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Bovine TB figures for Wales fall again
Cows in a field
New figures reveal that Bovine TB incidents in Wales are down by 18 per cent.

New statistics released by Defra have revealed that the level of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in Wales has fallen by 18 per cent in the previous 12 months.  

The figures also show a 31 per cent decline in the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales as a result of bovine TB in the previous year.

The news of the fall has been welcomed by deputy minister of agriculture, Rebecca Evans.

Speaking about the figures, Rebecca said:  “Bovine TB continues to be one of the biggest problems facing the farming industry in Wales. It is a devastating disease and one that as a Government we are working hard to eradicate. 

“Whilst we know that disease figures can fluctuate from month to month, these latest statistics continue to indicate a downward trend for bovine TB in Wales and this is very encouraging news.

“Our comprehensive TB eradication programme which has now been in place for over five years is based on solid evidence, and includes annual testing of cattle, strict biosecurity measures and movement control.

“However we know that eradicating TB requires hard work, sustained effort over many years and a high level of co-operation between Government and the industry.

“While we know there is much more to do to eradicate this disease from Wales,  these statistics do show that we are moving in the right direction and that our hard work is starting to make a difference to the disease picture in Wales."

The figures also highlight that for the February to May period, new incidents of the disease were at their lowest level since 2008.

The statistics are available to download at: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/343229/bovinetb-statsnotice-13aug14.pdf

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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.