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Scotland to apply for upgrade in BSE status
cow
Scotland has been BSE-free since 2009 and has had no cases in animals born since 2005.

'Negligible risk' status could create new export opportunities

Scotland's rural economy secretary, Fergus Ewing, has unveiled the government's plans to apply for BSE negligible risk status.

The upgrade in status could bring new export opportunities for Scottish producers, Mr Ewing said, as he made the announcement at the Royal Highland Show.

"Our premium produce is world-renowned but there are countries to which we are currently unable to export Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb," he said.

"Achieving BSE negligible risk status could help open up markets across the world for these premium products, and potentially reduce waste and inefficiencies in the supply chain worth more than a million pounds."

Scotland has been BSE-free since 2009 and has had no cases in animals born since 2005.

Countries or regions are required to adhere to strict requirements before they can apply for the change in status, and at least 11 years must have passed since the birth of an animal with BSE.

Mr Ewing continued: "If Scotland were to successfully apply for and be upgraded to BSE Negligible Risk status, we could be the first region in the world to do so."

The Scottish government will formally consult on its plans this summer.

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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.