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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 21st February 2013
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Possible Schmallenberg vaccine confirmed
VMD provides information on MSD application

After renewed calls from the farming industry the Veterinary Medicines Directive (VMD) has released information regarding a possible vaccine for Schmallenberg.

The directorate has taken the unusual step of sharing information regarding the MSD's application for its 'Bovilis SBV' vaccine. Usually the directorate is unable to comment on any applications it has received, or their current status, for reasons of commercial confidentiality. However in light of the media interest surrounding the possible vaccine, MSD has allowed the VMD to release certain information.

The VMD has confirmed it received an application for a provisional marketing authorisation at the end of August 2012. The application was then completed and validated in mid September 2012 following the provision of further data.

According to the directorate the initial assessment was completed, and further enquiries were sent to the company in question towards the end of November 2012. After receiving a response at the end of January 2013, the VMD are now assessing this information.

A VMD spokesman said: "Despite the good progress, at this stage it is not possible to provide an indication of when the vaccine may be authorised.



"The VMD recognises the impact on individual animals and farmers a disease such as Schmallenberg can have.

"The VMD will operate timelines for the remaining stages of consideration of the application mindful of this while ensuring, through our rigorous scientific assessment process, that proper care is taken to ensure that any vaccine is safe for the relevant livestock."

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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.