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Sheep producers urged to vaccinate against enzootic abortion
EAE is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in ewes.

Antibiotic treatments could be contributing to antibiotic resistance

Sheep producers are being urged to vaccinate their flocks against enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) rather than using whole-flock antibiotic treatments.

According to AHDB Beef & Lamb, there is a common misconception that using antibiotics just in case of abortion - and without a diagnosis - is cheaper than vaccination.

But the levy board says that ewes only need one vaccination, so the £2-£3 cost can be spread over their productive lifetime.

In a press release, AHDB said: ‘Any flock which buys in replacement ewes is at risk of introducing EAE and is advised to vaccinate for cost-effective prevention rather than risk the expense of disease.

‘Pharmaceutical companies’ data shows that around one million doses of vaccine are sold per year, but around three and a half million replacement ewes enter the UK flock every year.’

EAE is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion and causes around 50 per cent of sheep abortions in the UK.

AHDB says that in the face of an ‘abortion storm’, producers’ only option is to isolate aborted sheep for at least three to four weeks to reduce spread.

It adds that while an injection will reduce the risk of further abortions, many producers are opting for ‘unnecessary’ whole-flock antibiotic treatments as a preventative measure, which could be contributing to antibiotic resistance.

If switching to vaccination, vets will be able to work with producers to update their health and treatment plan, AHDB said. The vaccines currently available in the UK are:

  • MSD’s Enzovax
  • CEVA’s Chlamydia
  • Benchmark’s Mydiavac

AHDB adds: ‘Ewes need to be vaccinated at least four weeks before they go to the ram, as options to vaccinate in-lamb ewes are limited. Together with robust biosecurity measures, changing to vaccination can reduce antibiotic use, reduce lamb losses and maximise ewe productivity.’

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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

Click here for more...
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.