The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are reminding veterinary surgeons of their legal responsibilities under the Horse Passport Regulations 2009.
The move follows a small number of horses testing…
The British Veterinary Association has given a cautious welcome to the merger of the Animal Health Agency (AH) and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) announced yesterday by Secretary of State Caroline Spelman.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of…
Initial laboratory tests on the samples taken this morning from the cattle on the holding in Surrey where disease was suspected have indicated the presence of Foot and Mouth Disease. On the basis of these initial laboratory results and clinical symptoms…
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has today released details of the strategy for rolling out vaccination across England.
Under EU law, vaccination can only be carried out in a Protection Zone. As vaccine starts to…
A report published by the Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs committee this week has concluded that The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is in need of updating. However, lack of available budget in the current Comprehensive Spending Review period means…
Helen Ghosh, Defra's Permanent Secretary today confirmed the appointment of Nigel Gibbens as Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO). Nigel qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1981 and has spent most of his career involved in animal health and welfare with…
Defra has announced that the Bluetongue Protection Zone will be extended again on Monday 7 July, following the delivery by Intervet of almost 2 million additional doses of Bluetongue vaccine. Vaccination is only permitted within the Protection Zone. In…
Defra has announced that the Bluetongue Protection Zone will be extended again on Monday 21 July, following the delivery by Intervet of almost 2 million additional doses of Bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) vaccine. Vaccination is only permitted within the…
Defra has announced the detection of Bluetongue in 18 imported cattle on premises near Bishop Auckland, County Durham. The animals originated from within the BTV8 Restricted Zone in Germany and were detected as a result of post-import testing carried out…
Defra has announced the detection of Bluetongue (Serotype 1) (BTV1) in five imported cattle on a premises near Blackpool in Lancashire.
The animals originated from within the BTV1 and 8 Restricted Zone in the south west of France and were detected…
The Government's updated Exotic Animal Disease Contingency Plan was laid in Parliament today.
The revised plan is produced by Animal Health for Defra, and includes changes which have been subject to formal public consultation. This includes a framework…
Defra has been roundly criticised in the media today for reportedly spending £181,000 on redesigning its website.
Here's the old website. Apparently deemed 'too agricultural' for its use of brown.
And here's the new one:
Defra has confirmed that equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium.
The premises is currently under restriction and the two infected horses will be humanely destroyed in…
The Department for Environment Food and Rural affairs has marked the 10th anniversary of the Pet Travel Scheme with the release of some interesting facts and figures...
The scheme started on 28 February 2000 when owners were first able to travel to and…
According to a report in last weekend's Mail on Sunday, documents leaked from Defra have revealed proposals for a range of measures designed to reduce the risk from dangerous dogs.
The proposals reportedly include:
Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in a horse in Northumberland following importation from the Netherlands, Defra confirmed today.
The premises is currently under restriction and the infected horse will be humanely destroyed in line with…
Defra has announced plans to form a new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England which will bring experts including farmers, veterinary surgeons, welfare experts and others from outside Government together with the Chief Veterinary Officer and civil…
Defra has announced that Great Britain is to be declared bluetongue-free from 5th July 2011.
From this date, bluetongue susceptible species being exported from Great Britain will no longer need to be vaccinated against BTV8 or meet any of the other 'Annex…
Defra has announced that new rules on pet travel will be introduced from 1st January 2012. The changes will mean that the rules on rabies vaccination for entry into the UK will be in line with the rest of Europe.
Defra has carried out a risk assessment…
From the beginning of October this year, the electronic recording of pig movements will be written into legislation.
Following a recent consultation, Defra intends to amend the existing Pigs, Records, Identification and Movements Order (PRIMO) 2007…