Win a GoPro by completing blowfly strike survey
An industry survey is aiming to evaluate attitudes to blowfly strike and any regional variations. The problem will be familiar to sheep farmers across the country, but the survey aims to explore how attitudes to risk and management of blowfly strike vary across counties and in different flock sizes. It will help raise awareness of […]
FUW calls for halt on wasteful badger vaccination scheme
The Farmers’ Union of Wales has repeated its long standing call for a science led policy to control TB in wildlife after the Welsh Government suggested the abandoned badger vaccination pilot in north Pembrokeshire could restart in 2017. Ministerial advice provided to the Welsh Government in 2012 suggested vaccination in the north Pembrokeshire Intensive Action […]
New analysis of the H9N2 strain of bird flu could help prevent veterinary and human pandemics
A new study from a team at The Pirbright Institute, has enabled scientists there to better understand H9N2; a form of avian flu which poses risks to both poultry and human health. The mapping and analysis of the antigenicity of H9N2 avian influenza virus, will guide surveillance and ensure vaccines are more effective; helping prevent […]
Suspected outbreak of avian influenza in Fife
A suspected outbreak of avian influenza in chickens has been reported on a farm in Fife. Initial test results indicate the presence of a notifiable strain of avian influenza (H5). The clinical picture suggests that this is a Low Pathogenic strain and further testing is underway to confirm this. Restrictions have been imposed on the […]
RUMA announces voluntary restrictions on Colistin use in UK livestock
The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) is pleased to announce voluntary restrictions on colistin use in UK livestock. RUMA members considered the recent article in Lancet Infectious Disease reporting that a new gene that makes common bacteria resistant to colistin, a last-line antibiotic, had been found in animals and patients in China. […]
FUW highlights TB concerns to MP
Cross border differences in bTB cattle control measures and concerns surrounding the proposed provision of open access farm-level Welsh bovine TB data next year were some of the issues highlighted to Monmouthshire MP David TC Davies at a recent farm visit. FUW senior officials met Mr Davies at FUW members Rhys and Judith Parry’s farm […]
Promiscuity of H3N8 flu virus raises concern as scientists demonstrate some strains can go undetected in pigs
Scientists have shown for the first time that two different strains of the H3N8 influenza A virus (IAV) are able to infect and replicate in pigs; one isolated from seals and an avian strain circulating in poultry in the US. The study, which was led by Dr Maria Montoya from The Pirbright Institute in Surrey […]
Pregnant heifers culled in East Devon following TB tests
Twenty three heavily pregnant heifers from a closed East Devon organic herd have been culled after testing positive for TB during routine checks. The heifers were part of a 27-strong group belonging to the Clinton Devon Farms Partnership and were all due to give birth to their first calves within a matter of weeks. All […]
Badger persecution does not reduce bovine TB risk in cattle
Illegal persecution of badgers does not reduce infection risk of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle and may play a role in maintaining epidemic hotspots according to researchers at Queen’s University Belfast. The Institute for Global Food Security collaborating with the University of Glasgow and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, found that illegal disturbance of badger […]
