Defra TB strategy announcement
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “Bovine TB remains a huge threat to beef and dairy farmers in large parts of the country. More than 28,000 cattle were slaughtered in England last year because of it and nearly 4,000 herds that had previously been clear of the disease were affected by it. “Farmers facing a daily […]
EFSA reviews maximum content of copper in animal feed
EFSA has proposed modifications to the maximum levels of copper in feed for some animal groups. It recommends a reduction in the maximum copper content in feed for piglets, cattle and dairy cows, and an increase in feed for goats. The proposed levels would reduce the amount of copper released into the environment, which could […]
Vets welcome global joint working to defeat resistant superbugs
The global Review on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), commissioned by the UK government and chaired by Lord O’Neill, has published (19 May) its final report calling for incentives to develop antibiotics, improved diagnostics and vaccines, and country-specific targets for the reduction of antimicrobial use in livestock. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed Lord O’Neill’s final […]
Vet wins award for preventing lameness in sheep
Oxford vet Ruth Clements has won a national award for her work preventing lameness in sheep. Ruth is Head of Veterinary Services at FAI Farms, an organisation which helps the food sector implement better farming practices. Since 2001, FAI have farmed and operated 1,650 acres of Oxford University farmland – collaborating with a number of […]
Anti antibiotics: Addressing routine overuse in farming
The Shadow Secretaries of State for Defra and Health, Kerry McCarthy MP and Heidi Alexander MP, have written an open letter to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Defra Secretary Liz Truss, asking them to respond positively to proposals for reducing the routine, overuse of antibiotics in farming. The letter comes amid growing concern that current […]
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 […]
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. […]
