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Four more bluetongue cases confirmed in England
A total of five cases have now been confirmed in England since the start of November.

Farmers are urged to remain vigilant.

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in four more cows in Kent, bringing the total number of recent cases in England to five.

The four new cases are on two premises within the 10km Temporary Control Zone which was put in place earlier this month after the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the first case on a farm near Canterbury.

The infected animals will be culled to reduce the risk of the disease spreading. The Temporary Control Zone remains in place.

According to APHA, there is no evidence that the virus is being spread by midges in the area.

The five cases in Great Britain follow an outbreak in the Netherlands of a new strain of BTV-3, which has spread across hundreds of farms since early September.

There is currently no effective vaccine against the new strain.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and suspected cases must be reported immediately on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, possible cases should be reported to the local field services office.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.