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BSE progress in Scotland and NI
cows
Currently Northern Ireland has ‘controlled risk’ status, as does Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
Countries could be given ‘negligible risk’ status

Northern Ireland could be recognised as an area with ‘negligible risk’ of BSE after a recommendation from the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (OIE) scientific commission. Reports in the Scottish press also suggest BSE regulations in the country ‘might be lifted in the coming months’.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland applied for negligible risk status in 2016. The commission’s recommendation will be considered by the OIE World Assembly in May.

Currently Northern Ireland has ‘controlled risk’ status, as does Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. If the country is granted negligible risk status it could facilitate access to new markets around the world.

The news was welcomed by the BVA president Gudrun Ravetz, although she also underlined the importance of continued surveillance in both countries.

Jean Wales, BVA Northern Ireland branch president added: “This is a just reward for the efforts of the veterinary profession and others in the application of BSE controls over the years. While there will be continued need for controls and surveillance, this is good news for the NI agri-food industry and rural economy as new markets are sought for our produce.”

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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.