Animal Health Latest News http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth Latest news from Animal Health en-us Bids For Slaughterhouse TB ‘Transport And Disposal’ Contracts http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/030210-Bids-For-Slaughterhous.html Businesses are being invited to tender for new government contracts for the collection, slaughter, salvage and disposal of cattle infected by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in England and Wales. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:15:00 Equine infectious anaemia detected in horses http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/102001_EIA_detected.html Defra have confirmed that equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses at a premises in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:47:00 Changes to Animal Health in Wales http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/102001_cardiff_changes.html Animal Health has announced changes to its organisational structure in Wales.<br>In future the Cardiff office will spearhead the fight to halt the spread of animal diseases in Great Britain by becoming the centre for tracing and identifying the source of animal disease outbreaks,including TB outbreaks, in Wales, England and Scotland.<br>These changes mean that Cardiff will no longer act as the Divisional Office for South East Wales. Administrative and management functions will transfer to a South Wales office based in Carmarthen during spring 2010, although both Cardiff and its Llandrindod Wells sub-office will remain as bases for veterinary and technical staff in South East Wales. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:38:00 Welsh Bovine TB pilot area given go-ahead http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/090113-WelshBovineTB.html The Welsh Assembly Government has announced that a limited badger cull, alongside stricter cattle measures, will take place in a pilot area of West Wales as part of their TB Eradication Programme. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:47:00 Animal welfare in severe weather http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/welfare/severe-weather.htm While priority will generally be given to human needs, protecting the welfare of animals in severe weather is also important. Officials (Local Authorities [LA] and Animal Health [AH]) are monitoring the situation closely in liaison with the RSPCA, NFU, and other organisations in assisting farmers and pet owners to protect the welfare of their animals. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:42:00 Animal Health Plays Key Role In Successful Completion Of TB Health Check Wales http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/press_releases/HCW end press release 221209.pdf Animal Health has been praised for the part it has played in the successful completion of Health Check Wales - the 15-month Welsh Assembly Government initiative to test all cattle herds in Wales for bovine TB. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:30:00 Pause For Thought Before Buying A Pet ‘Micro’ Pig This Christmas http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/press_releases/Micro pigs press release.pdf With „micro‟ pigs in the spotlight as one of this year‟s „must-have‟ Christmas presents, potential purchasers are being urged to find out more about how to keep the animals happy and healthy - and legally - before buying one. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00 New Policy Changes To TB Movement Controls May Create Opportunities For Farmers http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/081209-tb-movement-controls.html New policy changes to tuberculosis (TB) related movement controls could help owners of TB restricted cattle in England realise practical and financial benefits by providing them with more options for moving and trading animals. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:06:45 GMT News Release-Welfare In Transport To Move To Cumbria In January 2010 http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/Animal-Health-Welfare-In-Transport-move.pdf The Animal Health team responsible for ensuring the wellbeing of livestock animals when they are transported around the UK is moving to a new base in Cumbria in the New Year. Wed, 04 Dec 2009 16:39:45 GMT The European Commission Decision, formally agreeing to the UK’s TB Eradication Plan has been published. http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/091203-tb-eradication.html On 26 November 2009, the European Commission published a Decision formally agreeing to the UK’s TB Eradication Plan for 2010. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:39:45 GMT New powers to keep English eggs safe http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/New-powers-to-keep-English-eggs-safe.html New powers to issue penalty notices of up to £4,500 for marketing eggs as class A, should there be a failure to comply with the requirements to test for salmonella, have been granted to Animal Health. This follows on from Defra’s consultation with the industry earlier in the year. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:39:45 GMT Changes to Bovine TB controls in England http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/Changes-to%20Bovine-TB-controls-in-England.html From 1 January 2010, there will be changes to the way in which inconclusive bTB reactors in England are dealt with. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:16:45 GMT Revision of the current TB Testing http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/official-veterinarians/index.htm#1 Revision of the current instructions for tuberculin testing of bovine animals exported from Great Britain (GB) to other EU Member States (MSS). Tue, 14 Sep 2009 10:19:35 GMT Code of practice for influenza in pigs http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/alerts/docs/h1n1-pigs.htm The pig industry has produced a Code of Practice for pig keepers on influenza in pigs. This contains advice on how to reduce the risk of influenza infection entering a pig herd and how to minimise onward spread if introduction does occur. