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EFSA issues update on African swine fever
African swine fever has been spreading throughout Eastern and Central Europe.
Early detection ‘increases probability of eradication’

More research is needed to understand the cause of African swine fever (ASF) in pigs and how this can be prevented. This is according to the latest update on the epidemiological situation of ASF, published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The report concludes that early detection of ASF, together with the application of control measures, ‘increases the probability of eradication’. These measures include the removal or carcasses and intensive hunting in specially designed areas.

It also recommends control measures for different scenarios, such as in non-affected areas close to or far away from affected areas, or where the disease has been present for over a year.

Using a simulation model, the report's authors observed seasonal peaks in the numbers of animals that tested positive for ASF and were found dead. This was summer and winter for wild boar and summer for domestic pigs.

'Several driving forces could explain an increase in the proportions of positive samples that are tested either in winter or summer, such as the virus, the wild boar ecology, the pig farming husbandry, the involvement of vectors or human behaviour,’ EFSA said. ‘As yet, however, there is a lack of evidence in support causal associations.’

African swine fever has been spreading throughout Eastern and Central Europe and has also been confirmed in China. In affected areas, the disease has been confirmed in wild boar, as well as on farms, smallholdings and pet pigs.

In November 2018, an article was sent by the APHA to Official Veterinarians in the UK. Endorsed by chief veterinary officers Christine Middlemiss, Robert Huey, Sheila Voas and Christianne Glossop, the article included details on how to keep pigs free of ASF and images of the clinical signs.

‘Anything you can do to promote these messages amongst your colleagues and to your pig-keeping clients is valuable in reducing the risk of introduction of ASF to the UK, whether their pigs are pets, or in small-scale or commercial herds,’ the APHA said.

‘In addition, if you are visiting clients who have pigs, take the opportunity to discuss and demonstrate best biosecurity practices to them.’

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.