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UK remains BTV free, scientists assure
“These events highlight the challenges to the UK of living with viruses in neighbouring countries".

Surveillance identifies four infected cattle from France 

Scientists have provided assurance that the UK remains free from bluetongue after four infected cattle were imported to the north of England and Scotland.

The cattle were brought to the UK from France in October 2017 without sufficient proof of vaccination. Bluetongue virus (BTV) was immediately confirmed.

Experts from the Pirbright Institute worked with the APHA, Defra and Scottish government to advise where and when secondary surveillance should take place.

To estimate the timing of onwards transmission, they looked at several factors that can influence BTV spread, such as seasonal changes in the population of Culicoides biting midges (which spread the virus) and temperatures at which the virus can replicate.

In order to demonstrate that there was no further transmission, Pirbright’s reference laboratory processed hundreds of samples from cattle, sent from the area that received them.

Dr Carrie Batten, head of the Non-Vesicular Disease Reference Laboratory at Pirbright, said: “Responding rapidly and with a high degree of certainty guaranteed by validated tests is a key component in reducing the impact of these events.

“These events highlight the challenges to the UK of living with viruses in neighbouring countries and emphasise that joined up approaches to sharing information are vital.”

BTV causes disease in livestock such as sheep, goats and cattle. Parts of Northern Europe, including France, have been affected by the virus since 2006. The UK remains free from BTV but surveillance is carried out on live animal consignments moving from neighbouring countries that are affected by BTV transmission.

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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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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.