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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th June 2011
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Freedom from Bluetongue announced
Jim Paice
Agriculture Minister Jim Paice announced today that restrictions on exporting sheep and cattle from Great Britain due to bluetongue disease, will be lifted.

The restrictions were imposed in 2007, following the first cases of bluetongue in Great Britain.

Mr Paice said:
“This is great news for farmers – and it’s an achievement by farmers too. This is the result of a strong and successful partnership between government, farmers and vets to eradicate this serious disease.

“Our new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England is building on this partnership approach to create a better way to tackle animal diseases.  There have been no new cases of bluetongue in Britain for two years, but farmers and vets need to remain vigilant and continue to be careful of animals they import.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the announcement that Great Britain is to be declared bluetongue (BTV8) free on 5th July.
 
Defra has announced that Bluetongue-free status will mean that animals exported from GB to bluetongue-free countries will not require vaccination or have to meet any other bluetongue requirements.
 
However, the current EU Bluetongue Directive only allows bluetongue vaccination within a protection zone. From 5th July vaccination will no longer be permitted in GB. The BVA is supporting Defra to lobby for these rules to be changed to allow vaccination in bluetongue areas.
 
Commenting, Harvey Locke, BVA President, said:
 
“The move to bluetongue freedom is thanks to the excellent partnership between government, farmers and vets across Great Britain. It is a tremendous achievement to turn the situation around from the outbreak in 2007 to freedom in 2011.
 
“We are disappointed that changes to the EU Directive to allow vaccination to continue could not be made before the deadline and we will continue to work with Defra to try to secure this change as soon as possible to allow vets and farmers to make the right choice to protect their herds.
 
“Those farmers and vets that wish to vaccinate must do so before the 5th July.
 
“The BVA would reiterate the message to farmers to source stock responsibly to help avoid a future outbreak.”

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.