Latest news with #APHA
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Will a new law prevent puppies being imported illegally?
Over 1,000 illegally imported puppies in five years have ended up in rehoming centres after being stopped at the British border, new figures Dogs Trust charity said the animals were taken on by its centres after being "illegally landed" at the Channel ports between 2020 and charity hopes a new law that has been proposed, which will be debated in the House of Lords, will help to clamp down on dog and cat government said new measures would close loopholes exploited by unscrupulous traders. Campaigners have warned that for a number of years some breeders have brought under age puppies - younger than 15 weeks - into the country, or smuggled in dogs without health Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), said "illegally landed" did not necessarily mean smuggled, but referred to any animal which did not meet import requirements and would need to be quarantined under anti-rabies its Puppy Pilot scheme, Dogs Trust pays for the quarantine costs of dogs seized at the border to aid the interception of illegally imported puppies by APHA. Once these dogs have been through quarantine, the animal charity then provides care and rehabilitation for them at rehoming centres, prior to them finding their forever homes. The proposed law would give the government power to stop the import of puppies and kittens that are under six months old. The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill would also ban the import of dogs and cats beyond 42 days of pregnancy and limit the number of animals that are allowed in a Calder, head of public affairs at Dogs Trust, told BBC South East: "We've seen puppies that are too young, unvaccinated, transported in really terrible conditions and some just don't survive that journey."We've tragically seen puppies as young as four weeks old smuggled into the country, or dogs with open wounds from ear cropping and heavily pregnant dogs close to giving birth, so this new bill is incredibly important."Paula Boyden, a veterinary surgeon, said the pet travel scheme had been exploited for well over a decade, with many thousands of dogs imported for sale."In recent years we've also seen an increase in the import of heavily pregnant mums and dogs with mutilations, particularly cropped ears," he said. Any new legislation needs to be robustly enforced at the border, according to professional dog trainer Ryan O'Meara."Passing this law is a good first step, but it has to be backed by proper enforcement," he said."We do need clear and practical rules that make it easier for border officials to do their job, whilst still allowing for recognised rescues overseas to responsibly bring their dogs into the UK."Danny Chambers, vet and Lib Dem MP for Winchester, who put the bill forward, said the illegal smuggling of puppies had long caused serious public health worries that dangerous diseases could be brought back into the UK. "This bill will curb those concerns – stamping out savage practices that endanger animals everywhere," he bill will now go to the House of Lords on its route to becoming law. A Defra spokesperson said: "We were elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation – and that's why we are supporting this Bill."These measures will close loopholes that are cruelly exploited by unscrupulous traders and stop the import of underage, mutilated and heavily pregnant dogs and cats."
STV News
02-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Scottish farmers warned of new cross-border bluetongue virus restrictions
Scottish farmers have been warned of new cross-border bluetongue virus restrictions for livestock travelling up from England. From July 1, any farmer wishing to move cattle and sheep from England into Scotland must now apply for a movement licence from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). It's part of the new UK Government rules to control the spread of the bluetongue virus among livestock, and the National Farmers Union of Scotland has made clear that the measures will have 'significant consequences' for Scottish producers and farmers. The union said Scottish producers who regularly market stock at English sales may now face 'costly and complex return protocols'. Bluetongue is a virus spread by biting midges which impacts livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats. One of the key symptoms of the disease is a blue, swollen tongue, and concerns are growing as the summer months approach. It can also affect deer and llamas, but humans and food safety are not at risk. In rare cases, dogs can catch bluetongue if they eat infected material, such as the placenta or other birthing tissue of an animal with the disease. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced the restricted zone for bluetongue has been extended to cover all of England. Farmers and producers will now need a movement licence issued by APHA to move animals to Scotland, which confirms the animals have: a valid pre-movement test, or vaccination with the Boehringer Bultavo-3 vaccine (for cattle only). Sheep cannot move to Scotland without a negative BTV-3 pre-movement test from the National Reference Laboratory (Pirbright), even if they're vaccinated. 'Vaccination remains a vital tool in protecting animal health,' NFU Scotland animal health and welfare policy manager Penny Middleton explained. 'All available vaccines provide effective protection against the symptoms of BTV-3, but manufacturers are currently unable to demonstrate that any vaccine prevents transmission of BTV-3 in sheep. 'For that reason,the Scottish Government will continue to require pre-movement testing of all sheep moving into Scotland, regardless of vaccination status.' NFU Scotland has made clear that these measures will have 'significant consequences' for cross-border trade, but the union has consistently opposed Scotland joining the BTV-3 Restricted Zone, citing the need to maintain strong disease prevention measures. NFU Scotland has promised to keep its position under review with members as the situation progresses. Further updates, guidance and frequently asked questions on the bluetongue virus have been made available on the NFU Scotland website. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Star hotel owners meet Naidu, propose use of AI-driven tools in hotel operations
Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association (APHA) members on Friday met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the Tourism Conclave and underscored the need to deploy AI-driven tools and digital innovations to modernise guest experiences, marketing, and hotel operations, aligning with the State's vision for tourism excellence. The Chief Minister welcomed the hotel industry's readiness to co-create a tech-enabled roadmap for tourism growth. The hoteliers also strongly urged the government to ensure that full industry status benefits, especially recurring benefits such as power tariff concessions, water tax and property tax waivers, are extended to all existing star hotels, not just new ones. The members emphasised that while capital subsidies naturally apply to greenfield projects, ongoing operational benefits must treat all classified hotels equitably to maintain Andhra Pradesh's competitiveness as a quality tourism destination. Additionally, they recommended that hotels be reclassified as 'green category' units under the Pollution Control norms rather than under restrictive orange or red categories, acknowledging the industry's sustainable practices and eco-friendly upgrades. According to sources, the Chief Minister responded positively and assured the association members that the proposals would be carefully reviewed and appropriate directions would be issued to address these long-standing requests under the State's tourism policy. The APHA delegation comprised Prabhu Kishore (Chairman, Novotel Varun Group), Gokaraju Gangaraju (Chairman, Lemon Tree Premiere), M. Rajaiah (Managing Director, Taj Vivanta Vijayawada), Muttavarapu Murali Krishna (Managing Director, Fortune Murali Park), AP Star Hotels Association president R.V. Swamy, general secretary S. Murthy Chittoory, vice-president Venkat, and Sharan Valluru (MD, GRT Grand Vijayawada).
