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Wales to consult on BVD eradication scheme
The current voluntary scheme has seen more than 80 per cent of Wales' cattle herd screened for BVD.

The scheme aims to eliminate Persistently Infected animals from Welsh herds.

The Welsh Government is to consult on proposals for a compulsory scheme to eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in the country.

Under the scheme, cattle keepers would be required to test their herds annually for BVD and take steps to isolate Persistently Infected (PI) animals. Herds that test positive will be subject to movement restrictions until they are clear. 

The scheme aims to eliminate PI animals from Welsh herds, which will eventually lead to the disease's progressive extinction. In other regions of the United Kingdom, similar programmes are either being planned or are already in existence. 

A current voluntary scheme, due to end in early 2023, has seen more than 80 per cent of Wales' cattle herd screened for BVD. However, PI's under this scheme do not need to be removed from the herd and can be sold on. 

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths urged cattle keepers and anyone with an interest in the dairy and beef industries to participate in the consultation. 

“We already have a very high take-up in the voluntary BVD scheme in Wales, and the next step to completely eradicate this disease here is to consider making the scheme compulsory,” she said. “As a result of the high take up of the voluntary scheme, many cattle keepers will be familiar with the requirements of testing.

“Eradicating the disease will improve animal health and welfare and improve productivity on the farm.”

For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit gov.wales

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.