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BTV update: France reports 230 outbreaks
sheep and lambs
BTV-8 now appears to be established in the Auvergne region of central France, which is around 300 miles from the Channel.
Vets have a 'huge role' in discussing vaccination
 
France has now reported more than 230 outbreaks of bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8). The UK's chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens is advising farmers to take steps to protect their flocks, including talking to their vet about vaccination.

Earlier in the year, there were concerns about a possible vaccine shortage. The National Sheep Association (NSA) warned that low uptake in the past had made manufacturers reluctant to produce it. Writing in theVet Record, however, Mr Gibbens said: 'We understand the vaccine will be available for use in the UK this summer'.

BTV-8 now appears to be established in the Auvergne region of central France, which is around 300 miles from the Channel. Mr Gibbens said the threat to the UK 'remains uncertain' but the disease has 'almost certainly' overwintered and is likely to spread through France this spring and summer.

As a result, the UK will be at greater risk of an outbreak due to midge-borne spread from the continent. The risk is expected to increase towards the end of summer, affecting the south and south-east of England in particular.

The virus is carried by midges and affects all ruminants. While it does not affect human health or food safety, it can have serious financial consequences for farmers due to movement controls and loss of productivity.

Vaccinating before the warm weather sets in will provide protection before the risk of infection increases, Mr Gibbens wrote. Vets have a 'huge role' to play in advising clients on vaccination and training keepers to recognise signs of the disease.

Vets and livestock keepers should also consider the risks of importing or moving susceptible species, and check the animals' health status, particularly when sourcing stock from other European countries. All animals from affected countries are subject to statutory testing after arrival in the UK.

As bluetongue is a notifiable disease, suspected cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. This can be done via the Defra rural services helping on 03000 200 301.

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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.