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New guide advises farmers on liver fluke
Experts develop 10 top tips for preventing cattle disease

A new guide has been developed to offer farmers 10 top tips for preventing liver fluke disease in cattle, in light of concerns over anthelmintic resistance and evidence to suggest prevalence of infection has risen considerably in recent years.

The guide has been developed by the industry group, Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) with input from the Moredun Research Institute and other partners.

Farmers are urged to identify the risk of fluke on their farms and ensure that they treat it properly, avoiding resistance.

The one-page fact sheet developed by COWS can be viewed and downloaded free of charge and recommends the following 10 steps to farmers:

1.    Identify high risk grazing areas of fluke
2.    Ask for abattoir feedback on any liver rejections
3.    Investigate fluke related losses in sheep
4.    Treat your cattle using the most appropriate drug, most suitable for time of year and the age/types of cattle involved
5.    Always administer anthelmintics effectively (refer to COWS and SCOPS guidelines)
6.    Consider if you need to reduce pasture contamination levels in spring/summer
7.    Remember to repeat the treatment if necessary
8.    Have an effective control plan for cattle that reduces the risk of drug resistance
9.    Institute quarantine measures on all incoming stock
10.  Be Prepared

Professor Jacqui Matthews, deputy director of Moredun Research Institute and steering panel member for COWS, commented: “The COWS industry group has produced some excellent information to help farmers prevent production losses in their animals due to liver fluke.

"Moredun is delighted to be working with COWS and its partners and circulate practical guidance for UK cattle farmers. It is imperative though that farmers continue to discuss liver fluke treatment choices with their vet or suitably qualified person (SQP) as part of their specific herd health plan."

Visit www.cattleparasites.org.uk to download the factsheet.

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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.