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Cow-side milk test launched
Testing kit launched for measuring ketone levels in milk

Ketosis can be a common problem in freshly calved dairy cows, but subclinical cases often go undetected, with costly consequences. Elanco have now launched a cow-side testing kit to measure ketone levels in milk, called Keto-Test.

The test uses colour-graded dipsticks to measure levels of the ketone, betahdroxybutyrate (BHBA) in milk. The deeper the colour purple on the test strips, the higher the concentration of BHBA in the milk, and therefore the greater the level of ketosis.

It has been found that the results of this new method of testing compare well with the method of taking blood samples to be sent for laboratory analysis, providing an accurate assessment of the presence of subclinical ketosis.

In order to monitor herd ketosis levels, the test should be carried out every 2-3 weeks on cows that have calved between 2 and 21 days previously, Elanco says. A minimum of 12 cows should be tested, and if more than 25% have positive results, the herd vet and nutritionalist should be consulted. Hidden ketosis is known to be detrimental to cow performance and increases the risk of other health problems, says Elanco's UK technical consultant.

The kits are now available and come with 20 testing strips and a colour chart.

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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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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.