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Schmallenberg vaccine approved
UK farmers first to gain access to vaccine

 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced that UK farmers will be the first in the EU to gain access to a vaccine against schmallenberg (SBV) virus.

Pharmaceutical company MSD Animal Health has been issued a licence to provide the vaccine known as "Bovilis SBV".

When Bovilis SBV becomes available this summer, cattle and sheep will be able to have the vaccination before they become pregnant, protecting the foetus from damage caused by SBV.

News of the vaccine has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA). President Peter Jones, said: "Given the serious worry that this new disease has caused and the significant losses that individual farmers have faced, the news that a vaccine is now available should be warmly welcomed.
 
"Farmers can now plan with good veterinary advice how, where and when to use the vaccine to protect their animals and their offspring."

News of the vaccine was reported in the media in February, when the VMD confirmed that MSD had applied for provisional marketing authorisation at the end of August 2012.

The VMD is usually unable to comment on applications it has received but the exception was made due to the high levels of industry and media interest in a possible vaccine.

Bovilis SBV will be available across the UK from summer 2013.

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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.