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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th November 2012
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BSE testing rules set to relax
Proposals reflect decreasing risk of mad cow disease

Requirements to test meat for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), otherwise known as mad cow disease, may be relaxed from January 1, 2013.

The proposal, which is set to be implemented across 25 EU member states, reflects the decreasing risk of BSE. The European Food Safety Authority advised that testing only animals deemed at risk would "easily meet the international standard regarding the sensitivity of BSE surveillance systems".

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Health (Defra) estimates that the change will save England and Wales' fresh meat industry around £3 million and the government around £800,000 per year.

BSE cases have been declining in recent years, in comparison to 1992, when the number of reported cases peaked at 37,000. In 2011, seven cases were confirmed in fallen cattle, and only two so far this year. No cases have been detected in healthy slaughtered cattle for three years in the UK.

Other implemented measures, including the removal of Specific Risk Material and animal feed controls that designed to prevent the spread of disease, are to remain in place.

Consultation will run until December 5. Defra ministers will seek advice from the Food Standards Agency and health ministers, then vote at the December meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

A Defra spokesperson said: "These proposals from the EU reflect the decreasing risk of BSE and will decrease burdens for industry. The key measures to protect public health are unaffected by this change, and there will be no increase in risk to customers."

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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.