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SBV blood test in development
Field test for SBV in progress

The Institute for Animal Health (IAH) has confirmed that scientists from other EU Member States have developed a blood test which may be able to detect antibodies produced as a response to exposure to the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV).

The IAH and other organisations are currently investigating the possibility that the test can be adapted for use in the field instead of in the laboratory, raising the prospect of farmers and vets being able to confirm the health status of animals in their care faster and with reduced expense.

SBV can only be detected at present through laboratory analysis of samples from stillborn and deformed lambs and calves. At last count, 190 farms had confirmed cases of SBV in the UK, of which 14 were in cattle and 176 were in sheep. 

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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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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.