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New IBR vaccine launched
Extended control options now available for disease

MSD Animal Health has launched an inactivated marker vaccine to extend the control options available to vets for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR).

The new vaccine, called Bovilis IBR Marker Inac, is hoped to offer greater simplicity and flexibility to vets when treating herds.

It belongs to an IBR range by the company, and is designed to complement the Bovilis IBR Marker Live vaccination.

Drew McGurren, MSD's ruminant veterinary adviser, suggested that farmers can now start IBR vaccination of their cattle from three months of age with a single-shot primary course of Bovilis IBR marker Live, followed by boosters every six months using a single dose of either Bovilis IBR Marker Live or Bovilis IBR Marker Inac.

"Alternatively, Bovilis IBR Marker Inac can be administered to cattle from three months of age as a primary course of two injections four weeks apart," he said. "The programme then follows a six-monthly single-dose booster regime."

Both primary course and boosters can by administered by the same intramuscular route. The new vaccine is a prescription-only medicine (POM-V) and is available in 10 and 50 dose vials from wholesalers.

"The availability of Bovillis IBR Marker Inac provides a simple control option in defined farm situations, not least where an alternative to the live vaccine is preferred or required," continued Mr McGurren.

"Overall, we see this development adding convenience, ease of use and flexibility for veterinary surgeons as they work with their clients to control a significant disease threat in dairy and beef cattle in the UK."

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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.