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SBV transmission method confirmed
Midge hypothesis proven correct by Belgian scientists

Belgian scientists at the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG) and the Belgian Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (VAR) have proven the hypothesis that the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) is transmitted by midges. The teams have announced their intention of publishing the findings of their research in due course.

SBV was found in three species of biting midge, specifically Culicoides dewulfi, Culicoides obsoletus and Culicoides pulicaris, which are also known to transmit the Bluetongue Virus (BTV). All three are common to the UK and Culicoides obsoletus in particular is known to be prevalent on UK farms.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) recently began to state that they "cannot rule out the possibility that domestic (local) midges may have transmitted SBV within the affected areas" in light of the likelihood that domestic midges could have become infected themselves after biting already infected animals. A full breakdown of the known spread of SBV on UK territory is available here.

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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.