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TB advisory service to be rolled out
cows
Defra is set to publish a 25-year plan for food and farming that will explain how the industry can attract skilled people, build the British brand and increase exports.

Liz Truss speaks to NFU conference
 
Defra will fund a roll out of the TB advisory service for farmers, making it available throughout the high risk and edge areas. The news was confirmed by secretary of state Liz Truss as she spoke to the National Farmers' Union (NFU) conference this week.

Truss also said the UK is on course to declare half of the country TB-free by 2019.

"But this is no time to ease off," she added. "I want to see culling expanded across a wider number of areas this year. The Chief Veterinary Officer’s advice is that this is the only way to secure the full benefits of our comprehensive strategy."

In light of market volatility which has seen plummeting prices for milk, pork and other products, Truss showed her support for remaining in the EU, noting that 60 per cent of food and farming exports are to the European Union, brining in £11 billion.

"At a time of severe price volatility and global market uncertainty - I believe it would be wrong to take a leap into the dark," she said. "The years of complication and risk caused by negotiating withdrawal would be a distraction from our efforts to build a world-leading food and farming industry that brings jobs and growth to Britain."

Defra is set to publish a 25-year plan for food and farming that will explain how the industry can attract skilled people, build the British brand and increase exports. It will also outline action to be taken to reduce the burden of regulation and build resilience to flooding and disease.

Investment in science will double over the next five years to £130 million. Another £80 million will fund the development of research centres for livestock, crop health, data and precision engineering. The 12 per cent increase in Defra's capital budget will allow for more spending on flood defences and resilience to animal and plant disease. Laboratories and other facilities at Weybridge are already being updated.

Truss said the aim is to give better protection to 420,000 acres of farmland by 2021.

In response to calls from the NFU, Defra will also introduce a permanent annual investment allowance this year. And from April 2016, farmers can average profits over five years rather than two. These steps are aimed at helping farmers to cope with market volatility.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.