Latest news with #APHA
Powys County Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Farming unions raise concerns over Wales' bluetongue stance
FARMING unions have expressed 'disappointment' and 'concern' at the Welsh Government's decision not to impose restrictions on livestock movement amid the spread of the bluetongue virus. Multiple outbreaks in England saw the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announce last month that the restricted zone for bluetongue will be extended to cover all of England from July 1. Farmers will be able to move animals within England without a bluetongue licence or test but with Wales not imposing restrictions having not seen a confirmed case, limits are to be placed on moving livestock from England. Cattle, sheep and goats will need to test negative for the potentially fatal disease before they can be transported across the border. This led to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) announcing this week that English and Scottish livestock exhibitors will not be allowed to compete at this year's Royal Welsh Show in July. Farming organisations in Wales had urged Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies to align with England to prevent restrictions on livestock movements. However, the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, said his decision was made in an 'attempt to hold back the disease for as long as we can', adding he could not 'in all conscience invite bluetongue into Wales' by aligning with England. A specific movement licence will be administered by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), while England's focus will shift to encouraging uptake of new vaccines which alleviate the symptoms. 'The current RZ approach in England has helped keep bluetongue away from the Welsh border," Mr Irranca-Davies said. "I regret the current RZ cannot be maintained but understand the reasons behind its expansion to the whole of England. 'In practical terms, it means we will lose the security of having a two-county buffer between potentially infected livestock in England and the Welsh border. This change increases the risk of disease incursion into Wales.' NFU Cymru has expressed concern at the cost and practicality of these controls. 'There are many unknowns about how BTV-3 could impact our herds and flocks across Wales and Welsh farmers are extremely worried about the threat of the spread of the disease,' said NFU Cymru president Aled Jones. 'However, we have significant concerns about the lack of resources and capacity within the laboratories and APHA to deliver against the potential demand for each and every animal to be tested and licensed, given the significant amount of stock that move across the border from England to Wales for management, welfare and trading purposes. 'We understand that going forward the costs of testing will be borne by the farmer, which will cause a huge increase to the cost of trading.' FUW president Ian Rickman called the non-alignment a 'disappointment to the industry'. 'As farmers our first instinct is to keep any disease out, but in order to maintain economic stability within the industry, the FUW has repeatedly lobbied the Welsh Government to simultaneously align with the changes proposed in England, as the sheer number of cross-border holdings and trading activity will be vastly disrupted with this policy decision. 'Meanwhile, midges that carry and spread the virus would not respect any such boundaries. 'DEFRA's decision will inevitably bring disease to the Welsh-English border and places both the Welsh Government and the wider industry in an impossible situation. 'However, given this 'when' not 'if' circumstance of bluetongue encroachment into Wales, the FUW believes enforcing a border between Wales and England is both a futile endeavour and wholly impractical.'
