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Vets urged to be vigilant for lumpy skin disease
cows
LSD was detected in the European Union for the first time last August, when Greece reported two outbreaks.
Early recognition is 'imperative'
 
Vets are being urged to look out for skin wheals and unexplained abortions in cattle this summer and autumn, as these could be early signs of lumpy skin disease (LSD).

Once confined to Africa, LSD was detected in the European Union for the first time last August, when Greece reported two outbreaks.

More than 100 further outbreaks occurred between September and December 2015 and the disease reappeared in April of this year. Almost simultaneously, it was found in a second EU country, Bulgaria, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Professor Kenton Morgan, from the University of Liverpool, wrote in Veterinary Record (Vol 178 No 20) letters: 'Early recognition is imperative in limiting the impact of novel or exotic diseases.

'Where clinical signs are easily visible, as is the case with LSD, there is a need for those who regularly observe cattle… to be vigilant for the appearance of skin wheals or lumps. Skin wheals, whether palpable or visible, and unexplained abortions should trigger the addition of LSD to the list of differential diagnoses. Look out also for swelling in the legs and lymph nodes.'

The transmission of LSD is not well understood, making it difficult to assess the risk of spread, Prof Morgan added. Vaccination is a major control strategy.

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RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

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News Shorts
Defra to host bluetongue webinar for vets

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will be hosting a webinar for veterinary professional on bluetongue on Thursday, 25 April 2024.

Topics covered will include the transmission cycle, pathology and pathogenesis, clinical signs (including signs seen in recent BTV-3 cases in the Netherlands), and control and prevention.

The session, which will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm, is part of Defra's 'Plan, Prevent and Protect' webinar series, which are hosted by policy officials, epidemiologists and veterinary professionals from Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The bluetongue session will also feature insights from experts from The Pirbright Institute.

Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. Places on the webinar can be booked online.