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Bird flu confirmed at North Wales commercial premises
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Bird flu has been confirmed at a commercial premises in North Wales. A 3km protection zone, and 10km surveillance zone which extends into England, have been set up, after the case was discovered near Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham. A Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs statement said: "Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises in Wales near Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham (AIV 2025/49). "A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled. Part of the 10km surveillance zone extends into England." Anybody within the surveillance zone must keep a records of visitors, of all poultry entering or leaving the premises and report any increases in deaths, or drop in egg production and all poultry movements as part of measures to stop the spread. (Image: UK Government) The Welsh Government has issued this guidance about bird flu: Report a suspicion Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect avian influenza. APHA vets will investigate suspected cases. Clinical signs The following clinical signs may be present: swollen head blue discolouration of the neck and throat loss of appetite respiratory distress such as: gaping beak, coughing/sneezing, gurgling diarrhoea fewer eggs laid increased mortality Transmission and prevention Although Avian influenza is a disease of birds, in rare cases humans can become infected. Some strains of Avian influenza can spread easily and quickly between birds and have a high death rate. All bird keepers must: continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity be vigilant for any signs of disease You should register your poultry (on even if only kept as pets, so APHA can contact you during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds. Biosecurity advice All bird keepers are urged to maintain high levels of biosecurity; whether you have a few pet birds, or if you have a large commercial flock. To ensure high levels of biosecurity, all poultry keepers should: minimise movement of people in and out of bird enclosures clean and disinfect footwear using a government approved disinfectant, and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy ensure the areas where birds are kept are not attractive to wild birds, for example, by netting ponds and by removing access to food sources keep your birds separate to and without access to areas where especially geese, ducks and gulls are present feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry, and reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease and report any sick birds or unexplained deaths to your vet or APHA Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus The risk of HPAI virus (bird flu) increases during the winter. Migratory waterfowl and gulls are the most likely cause of HPAI incursion. (Migratory wildfowl include ducks, geese and swans.) This is based on experience over the last two winters. Along with with scientific and veterinary opinion. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
26-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Bird flu confirmed at North Wales commercial premises
Bird flu has been confirmed at a commercial premises in North Wales. A 3km protection zone, and 10km surveillance zone which extends into England, have been set up, after the case was discovered near Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham. A Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs statement said: "Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises in Wales near Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham (AIV 2025/49). "A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled. Part of the 10km surveillance zone extends into England." Anybody within the surveillance zone must keep a records of visitors, of all poultry entering or leaving the premises and report any increases in deaths, or drop in egg production and all poultry movements as part of measures to stop the spread. The Welsh Government has issued this guidance about bird flu: Report a suspicion Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect avian influenza. APHA vets will investigate suspected cases. Clinical signs The following clinical signs may be present: swollen head blue discolouration of the neck and throat loss of appetite respiratory distress such as: gaping beak, coughing/sneezing, gurgling diarrhoea fewer eggs laid increased mortality Transmission and prevention Although Avian influenza is a disease of birds, in rare cases humans can become infected. Some strains of Avian influenza can spread easily and quickly between birds and have a high death rate. All bird keepers must: continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity be vigilant for any signs of disease You should register your poultry (on even if only kept as pets, so APHA can contact you during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds. Biosecurity advice All bird keepers are urged to maintain high levels of biosecurity; whether you have a few pet birds, or if you have a large commercial flock. To ensure high levels of biosecurity, all poultry keepers should: minimise movement of people in and out of bird enclosures clean and disinfect footwear using a government approved disinfectant, and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy ensure the areas where birds are kept are not attractive to wild birds, for example, by netting ponds and by removing access to food sources keep your birds separate to and without access to areas where especially geese, ducks and gulls are present feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry, and reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease and report any sick birds or unexplained deaths to your vet or APHA Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus The risk of HPAI virus (bird flu) increases during the winter. Migratory waterfowl and gulls are the most likely cause of HPAI incursion. (Migratory wildfowl include ducks, geese and swans.) This is based on experience over the last two winters. Along with with scientific and veterinary opinion.
