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Defra announce bute test results
Presence of bute confirmed in some horse samples

The latest phenylbutazone (bute) test results have been announced by Defra. Minister David Heath has confirmed the presence of the painkiller in 8 of the 206 samples tested.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) checked the carcasses of 206 horses that were slaughtered in the UK between 30 January and 7 February 2013. Of the 8 that tested positive for bute, the Agency says 6 were sent to France and may have entered the food chain. Government chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies has stated that the horse meat containing bute poses very little risk to human health.

In a joint statement, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) noted: "The presence of phenylbutazone (or bute) in horses intended for the food chain will be of concern to consumers.

"We are grateful to the Chief Medical Officer for clarifying the very low level of risk that this presents to human health and we will work with the FSA and Defra in any way we can to assist their investigations into these incidents."

The statement continued to speak of the importance of phenylbutazone in equine welfare, as it is "unique" in providing "affordable, long-term pain relief for horses." Commenting on the Horse Passport Regulations, the BVA and BEVA expressed their intentions to continue a dialogue with Defra and others to improve the system.

"We fully support the concept of the Horse Passport Regulations but have argued for some time that there are problems with the system in terms of the number of Passport Issuing Authorities and the vulnerability of the system to fraud."

The FSA introduced 100 per cent testing of horse carcasses on 30 January. Horses testing positive for bute will not be permitted to leave the slaughterhouse and enter the food chain. The agency says recent test results are in line with extra surveillance carried out last year, which found bute in 6 per cent of horses slaughtered. 

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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.