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:18:35 GMT Scotland’s potential application for Officially Tuberculosis Free status. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/30141811 Scottish Government officials have met with livestock industry stakeholders to discuss the potential for submitting an application to the European Commission for recognition of officially tuberculosis free regional status for Scotland. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:12:25 GMT Export certification – guidance for official veterinarians. http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/official-veterinarians/12%20principles.html Animal Health has issued a checklist for Official Veterinarians involved in the completion of official export certification. Mon, 25 May 2009 10:22:34 GMT Swine Flu Information http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/swine-flu/index.htm Human influenza A type H1N1, known as Swine Flu has been circulating in Mexico since mid-March 2009. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:25 GMT Consultation on Rabies inspection procedures http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/Rabiesinspection.html Current import checks for rabies-susceptible animals entering the UK from outside the EU are being reviewed. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:10:15 GMT Bovine TB Consultation Begins http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/TBconsultationwales.html The consultation on the proposed Tuberculosis Eradication (Wales) Order 2009 under the Animal Health Act 1981 begins today. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:18:28 GMT TB Advisory Group Final Report http://www.defra.gov.uk//animalh/tb/partnership/advisorygroup.htm On 8 April 2009 the TB Advisory Group published their final report to Ministers. Wed, 20 Apr 2009 10:12:08 GMT Better Regulation Executive publishes report http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/BREreview.html The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) has published its review into Animal Health's implementation of the Hampton Review's recommendations. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:32:10 GMT Badgers to be vaccinated against TB http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2009/animal-0319.htm The first vaccine against bovine tuberculosis in badgers will be used in the field in England next year, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today. Tue, 20 Mar 2009 13:32:10 GMT Government announces new pig task force http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090217b.htm A new task force aimed at helping secure the future of the pig meat industry was announced by Farming Minister Jane Kennedy today. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:32:10 GMT Government response to Anderson Review 2007 F/M outbreak http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2009/animal-0203.htm The Government has accepted all 26 of the main recommendations made by Sir Iain Anderson. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:42:07 GMT Animal Health announces a new organisational structure http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/External Webpages for Tom.pdf Animal Health is to align its operational structure to deliver shared objectives. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:52:17 GMT Eu proposal to create level playing field...at slaughter http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090127b.htm Plans to implement Europe's first comprehensive welfare rules on chickens raised for meat were released today. Mon, 27 Jan 2009 10:51:47 GMT Welfare plans for meat chickens published http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090126a.htm Plans to implement Europe's first comprehensive welfare rules on chickens raised for meat were released today. Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:40:47 GMT Advice to pregnant women during the lambing season http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090107b.htm Pregnant women should avoid close contact with sheep during the lambing season, the Government advised today. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:40:47 GMT New TSE regulations and changes to BSE testing http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/081223b.htm Today Defra laid new legislation in Parliament to amend and update the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Regulations. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:05:47 GMT Defra urges farmers to vaccinate livestock http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/081216.htm Defra will continue to promote voluntary vaccination against Bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV 8), Jane Kennedy announced today. Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:00:56 GMT The environment in your pocket 2008 http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/081211a.htm The twelfth edition of The environment in your pocket is published today by Defra. This is an annual publication containing material on various environmental themes including climate change, air quality, waste and recycling, land, coastal and marine waters, radioactivity, wildlife and inland water. The main theme of this year’s publication is climate change and a larger section has been devoted to topics relating to climate change. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:45:14 GMT Defra publishes contingency plan for exotic animal diseases http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/081209a.htm

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 response plan for dealing with exotic animal diseases and plans for responding to specific diseases including Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.

