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New oedema vaccine approved
First single-shot vaccine for disease in piglets

The first one-shot vaccine against oedema disease in piglets has received European approval.

The vaccine - Ecoporc Shiga - has been developed by IDT Biologika, who are arranging its international distribution following the approval.

Dr Andreas Becker of IDT, said: "Ecoporc Shiga is now a real alternative to antibiotics and other measures to avoid the threat of outbreaks in nursery pigs."

The lethal disease is estimated to affect around 100 million piglets worldwide each year, and is caused by shigatoxin-producing escherichia coli. Fluid accumulates in the tissue of affected piglets, as the capillaries are destroyed.

The disease is responsible for serious economic losses to the pig industry, due to its high mortality rate. Up to 15 per cent of piglets - often the heaviest - can die within individual herds affected by the disease.

Comparative field studies have proven Ecoporc Shiga to reduce mortality rates from 11.4 per cent to 0 per cent. Piglets are vaccinated once at four days old, receiving immunity from weaning through the entire finishing phase.

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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.