Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th June 2019
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

ASF: UK at risk from imported pork, APHA says
ASF outbreaks have now been reported in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Hong Kong and North Korea.
Virus spread in Asia prompts concern over passenger luggage 

African swine fever (ASF) could enter the UK through contaminated pork or pork products imported from Asia, the APHA has warned.

Media reports suggest several countries have seized infected pork or pork products at their borders and there are regular direct flights to the UK from China and the EU, prompting concerns about products being brought back in passenger luggage.

The potential role of soft ticks as a vector for the disease has also increased, with spread to areas of South East Asia where they are endemic.

ASF outbreaks have now been reported in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Hong Kong and North Korea.

As well as direct routes, APHA said contaminated animal feed ingredients and fomites are potential pathways for ASF transmission. These factors are suspected of playing a part in China, where 142 outbreaks had been reported as of 4 June.

APHA said the UK’s risk level remains at medium, but the situation is being kept under review.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.