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Many farmers undecided about BTV-3 vaccination, survey finds
There have been over 160 cases of BTV-3 in the current vector period.
Ruminant Health & Welfare publishes early findings from farmer survey.

There is hesitancy about bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccinations among farmers, initial findings from a survey looking at the impact of the outbreak on farmers suggest.

Over half of the farmers who responded said they remain undecided about vaccination, though a significant number, particularly sheep farmers, said that they plan to vaccinate before the next summer season.

The survey, which is being conducted by Ruminant Health & Welfare in collaboration with Flock Health Limited, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), and the University of Nottingham, has also revealed the impact that the outbreak is having on farmers.

Some have reported that it has become more difficult to sell their livestock. Another, who had experienced mortality on their farm due to bluetongue, described the experience as “horrible; physically, financially, mentally and emotionally.”

Alongside the survey, the Animal and Plant Health Agency is studying the impact of the virus on premises where it has been confirmed. Signs seen in infected animals include lameness, swollen faces, nose and mouth ulcers, drooling, breathing difficulties, nasal discharge, and mortality.

Fiona Lovatt, of Flock Health Limited, said: “We know that in Germany, the research shows a marked difference in outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated herds and flocks.

“Findings indicate that unvaccinated sheep flocks have experienced mortality rates as high as 30 per cent, whereas vaccinated flocks show significantly lower mortality, with some reporting only 1-2 per cent losses.

“We want to learn from this data and build a UK base of evidence that we can trust going forwards.”

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. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

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
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.