According to a 2019-2020 survey on rodenticide resistance, 74% of rats analysed carried a resistance gene and of the total studied, one-in-five had two different resistance genes in widespread locations including County Durham, Yorkshire, Manchester and Merseyside.

Although no rats in Wales were found to have double resistance genes, previous studies have found single resistance in parts of Wales.

This is the first time in the UK that ‘hybrid resistance’ has been found on a significant scale due to the interbreeding of rats carrying two different types of resistance genes.

The FUW is urging all pest controllers, farmers and gamekeepers to maximise their knowledge and to make responsible fact-based decisions on pest control measures in line with the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) Code of best practice: https://www.thinkwildlife.org/code-of-best-practice/

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Farming Connect have postponed all open events until further notice. Instead, they will be holding a number of virtual webinars and activities for the time being.

More information and a full list of events can be found here on the Farming Connect website.

Defra webinars on exporting live animals or products of animal origin from GB to the EU and Export Health Certificates can now be rewatched online via YouTube using the following links:

• Exporting Live Animals from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Products of Animal Origin (POAO) from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Equines from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Composite Goods from Great Britain to the European Union
• Exporting Fish and Fishery Products for Human Consumption from Great Britain to the European Union

Further information can be viewed on the Defra website.

The University of Aberdeen, School of Psychology is inviting farmers to participate in a survey study designed to investigate thoughts and attitudes towards ATV riding and helmet wearing.

The survey includes questions about ATV regulations, your thoughts on ATV safety and the use of PPE such as helmets, and should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete.

Any farmer, farm worker or contractor over the age of 18 and who has experience of using ATVs for farming is welcome to participate.

To complete the survey and for more information, please click here.