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Liver fluke cattle cases rising
FSA announce the rise of liver fluke infection in the UK

The latest figures released by the Food Standards Agency have shown that liver fluke infection is still increasing in British cattle.

While the total percentage of livers that showed confirmed signs of liver fluke infection in cattle sent for slaughter in 2011 has only from 21.7% in 2010 to 22.2% in 2011, the figures nevertheless demonstrate a continual upward trend.

Wales has the highest amount of cases, with Scotland second and England with the least, but there has been an increase in cases across all three countries.

Veterinary advisor Fiona MacGillivray commented: "While Scotland and Wales have reported more than one in four cattle having livers affected by fluke for the past two years, figures for England have also increased, such that we seem to be heading towards one in four cattle having fluke-affected livers across Britain."

It should be noted that the UK has just had the wettest April on record and that wet weather exacerbates liver fluke. However, figures from the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (GB) database also show an upward trend in confirmed cases of liver fluke in cattle, with figures since 2001 having nearly tripled. 

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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.