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: 22nd May 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

Botulism outbreak causes cattle deaths
cow
AHVLA is notified about 20 cases of botulism in the UK each year.
AHVLA is investigating the incident in Carmarthenshire

A number of cows are said to have died following an outbreak of botulism at a farm in Carmarthenshire.

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) said it is currently investigating the incident.

A spokesperson said: "Analysis has confirmed that the likely source of botulinum toxin, the cause of botulism, was from a decaying animal carcase present in the grass silage being fed."

BBC news has reported that more than 70 cows have died as a result of the outbreak.

AHVLA said it is notified of 20 incidents of botulism in the UK each year. However, as botulism is not a notifiable disease, the actual figure is likely to be higher.

Botulism is usually caused by animals coming into contact with the litter of broiler chickens, according to AHVLA. This litter is brought onto farmland as a source of fertiliser.

Farmers are advised to securely store litter well away from livestock and to block access to birds and other scavengers.

It is illegal to use poultry litter as bedding material for other livestock. In addition, litter containing visible carcase material must not be used as fertiliser.

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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.