Badger cull pilots the right scientific approach, says BVA
Although the shooting of badgers is not expected to start until later in the season the BVA is responding to activity amongst those who oppose the cull and appealing to them to allow the necessary scientific work to take place unhindered in the two pilot cull areas. The BVA pointed to the evidence base behind […]
New YouGov poll reveals the truth about public attitudes to the badger cull
Importantly, the survey also revealed that more than a quarter of people (27%) opposed to a cull would change their mind if it meant TB did not spread to other areas of the country. Only two per cent of 1,763 people asked considered a badger cull to be one of the most important issues facing […]
Outrage as Owen Paterson declares war on the badgers – ‘hard culling for 25 years’
In a frank interview, he said that if the two trials this summer were successful, then 40 more cull zones would be created over the next four years. Animal welfare organisations have reacted with fury, as Mr Paterson’s justification for the culling was dismissed by leading bTB scientist Lord Krebs, who said “If politicians are […]
A case of foot in mouth for Defra as their own evidence reveals true cause of bTB outbreak
Figures show that incidences of bTB soared in 2000/2001, in certain areas. This correlates almost exactly with the relaxation of movement controls after the Foot and Mouth epidemic, which saw large numbers of herds restocked from the UK and across Europe. Philip Mansbridge, Care for the Wild CEO, said: “It’s not been a good day […]
NSA delighted Schmallenberg vaccine will be available this summer
The new vaccine will offer sheep farmers the option to vaccinate their stock this summer, ahead of the high-risk mating season. Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “NSA called for a vaccine some time ago and we are absolutely delighted both MSD Animal Health and VMD acted as quickly as possible in the development and […]
Schmallenberg Vaccine ready for use this summer
Today the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has issued the veterinary pharmaceutical company MSD Animal Health, a licence to provide the new ‘Bovilis SBV’ vaccine. The VMD’s CEO Pete Borriello said: “This is the culmination of intensive activity on the part of MSD Animal Health and the VMD to make a safe and effective vaccine available […]
Vets voice value of vaccination for World Veterinary Day
Since 1796, when Edward Jenner performed the world’s first vaccination against smallpox, enormous strides have been made in the development of vaccines which have helped to prevent – and, in some cases, eliminate – disease in humans, farm animals and pets. The veterinary profession, through effective and efficient veterinary services, is crucial to the success […]
Schmallenberg Disease confirmed on a Dumfriesshire farm – calf born to suckler herd
The birth defects in the calf, born into a suckler herd, are consistent with the pathology of the disease and tests carried out by SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services (a Division of Scotland’s Rural College) and the Moredun Research Institute have confirmed the presence of the virus. Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is related to a known virus […]
Study identifies “chink in the armour” of Schmallenberg virus
The disease, which causes birth defects and stillbirths in sheep, goats and cattle, was first discovered in Germany in late 2011 and has already spread to more than 5,000 farms across Europe, and 1,500 farms in the UK alone. There is currently no way of treating infected animals, but a study published in Nucleic Acids […]
