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DAERA launches initiative to tackle blue-green algae
The USPCA has called on DAERA to consider potential immediate solutions to blooms.
The £450k initiative will seek solutions to tackle algae blooms.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched the first stage of a £450k initiative to tackle blue-green algae.

The Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) will consider solutions to reduce algae blooms in Lough Neagh and associated Northern Ireland waterways.

In the first of two stages of the SBRI, DAERA will seek five applicants to develop concepts which will tackle blue-green algae blooms. Applicants will need to demonstrate technical feasibility and commercial viability of their concept.

In phase two, two to three concepts will be selected and developed into potential pilot solutions. This will see projects developed into prototypes or demonstrators.

DAERA will be seeking solutions which treat and reduce blooms of blue-green algae without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh and its nearby waterways. This might include physical, chemical or biological options, or a combination of solutions.

Potential solutions must comply with legislation and environmental designations.

The deadline for applications is 3pm on Friday, 13 September. Phase one is then anticipated to run until March 2025, with potential phase two applications commencing summer 2025.

Blue-green algae is common in non-flowing fresh water such as lakes, ponds and rivers. Hot weather can mean it grows quicker, causing a ‘bloom’.

Most types of blue-green algae is highly toxic to pets, and can be fatal. Dogs become at risk if they swim in or drink contaminated water. Algae clinging to fur can also be dangerous when they groom themselves.

DAERA minister Andrew Muir said: “Whilst much attention has been devoted to the issues with BGA [blue-green algae] in Lough Neagh I am equally focussed on water quality issues across Northern Ireland and this work will hopefully provide solutions that can be applied to any area that has been affected by the emergence of BGA.”

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has broadly welcomed the initiative to tackle blue-green algae blooms in Northern Ireland. It says that the algae can have serious adverse effects on pets and wildlife, with an otter recently found poisoned by blue-green algae near River Bann in Portglenone.

However, it has called for DAERA to consider the more immediate solutions that might be presented.

A spokesperson said: “We would call on DAERA to look at potential immediate solutions to prevention of the growth of the algae, as the timelines for the initiative are longer term, and the immediate danger to pets and wildlife is of great concern.”

Image © Shutterstock

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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Farmer survey to reveal on-farm impact of bluetongue

A nationwide survey has been launched to better understand how the bluetongue virus is affecting UK farms.

Results will inform the support that farmers receive for bluetongue, as well as preparing the livestock industry for the future.

The short online survey is open to all livestock farmers, regardless of whether they've had a confirmed case of bluetongue on their farm. It asks how many animals have been affected, the severity of their clinical signs and how it has impacted farm business.

The survey takes five minutes to complete and is fully anonymous.

It is led by Fiona Lovatt, of Flock Health Limited, and the Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group, in collaboration with AHDB and the University of Nottingham.

Dr Lovatt says: "We need to find out what level of clinical signs farmers are seeing in their animals, whether they are experiencing mortality with BTV-3 cases, and what their appetite is to vaccinate in future for bluetongue serotype 3."

The survey can be found here.