Medscape
10-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Health Professionals Condemn HHS Firing of ACIP Members
Health organizations and professional societies are expressing outrage over the firing of all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced on June 9 in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that he was 'totally reconstituting' the ACIP, saying that all the current members had conflicts of interest and that they were beholden to vaccine makers. 'A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science,' wrote Kennedy. There is no indication when new members will be named but the panel is due to meet June 25-27. Susan Kressly, MD, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a statement that the organization was 'deeply troubled and alarmed' by the firings. 'We are witnessing an escalating effort by the Administration to silence independent medical expertise and stoke distrust in lifesaving vaccines,' said Kressly, adding that the action, combined with Kennedy's unilateral decision to recommend against COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women and to require shared decision making for healthy children to get the vaccine, creates 'confusion around proven vaccines.' Kennedy's action 'is a coup,' said American Public Health Association (APHA) Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD, in a statement. 'Today's ACIP members are some of the most qualified individuals to evaluate vaccines,' said Benjamin, adding that they 'were vetted for conflicts of interest prior to appointment.' The APHA leader said a new slate of members chosen by Kennedy 'will be suspect and likely mistrusted.' American College of Physicians (ACP) President Jason M. Goldman, MD, said in a statement that the firings 'coupled with the recent, preemptive actions HHS took on the COVID-19 vaccines that circumvented the standard, transparent vaccine review process, interferes with the practice of evidence-based medicine and destabilizes a trusted source and its evidence-based process.' Goldman, who is also the ACP liaison to ACIP, said he believed Kennedy's actions will 'seriously erode public confidence in our government's ability to ensure the health of the American public.' The American Medical Association also weighed in. President Bruce A. Scott, MD, said in a statement that ACIP had for generations 'been a trusted national source of science- and data-driven advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease.' The firings 'undermines that trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives,' he wrote, adding that 'with an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses.' Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), who was a pivotal vote in confirming Kennedy, posted on X that 'now the fear is that the ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion.' Kennedy added that he'd talked with Kennedy, 'and I'll continue to talk with him to ensure this is not the case.' Rep. Kim Schrier, MD (D-Washington), a pediatrician, wrote on Bluesky that the firings paved the way for Kennedy 'to make up his own recommendations or fill those positions with conspiracy theorists and social media influencers.' Schrier said that she had introduced a bill on June 5 to make ACIP a 'legally required organization' that would be made up of only those with relevant scientific expertise. Conflicts Alleged Without Evidence Kennedy has repeatedly said that the ACIP is rife with conflicts and used that as justification for the firings. The ACIP 'has become little more than a rubber stamp for any vaccine,' he wrote in the Wall Street Journal , adding that, 'Most of ACIP's members have received substantial funding from pharmaceutical companies.' He did not provide any evidence for that statement. The members' bios and disclosures show no direct industry funding, which is also not allowed for ACIP panelists. The allegations about the panel's integrity 'are completely unfounded,' said Infectious Diseases Society of America President Tina Tan, MD, in a statement. 'ACIP is a highly qualified group of experts that has always operated with transparency and a commitment to protecting the public's health,' she added. The ACIP's policies and procedures require members to file financial disclosures when they are appointed and then annually during their 4-year terms. Conflicts are vetted by HHS officials. Members also disclose potential conflicts at the outset of every meeting. Panelists with a relevant conflict must recuse themselves — often it is because they were an investigator on a vaccine trial or served on a data monitoring board. Those roles are considered acceptable under ACIP rules, however. Panelists can't be employed directly by industry, nor hold stock, or be entitled to or receive royalties or other compensation on a vaccine or vaccine process. They have to resign advisory or consulting roles during their ACIP tenure. They also cannot serve as an expert witness involving litigation with a vaccine maker or accept honoraria or travel reimbursement from a vaccine maker. When Kennedy came into office, he had the CDC establish a 'conflicts of interest disclosure' website, which essentially compiled ACIP panelists' roles as investigators or data monitoring board members. Kennedy 'has worked for more than a decade to sow distrust in vaccines,' Jennifer Nuzzo, DrPh, professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health, wrote on BlueSky. In a later post, she wrote, that her 'biggest worry is this is the start of a process to erode Americans' access to vaccines.'
