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Persistent bTB herds to benefit from new approach
Image cows
The new approach aims to boost support for farmers working toward OTF status.
AHVLA to provide enhanced management to support farmers

The AHVLA has announced that herds suffering long-term bovine TB (bTB) breakdowns in England and Wales will now be considered for a more tailored and hands-on management approach.

As of February 3, enhanced case management procedures became available for herd owners seeing breakdowns lasting longer than 18 months.

The move is aimed at helping farmers to regain their officially TB-free (OTF) status as quickly as possible, whilst lowering the risk of future breakdowns. This follows feedback from stakeholders that a more proactive approach was needed.

Each case will be assigned AHVLA veterinary officers, who will consider a number of factors when determining a suitable management approach.

Herds may be selected for enhanced case management based on several issues, including the length of breakdown, number of reactors and compensation costs, results of post mortem examinations and herd size and dynamics, including movement volumes.

According to the AHVLA, official veterinarians will be consulted for local knowledge and herd health problems that may be of importance. In addition, they will be invited to an on-farm meeting, for which they will receive payment.

The agency says the changes aim to boost support for farmers working toward OTF status, to identify and deal with the cause of persistent infection and to gain knowledge to improve the management of future breakdowns.

The new management approach will be assessed using farmer questionnaires, internal case review, pairing herds for epidemiological comparison and quantitative measures (particularly to determine cost savings).

For further information, view the AHVLA 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.