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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.

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RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

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Defra to host bluetongue webinar for vets

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will be hosting a webinar for veterinary professional on bluetongue on Thursday, 25 April 2024.

Topics covered will include the transmission cycle, pathology and pathogenesis, clinical signs (including signs seen in recent BTV-3 cases in the Netherlands), and control and prevention.

The session, which will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm, is part of Defra's 'Plan, Prevent and Protect' webinar series, which are hosted by policy officials, epidemiologists and veterinary professionals from Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The bluetongue session will also feature insights from experts from The Pirbright Institute.

Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. Places on the webinar can be booked online.