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Targeted badger cull to take place in Wales
The Welsh government continues to rule out a large scale badger cull, such as that being carried out in England.
Government will identify TB risk areas
 
Plans to introduce a targeted badger cull in Wales will go ahead, the government has confirmed as it published a new TB eradication programme.

From 1 October, areas of Wales will be identified as Low, Intermediate and High TB areas, based on bovine TB incidence. The aim is to protect the Low TB areas and reduce the disease in Intermediate and High areas.

Chronic breakdown herds will be given individual action plans and disease control measures that are specifically designed to clear infection in cattle.

In these herds, where there is evidence of infection in the badger population, the government says will consider ‘a range of options’ to reduce the risk of disease spreading, including cage trapping, testing and, were necessary, humanely killing infected badgers. The Welsh government continues to rule out a large scale badger cull, such as that being carried out in England.

Enhanced controls will be applied in all areas, including post-movement testing in the Low TB areas, beginning on 1 October this year. This measure will also be introduced in the Intermediate TB areas next year to prevent the disease spreading from neighbouring High TB areas.

Speaking at the Senedd, Welsh cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths said “real progress” had been made in eradicating TB in Wales. The number of new incidents has fallen by over 40 per cent since their peak in 2009 and 95 per cent of herds are now TB free.

The strengthened TB eradication programme has been introduced following a consultation launched at the end of last year.

Ms Griffiths added: “I have listened to the industries responses to our consultation and have fed what was appropriate and reasonable into the Programme.This should not be seen as exclusively a Government plan; it has been developed through consultation with industry, and will be reviewed over time.

“I now call on the farming industry and veterinary profession to play a full part. Together we can achieve our goal of a TB free Wales.”

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.