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AWF invites research proposals
Grant process opens for sheep, cattle and horse research

The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) is calling for research proposals as it opens up its grant process for the Norman Hayward Fund.

The fund provides grants for research on the disease and welfare of cattle, horses and sheep. Over the past six years it has awarded more than £1million to veterinary research projects across the UK, ranging from £42,000 to £159,000 on individual projects.

Tiffany Hemming, AWF chairman, said: "AWF is keen to support research that we can see will make a practical difference to animal welfare in a relatively short time period.

"We also pay particular attention to applicants' communication plans. We want to be clear how the key messages from our research will be disseminated to the target audience – this is critical to achieving practical improvements in animal welfare."

The application process takes part in two stages and is open to both academic and practice-based researchers.

First, applicants must submit a Project Overview Form, which gives a brief outline of the nature and scope of the project. These will then be assessed by trustees, who will decide which applicants may submit a full grant application.

The closing date for applications is September 27. For further information about the grants or to apply, visit the AWF website.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.