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Calls for cattle TB test before movement to Wales
cow
The TB eradication programme in Wales aims to prevent the spread of disease through movement of cattle.
Deputy minister says current arrangements could pose a threat to Welsh farmers

The Welsh deputy minister for agriculture and fisheries has called for cattle being transported from England to Wales to be tested for TB to help control the spread of the disease.

Deputy minister Rebecca Evans has written to Defra secretary of state Liz Truss  claiming current bovine TB pre-movement testing arrangements in England could be posing a risk to farmers in Wales.

The letter highlights that Welsh farmers are concerned about the movement of non tested cattle from England and asks for the removal of a pre-movement testing exemption for those cattle tested every three to four years.

Rebecca Evans said: "All herds in Wales are subject to an annual bovine TB test but, as things stand currently, a considerable number of herds in low risk areas in England are only tested once every four years. While I appreciate the testing regime in England has been designed to reflect the local disease picture, it does mean that cattle can potentially be moved from England into Wales without ever having been tested for TB.

"One of the primary aims of our Welsh TB Eradication Programme is to prevent the disease spreading through cattle movement. Our increased testing regime means that where there is disease we are able to find it early and take decisive action to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Allowing animals which may not have been tested to move into Wales poses a risk to disease control and could potentially undermine our efforts to eradicate this devastating disease.

"Welsh farmers seeking to buy cattle from England have significant power as purchasers, and they can help by making it clear that they are only interested in buying cattle from England which has been pre-movement tested."

 The letter was prompted by a case earlier this year where cattle moved from Cumbria to numerous premises in the UK subsequently tested positive for bovine TB. 

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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.