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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th April 2012
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Possible SBV countermeasure in testing
Researchers look into method of controlling midges

Researchers from the Integrated Management of forest Pests Addressing Climate Trends (IMPACT) project based in Swansea and Aberystwyth are currently investigating the use of a fungus to control the population of midges that spread the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV). The project is being co-funded by Forestry Commission Wales, COFORD and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

It was already known to researchers that the Metarhizium anisopliae fungus was lethal to the Culicoides nubeculosus midge larvae, but experiments in Swansea have demonstrated that the V275 strain of the fungus is also capable of killing the adult midge. Some applications were able to achieve a 100% success rate within a period of five days.

Commenting, Professor Tariq Butt of Swansea University explained that “Current control measures rely on synthetic pesticides, which pose a risk to humans and the environment, whereas natural alternatives do not. With climate change projecting warmer, wetter weather leading to larger midge populations, these could prove a very useful alternative in reducing their numbers.”

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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.