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Joint statement on the use of flukicides in dairy cattle
'When prescribing, it is important to be aware of the withdrawal period requirements'

Document contains a summary of the various products available.

A joint statement on the use of flukicides in dairy cattle has been released by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

Flukicides are anthelmintic veterinary medicines that are active against parasites from the trematode class. The most common parasite in this class is the liver fluke.

The statement reads: 'Vets, Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) and farmers are generally required to follow the instructions on the product labels; however, the prescribing decision rests with the vet, pharmacist or SQP.

'When prescribing, it is important to be aware of withdrawal period requirements specified on the labels and farmers should follow the advice given by the vet or the SQP.'

The statement also contains a summary of the various dairy cattle flukticides products authorised for sale in the UK.

Because some of the products place restrictions on the use of the product depending on the stage of pregnancy, users and prescribers are urged to consider this information carefully when treating animals. 

The full document can be read here.

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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.