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Bluetongue restricted zone extended to Essex
A specific licence is now required to move susceptible animals out of the restricted zone.
Over 40 cases have now been confirmed.

The county of Essex has been added to the restricted zone after more cases of the bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) were confirmed in Suffolk amid continued evidence of local transmission.

The restricted zone now covers Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. A specific licence is required to move animals outside the zone.

Within the zone, essential movement of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) can take place without a licence, but farmers have been urged to do so only when absolutely necessary. Susceptible animals can only be moved from infected premises under licence.

As of 2 September, the virus has been confirmed in 41 animals across 13 premises. The first case was confirmed in Norfolk on 26 August.

This year has also seen thousands of cases of BTV-3 in Europe, with countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France affected by the virus.

Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “We have not taken this action lightly and we are clear that farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA immediately.”

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

Further information on the restrictions can be found here. A guide on spotting the signs of the virus is available here.

Image © Shutterstock

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk