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Welsh minister clamps down on late TB tests
Image cows
New penalties for farmers who are late getting their cattle tested

As part of the fight against bovine TB in Wales, minister for natural resources Alun Davies has tightened up on farmers who are late getting their cattle TB tested.

Cattle farmers in Wales are required to get their cattle tested for TB every 12 months, as part of the country's eradication programme.

In addition to this, Mr Davies has introduced penalties of 1 per cent of the common agricultural payments (CAP) for cattle keepers who are between one day and three months late for their test.

According to an announcement by the Welsh government, this penalty is in addition to those for farmers who are found to be between three and 12 months late for their TB test at cross-compliance inspection. The penalty for this is 3 per cent of their CAP, increasing to 5 per cent of their payment if they are more than 12 months late.

Commenting, Alun Davies said: "We are committed to ridding Wales of bovine TB and an important element of our eradication programme is identifying the disease quickly through regular testing.

"The vast majority of farmers in Wales already comply with annual TB testing and arrange their tests in good time. However, a small minority do not and this undermines our eradication programme and increases the risk of TB.
"That is why I have introduced this additional penalty that applies to all late TB tests from 1 January 2014."

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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.