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh issues warning over brutal pest that can 'wipe out crops'
Alan Titchmarsh has raised the alarm over the return of a brutal pest, which is said to pose a serious risk to the food industry, after a sighting in Kent in 2023 Gardening pro and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh has warned fellow green-fingered enthusiasts to be on the lookout for one nasty pest. He has warned that this destructive menace, namely the Colorado beetle, can completely 'wipe out crops', with people already wary of other creatures such as slugs, mealybugs, ants and aphids, known for destroying plants. At the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, Alan warned that the tiny black and yellow-striped pest is one of the biggest threats to the UK's food security, as reported by the Daily Mail. And it could pose a risk to the British potato industry. Colorado beetles were eradicated from British soil 50 years ago following a vigilant campaign in the 1970s. However, larvae from the insects were discovered in a potato field in Kent in 2023, marking the first known return of the species. While quick action by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA meant the situation was kept under control, Titchmarsh still urges the public to be vigilant. He said: 'It devastates potato crops and we need all the crops we can get in this country. It's so savage it'll wipe crops out. It's like locusts – it's that fast.' He added that the most effective way to avoid a disaster is to 'stamp it out before it becomes reality'. However, he later reflected on how the outbreak of the 1970s brought the gardening community together. Colorado beetles are typically between 6mm to 11 mm in size and have distinctive yellow and black stripes on their shells. Meanwhile, their larvae are typically 15 mm long and a reddish colour. In the wild, they can weaken crops, like potatoes and aubergines, and reduce their yield. They are also known to strip the foliage from tomatoes and peppers. The beetle has been known to be imported into the UK on different food items. These include leafy vegetables, salad leaves, fresh herbs, grain and frozen vegetables. Therefore, experts are urging people to check these items. Equally, they also need to keep an eye on any vegetables picked from their gardens and allotments before consuming them. Professor Nicola Spence, the Environment Department's chief plant health officer, said that the Colorado beetle 'poses a significant threat to plants and the wider potato industry'. She also added that the public have an important role to play in helping to protect UK biosecurity. The public have been urged to report suspected sightings to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). They should also include a photo and location details.
Daily Mirror
06-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Anyone with blackbirds in their garden asked to take action
The Usutu virus has spread through blackbirds in southern England, with the British Trust for Ornithology asking people to sign up to a survey in a bid to save the bird population The lethal Usutu virus—a mosquito-spread disease that's been targeting Blackbirds in southern England—has sparked serious concerns among wildlife experts. First identified on UK soil in 2020, the virus has spread to as far west as Dorset and has reached Cambridgeshire up north. Hailing from Southern Africa, Usutu arrived in Europe three decades ago and has since caused several significant mortality episodes amongst Blackbird populations, according to Bird Guides. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is now urging people with gardens hosting blackbirds to participate in a special survey. The survey aims to assess the full impact of the crisis and offer much-needed aid. While the risk to humans remains minimal – with no cases documented in Britain – the consequences for our feathered friends are drastic. Reports suggest that the Blackbird numbers in Greater London have nosedived by up to 40% after Usutu took hold following the 2020 heatwave. Dr Arran Folly of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has sounded the alarm about Usutu's swift advance and enduring occurrence, hinting it could be a harbinger of other mosquito-borne diseases making their way to the UK. "It gives an indication that in the future we might get other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes emerging in the UK," he warned, reports Devon Live. Attributed to climate change, expansions in mosquito populations are being driven by rising temperatures, longer summers, and more intense rainfall – creating perfect breeding grounds for the insects and their pathogens to thrive in new areas. In collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), APHA researchers are set to investigate Usutu's impact on Britain's birds. At the same time, the BTO is calling on the public to help monitor the situation by reporting any sightings of Blackbirds. "Blackbirds are currently nesting and are a common sight in gardens and parks. With public help, we can better track population trends and the virus's impact," said a spokesperson from the BTO. Despite Blackbird numbers holding steady in rural and northern regions, the unpredictable nature of the virus calls for continuous monitoring. The combined efforts of APHA and BTO are crucial for gathering essential data to shape conservation tactics and prepare for future emerging diseases. The BTO commented: "We are trying to better understand the extent and spread of Usutu virus and what the potential impacts of the virus might be on Blackbirds. In particular, as Blackbird numbers were already decreasing in London, a large urban area, we want to know if anything similar is happening in other urban areas, or whether these changes are specific to the capital, and how this compares to smaller urban and more rural areas." How will Blackbirds in Gardens survey help? The BTO is conducting a survey to delve into the potential for disease transmission among Blackbirds