APHA
Out of hours APHA euthanising
If you should receive an out of hours request from APHA for euthanising, please ensure that you follow the euthanising instructions. If they have requested the use of captive bolt rather than lethal injection it is to protect wildlife, other animals e.g. pet dogs who may scavenge the carcass, and the general public, that may have access to the carcass before it has been collected.
If you cannot use the captive bolt then please ensure that APHA are advised at the time of the call.
ATT’s & AVS’s
Please can you ensure that you are informing your AVS’s of tests ready for signing off ESPECIALLY when the tests are nearing the end of their window.
We have had a few instances lately where farmers are placed under restrictions because the tests have not been submitted before the closing window.
AVS’s please ensure that you check you work basket at regular intervals to pick up any tests that may have sneaked in unaware.
BTV Report Cases
Bluetongue Sample Results
We have been made aware that several Official Veterinarians (OVs) have contacted VENDU requesting the results of samples submitted as part of bluetongue investigations.
Unfortunately, due to data protection requirements, APHA is only able to share these results directly with the registered owner of the animals.
Could you please ensure that any OVs who have queries are directed to the APHA Field Delivery Team via APHA.CymruWales@apha.gov.uk, rather than contacting VENDU.
Updated QA manuals
UK Farmcare have updated the QA manuals to reflect the altered requirement for spare needles. The spare needles requirement is now 10% of the animals to be tested but practically a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20.The QA manuals can be found below and on DEWIN
Royal Welsh Show
The RWAS will soon be with us. If you are visiting the show then please pop by to the WAOS stand at the side of the main ring, where you are welcome for a cup of tea and a chat.

