Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Targeted badger cull to take place in Wales
The Welsh government continues to rule out a large scale badger cull, such as that being carried out in England.
Government will identify TB risk areas
 
Plans to introduce a targeted badger cull in Wales will go ahead, the government has confirmed as it published a new TB eradication programme.

From 1 October, areas of Wales will be identified as Low, Intermediate and High TB areas, based on bovine TB incidence. The aim is to protect the Low TB areas and reduce the disease in Intermediate and High areas.

Chronic breakdown herds will be given individual action plans and disease control measures that are specifically designed to clear infection in cattle.

In these herds, where there is evidence of infection in the badger population, the government says will consider ‘a range of options’ to reduce the risk of disease spreading, including cage trapping, testing and, were necessary, humanely killing infected badgers. The Welsh government continues to rule out a large scale badger cull, such as that being carried out in England.

Enhanced controls will be applied in all areas, including post-movement testing in the Low TB areas, beginning on 1 October this year. This measure will also be introduced in the Intermediate TB areas next year to prevent the disease spreading from neighbouring High TB areas.

Speaking at the Senedd, Welsh cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths said “real progress” had been made in eradicating TB in Wales. The number of new incidents has fallen by over 40 per cent since their peak in 2009 and 95 per cent of herds are now TB free.

The strengthened TB eradication programme has been introduced following a consultation launched at the end of last year.

Ms Griffiths added: “I have listened to the industries responses to our consultation and have fed what was appropriate and reasonable into the Programme.This should not be seen as exclusively a Government plan; it has been developed through consultation with industry, and will be reviewed over time.

“I now call on the farming industry and veterinary profession to play a full part. Together we can achieve our goal of a TB free Wales.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."