in gardens, focusing on their congregation patterns. The organisation explained that this research will shed light on how Blackbird populations utilise various garden types and their breeding success across different urbanisation levels. The BTO highlighted the significance of the study in light of emerging diseases, stating: "Although largely harmless to humans, this is the first time in modern history that a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis (a disease which can be transmitted from animals to humans) has emerged in wild animal hosts in the UK but, with changing climates, more may occur in the future." They further elaborated on the broader context of the research, noting: "Using Usutu virus and Blackbirds as a case study, this survey is part of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, a wider partnership project funded by the UKRI and Defra to understand the emergence and transmission of mosquito-borne viruses in the UK more generally which are expected to increase with climate change." Additionally, the BTO outlined the objectives of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, including: "The project will improve understanding of how these viruses emerge in new environments, enhance surveillance of diseases in wild birds in the UK and develop an early warning system for disease outbreaks." The survey is set to run until September 2025. How to sign up to the survey You can sign up for Blackbirds in Gardens online. You will need a My BTO account to sign up. If you don't already have one, you can create a free account.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Anyone who has blackbirds in gardens urged to take 'immediate' action
A public appeal has been launched to protect the blackbird population following reports of a deadly virus decimating the animals People who have blackbirds in their gardens have been urged to take "immediate" action following reports that large numbers of the animals have fallen victim to a lethal virus. The Usutu virus, a mosquito-borne disease originally from southern Africa, was first detected in the UK in 2020 and has been affecting the blackbird population in southern England, with cases reaching as far north as Cambridgeshire. The virus, which made its way into Europe 30 years ago and was responsible for many blackbird deaths there, was also linked to a 40 per cent plunge in the blackbird population in Greater London, according to Bird Guides. Usutu is said to cause minimal risk to humans. The alarming rate of death has sparked concern among conservationists, with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) urging people with gardens and blackbirds to participate in a special survey to determine the scale of the impact and provide necessary assistance. Dr Arran Folly, a senior research scientist at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), has voiced concerns about the persistent nature of the virus, warning that it could be a precursor to other mosquito-transmitted diseases arriving in the UK. He warned: "It gives an indication that in the future we might get other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes emerging in the UK." Attributed to climate change, mosquito populations are expanding due to rising temperatures, longer summers, and more intense rainfall – creating ideal conditions for both the insects and their pathogens to thrive in previously inhospitable areas. As well as the public appeal to help monitor and report any blackbird sightings, researchers from the BTO and APHA are joining forces to investigate the effects of the Usutu virus on native bird species, reports Devon Live. A BTO spokesman said: "Blackbirds are currently nesting and are a common sight in gardens and parks. With public help, we can better track population trends and the virus's impact." While blackbird numbers remain stable in rural and northern regions, the unpredictable nature of the virus calls for continuous observation. The combined efforts of APHA and BTO are crucial for gathering essential data to shape conservation tactics and prepare for potential future diseases. The BTO added: "We are trying to better understand the extent and spread of Usutu virus and what the potential impacts of the virus might be on Blackbirds. In particular, as Blackbird numbers were already decreasing in London, a large urban area, we want to know if anything similar is happening in other urban areas, or whether these changes are specific to the capital, and how this compares to smaller urban and more rural areas." How will Blackbirds in Gardens help? The BTO is conducting a survey to gain insight into the potential for disease transmission by blackbirds in gardens. The study aims to determine how the number of birds gathering together in gardens affects the transmission of diseases. Furthermore, it will examine how blackbirds utilise different types of gardens and their success in raising young, particularly in varying levels of urbanisation, from rural to urban gardens. According to the BTO: "Although largely harmless to humans, this is the first time in modern history that a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis (a disease which can be transmitted from animals to humans) has emerged in wild animal hosts in the UK but, with changing climates, more may occur in the future." The survey is part of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, a broader partnership project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The project aims to understand the emergence and transmission of mosquito-borne viruses in the UK, which are expected to increase with climate change. The BTO stated: "The project will improve understanding of how these viruses emerge in new environments, enhance surveillance of diseases in wild birds in the UK and develop an early warning system for disease outbreaks." In order to take part in the survey, you will need to create a 'My BTO' account, which you can do so by clicking here and selecting 'Register'. Once that's done, click here to go to the survey.
