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Bluetongue case confirmed in Great Britain
“Farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA” – Christine Middlesmiss, chief veterinary officer.
Defra introduces 10km Temporary Control Zone.

A case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in a single cow on a farm near Canterbury, Kent.

The case, the first in Great Britain since 2007, was identified by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute through Great Britain’s annual bluetongue surveillance programme.

The cow has been culled and a 10km Temporary Control Zone has been put in place which restricts the movement of cattle, sheep and other ruminants. The Government is urging farmers to be vigilant.

Since the start of September, a new strain of BTV-3 has affected hundreds of farms in the Netherlands, with cases also reported in Belgium and Germany. There are restrictions in place on the movement of livestock from affected regions.

The infected animal had not been imported.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues.

“This detection is an example of our robust disease surveillance procedures in action and it is also a clear reminder for farmers that the disease remains a threat, despite coming towards the end of the midge activity season.

“Farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported to APHA on 03000 200 301.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA survey investigates sheep worrying

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched its latest survey to better understand the severity of sheep worrying in the UK.

The survey will be open until Friday, 21 February 2025. UK sheep farmers are invited to share their experiences of sheep worrying by dogs and its impact on the industry.

NSA has been gathering information about sheep worrying for over 10 years as part of its campaign to raise awareness of incidents and produce new ways of educating the public.

Sheep worrying, often caused by dogs being loose near fields, can result in physical injury, miscarriage and death of animals affected.

The results of the survey will be shared with interested parties, including the UK press, before spring and ahead of lambing season next year.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit NSA's website.