 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:20:37 GMT Defra announces changes to Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) testing http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080930b.htm The number of cases of BSE and scrapie, included in a family of brain diseases called Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), in Great Britain has continued to fall. Following consultation on TSE responsibility and cost-sharing proposals which ended earlier this year, Defra today announced how testing for TSEs will be managed in future. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:14:53 GMT Bird gatherings General Licence amended http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080908a.htm Defra today announced that following a review of the Veterinary Risk Assessment relating to pigeon racing, it has been decided that the General Licence for bird gatherings will be amended. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:34:47 GMT BCMS Enables Cattle Keepers to Opt Out of receiving Paper Application Forms http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/080901-bcms.htm After listening to customers who use CTS Online and farm software packages, the British Cattle Movement Service has changed its computer system to allow cattle keepers to no longer receive paper applications forms. Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:17:31 GMT Appointment of a Chair for the Audit Committee. http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/workforus/vacancies/cac.htm Animal Health is looking for a Chair for the Audit Committee Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:17:31 GMT New Parish Testing Intervals Come into Force http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/managing-disease/bovinetb/parishtesting.htm Parish Testing intervals from 18 August 2008 come into force. Full lists and an online search facility are available on the Animal Health website. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:16:31 GMT Animal Health Annual Report available http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/publications/index.htm Animal Health's Annual Report has been laid before parliament and is available for download Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:54:31 GMT Animal Health Appoints new Chief Executive http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/080630-newceo.htm Catherine Brown, formerly Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as Chief Executive of Animal Health with effect from 16 July 2008. She succeeds Professor Steve Edwards who has acted as interim Chief Executive since March. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:55:51 GMT Animal Health Publishes Corporate and Business Plans http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/publications/index.htm Animal Health's Corporate and Buisiness Plans are now available Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:44:49 GMT Knowing more about you http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/accesstoinformation/Knowingmoreaboutyou.htm If you’re one of our customers (i.e. an owner or keeper of livestock) you may already provide information to the Rural Payments Agency, the Scottish Government or the Welsh Assembly Government. We use this information to carry out our work, but it doesn’t fully meet our animal health needs. In other words, we need to know more about you. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:29:07 GMT Animal Health appoints interim Chief Executive http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/080312-newceo.htm Professor Steve Edwards, formerly Chief Executive of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, has been appointed as interim Chief Executive of Animal Health. He succeeds Glenys Stacey who has taken up an appointment as Chief Executive of the Standards Board for England. A permanent replacement as Chief Executive will be recruited during the next few months. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:00:16 GMT Animal Health Launches Welsh Language Scheme http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/accesstoinformation/languagescheme.htm The scheme is committed to the principle that in conducting public business in Wales, Animal Health will treat the English and Welsh Languages on a basis of equality. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:00:16 GMT New Parish Testing Intervals come into force http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/managing-disease/bovinetb/parishtesting.htm Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Executive are committed to aligning TB testing intervals with EU legislation by carrying out a national review of TB testing intervals on an annual basis. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:45:16 GMT Animal Health Launches news alerts service http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/080303-Newsalerts.htm Animal Health has today launched a free news alert service to help people on the move keep in touch with the latest developments on notifiable animal disease. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:15:16 GMT Animal Health launches recorded information line http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/071005b.htm Animal Health, an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has launched a recorded information line for the farming community to use in disease outbreaks. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:45:16 GMT Animal Health Publishes a draft Welsh Language Scheme http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/071207-welshlanguagescheme.htm Animal Health has published a draft Welsh language scheme under the Welsh Language Act 1993, setting out how it will provide services to the public through the medium of Welsh Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:34:16 GMT New Parish Testing Intervals come into force - 3rd September 2007 http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/managing-disease/bovinetb/parishtesting.htm The 2007 PTI Review has been carried out and herd owners have been informed of their new Herd and Parish Testing Intervals. The following lists and maps are the results of the 2007 review and will come into force on 3rd September 2007. Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:45:16 GMT Caviar labelling scheme goes live http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/070701-caviar.htm From 1 July all caviar sold in the UK must display labels approved by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:45:16 GMT Bovine Semen Regulations (England) 2007 http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/070522-bovinesemen.htm From 22 May 2007 the trade of bovine semen in England is governed by the Bovine Semen (England) Regulations 2007 Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:15:16 GMT Final Epidemiology Report into Avian Influenza Outbreak in Suffolk Published http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/News/070419-suffolkreport.htm Defra has today published the final epidemiology report into the outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Suffolk confirmed in February 2007. Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:25:16 GMT Launch of Animal Health http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/news/070401-launch.htm From 1 April the State Veterinary Service (SVS), an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will change its name to Animal Health. Mon, 2 Apr 2007 16:25:16 GMT