Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th March 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Plans to tackle campylobacter stepped up
chicken
Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK.
Key organisations discuss practical methods to reduce food poisoning

A working group comprising government and food industry stakeholders has stepped up its efforts to tackle campylobacter in raw poultry meat.

At its most recent meeting, the group - which includes the National Farmer's Union (NFU), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Defra - discussed practical methods of controlling the bacteria on farm.

NFU president Meurig Raymond said industry collaboration is essential to finding a solution to campylobacter.

"Campylobacter is not a new issue for the poultry industry," he said. "It is a very complex organism which is able to adapt to different environments.

"It's incredibly positive to see how much research the industry has undertaken and has in the pipeline for the near future."

Those in attendance heard updates on research projects that are currently being carried out to establish the most effective measures, for example through improved packaging and improving consumer awareness of correct handling and storage of raw poultry meat.

Bob Martin, head of food-borne disease strategy at FSA, said: "Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK so it is vital we work together to tackle this problem.

"We must look at every stage of the food chain to identify solutions that will make a real impact and we welcome the work the NFU and other partners are doing to help us achieve this."

Mr Martin added that as well reducing the level of contamination in raw products, improving consumer awareness of safe food handling is essential.

A conference will be held at NFU headquarters on March 28 to bring together stakeholders in sharing best practice and areas for development.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."