Avian Influenza (AI): Biosecurity measures...
Poultry producers are being urged to step up their biosecurity measures in light of recent and ongoing outbreaks of the H5N8 highly pathogenic AI. Chemicals company LANXESS has been testing Virkon S disinfection by demonstrating it in a series of tests. Results have shown that this disinfectant inactivates HPAI virus strains.
Schmallenberg: UK threats...
Through the APHA’s emerging threats disease reports, the recrudescence of Schmallenberg has been identified.There have been a couple of cases in the UK. Acute disease has been found in the Netherlands (dairy herds with fever, diarrhoea and milk drop) and congenital disease has been found in France, Germany and Belgium. Farmers are reminded to be aware of the disease and to consult with their vet if there is any suspicion.
Read both APHA cattle and sheep disease reports now
NOAH: Access to medicines app...
National office of Animal Health (NOAH) has launched a new app to help users access the NOAH Compendium. The app is available for Apple and Android users free of charge. It allows the ease of searching 1000 animal medicines listed on their website and ensures that those who prescribe or use animal medicines have access to the latest technology for companion and farm animals.
Read more here
bTB: herd accreditation scheme...
The Voluntary Cattle Herd Certification Standards (CHeCS) bTB herd accreditation scheme will see vets and farmers work on a number of biosecurity measures which have already been successfully implemented in 5 other cattle disease control programmes. Each year a herd if free from bTB the score will improve. The status scores range from 0 to 10; with ten not having had a breakdown in 10 years. CHeCS has stated that this scheme could present informed buying opportunities.
Read more here
Antibiotics: Joint project funding...
The Pirbright Institute in Surrey is one of the first research institutions to benefit from a £120 million UK Vaccine Network fund. They will receive £1.580 million for a joint project to develop a safe and effective livestock vaccine against Rift Valley fever; which is endemic in Nariobi, Kenya.
Further info can be read here