature piglets Silk Purse, Pigarkel and Celestial Swine to first place.

Farmers Chris and Nicky Murray ran through a breeding programme spanning nine years and 24 generations to establish the Pennywell Miniature Pigs breed, which have been bred for small size and friendliness to the point where they are approximately one-fifth the size of a conventional piglet. The smallest pig bred thus far was named Tetley after it was discovered that he could fit into a teacup, although the average piglet only weighs in at 250g (8oz) at birth.

"The pigs have been hamming it up, the visitors have been all out in supporting them and it's odds on we have a classic activity in the making." said Mr Murray, who has been farming at Pennywell since 1988. The Pennywell 'Ham Stakes' will run daily at 2pm, and more information about the farm's opening times is available here.

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

Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.