Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Pig health scheme is extended for a year
BPEX has extended its Pig Health Scheme for a year while a replacement Food Standards Agency scheme is devised.
BPEX has extended its Pig Health Scheme for a year while a replacement Food Standards Agency scheme is devised.

Decision while Food Standards Agency works on replacement scheme

A health scheme that provides disease data on slaughtered pigs, is to be extended for a further year, it has been announced.

The announcement by BPEX, part of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development board, follows a meeting by its board on January 15.

The board had already extended the BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) by three months to the end of March at its meeting in November.

The scheme will now be extended until March 31 next year.
The decision, it said, would allow time for BPEX to continue its work with the Food Standards Agency and abattoirs on a replacement scheme.

The Collection and Communication of Inspection Results (CCIR) scheme is being devised to provide a similar quality of post mortem pig data as is delivered currently by the BPHS veterinary assessment.

The data from slaughtered pigs provides valuable information for both veterinary surgeons and farmers on how best to manage pig diseases and improve carcass quality.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.