Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 31st October 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
NFU committed to cull despite MP vote
Government and farmers 'remain committed' to badger cull

In light of the overwhelming vote by backbench MPs last week in favour of a motion calling for the Government to 'stop the cull', the NFU has insisted that the Government and farmers remain committed to implementing two pilot badger culls next year.

The issue of the badger cull was debated in the House of Commons last Thursday (25th October 2012) for over six hours, before MPs voted by 147 to 28 in favour of a motion to abandon the cull and implement a vaccination programme for badger and cattle, along with improved testing and biosecurity.

While the vote is not binding in terms of policy, Shadow Defra Secretary Mary Creagh called on Ministers to "respect the democratic voice of this Parliament" and "look again at the whole policy of the badger cull."

However, Farming Minister David Heath said he: "remained 'fully committed to working with the farming industry to ensure that the pilot culls can be delivered effectively, safely and humanely next summer."

The NFU echoed these sentiments, with NFU deputy president saying: "The NFU remains committed to supporting the government's TB eradication programme for England, and the inclusion of a badger cull in those areas where TB is persistent and high." 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.