Veterinary directorate gives green light to fast-tracking of Schmallenberg vaccine
MSD A n i mal He a l t h announced yesterday that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has granted the company a provisional marketing authorisation for Bovilis SBV, the first vaccine specifically targeting the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in cattle and sheep.
SBV, which emerged in 2011, causes transient clinical symptoms in adult cattle and sheep, such as fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk yield, as well as deformities in newborn calves and lambs.
Up to the end of March there have been 1753 cases of SBV confirmed throughout the UK. SBV has now been detected in every county in England and Wales, and more recently crossed the border into Dumfriesshire.
Andras Bolcskie, country manager for MSD Animal Health thanked VMD for its partnership and support to fast-track the availability of the vaccine to the market. THE Land Reform Review Group (LRRG) published its interim report findings and plans for future research yesterday.
In phase two of research, the LRRG will consider what steps can be taken to encourage more communities in rural and urban Scotland to have a stake in the ownership, management and use of land.
LRRG chairwoman Dr Alison Elliot said: “Our research so far has clearly outlined the potential for fresh approaches to land reform and the importance of engaging the whole community.”
Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which represents Scotland’s landowners said: “SLE remains disappointed at the persisting view that the pattern of landownership in Scotland is unfair and unjust.”
Mr Borwick went on to say: “Despite our members’ transparency, the report still refers to a need for greater scrutiny of private landown- ers. We feel that this is totally unjustified.”
The interim report can be found at www.landreform review.org Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 10 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 231.5p per kg and an average of 207.2p (+1.9p on the week), while 36 prime bullocks peaked at 266.5p and levelled at 219.7p (+9.1p). Thirty prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 241.5p and averaged 208.5p (+2.8p), while 43 prime, dairybred bulls peaked at 198.5p and levelled at 167.8p (-6p).
In the rough ring 132 beef cows averaged 155.5p (-6p) and 126 dairy cows levelled at 112.8p (-10.2p). Nine bulls averaged 156.5p (+5.2p).
The firm also sold 418 prime hoggs to a top of £120 per head and 268.7p per kg to average 194.6p (-25.4p), while 125 prime lambs peaked at £140 and 311.1p to level at 233.5p (-15.6p).