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First IB QX vaccine announced for UK poultry industry
Chicken in a field
Full approval for the Poulvac vaccine will make it easier and more effective to tackle specific QX infections without having to apply for an important certificate
First specific vaccine against the QX strain is now available in the UK and Ireland

The availability in the UK and Ireland of the first specific vaccine against the QX strain of the infectious bronchitis virus has been announced - Poulvac IB QX.

Previously the vaccine, has only been available with a special import certificate for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for use on flocks where the QX virus has been isolated.

The variant IB strain was first seen in the UK in South-East England in 2007 and has been an increasing problem in European countries over the last 10 years. Since the first sighting, QX has been isolated from a number of commercial layer and broiler flocks, leading to inferior performance and increased mortality.

The vaccine is based in a live attenuated virus and is administered as a coarse spray to broilers from day-old and to layer pullets or broiler breeds from seven days of age. Protection has been demonstrated by challenge study to last 63 days after vaccination.

Often used on the farm, the vaccine can be administered to chicks at the hatchery if adequate controls are in place to avoid spread to other chicks that will be moved to non-QX exposed flocks.

The manufacturers say that full approval for the Poulvac vaccine will make it easier and more effective to tackle specific QX infections without having to apply for an important certificate. 

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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. 

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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.