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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd March 2012
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Uruguay bans EU genetic material imports
Image - Johan Doe
Concern over Schmallenberg Virus prompts ban

Uruguay’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has announced a ban on the import of all genetic material from the European Union, citing concerns over the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). The ban will hold until such time as it can be demonstrated that SBV cannot be transmitted by genetic material. EU research has acknowledged that “there are risks of vertical transmissions (cow to calf) of the disease as well as with semen or embryos.”

A statement from the Ministry said that “Taking into account the fact that the EU is developing studies relative to epidemiologic characteristics of the disease with the purpose of implementing effective diagnosis and control measures, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has decided to temporary suspend the access to the country, and transit, of genetic material of species susceptible to the Schmallenberg Virus from countries suffering the disease. Only genetic material previous to May first 2011 will be allowed into Uruguay”.

Uruguay's farming sector imported 65,626 shipments of cattle semen from Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Sweden and the UK last year. The majority of the imports were in the form of Holstein Dairy Cattle semen, originating from the Netherlands.

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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.