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Cattle vets announce new parasite policy
Parasite control in food-producing animals is full of challenges.
Parasiticide resistance and soil health among the five key areas. 

Plans to prioritise parasite control have been set out under a new policy announced by the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).

Parasite control in animals destined for human consumption is full of challenges - and endoparasiticide resistance is a serious threat that could damage the profitability and future health of the sector. 

To help meet these challenges, the BCVA has developed a policy to help vets build the future of parasite control in livestock and support the long-term health of UK cattle. In the document, the BCVA outlines five key policy areas, including:

  1. Parasiticide (Anthelmintic) resistance in cattle and sheep
  2. Sustainability and soil health
  3. Safety & efficacy of parasiticides/anthelmintics and public perception
  4. Education and development of a new ethos
  5. Method of supply of parasiticides.

The policy sits alongside BCVA’s new sustainability statement and existing TB policy, with a focus on the role of the private farm vet and related industries. 

Sally Wilson, who led the development of the policy alongside the BCVA Board, said: “We know that we need to encourage a shift from routine treatments to a diagnostic-led approach. BCVA is committed to contributing towards this shift. 

“Our profession needs to be able to clearly demonstrate how clinicians balance the goal of preserving the effectiveness of parasiticides/anthelmintics with their health and welfare obligations to the animals under their care.” 

BCVA president, Dr Elizabeth Berry added: “Training by the veterinary profession on medicine use with their clients has achieved considerable success recently, in both reducing and appropriate use of antimicrobials -around with initiatives like Farm Vet Champions taking this forward. 

“Developing and extending this relationship with farm clients can lead to a similar focus on the use of parasiticides and we all need to be part of a change in attitude in use of parasiticides and consider animal health and our environment. We can be part of the solution. 
 

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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.