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Cattle pre-movement test changes in Wales
cows
Cattle will be required to have a pre-movement test before they can be transported to or from their main holding.
Reminder on new arrangements from October 1

The Welsh government is reminding farmers in Wales that from tomorrow, Wednesday, October 1, cattle will be required to have a pre-movement test before they can be transported to or from their main holding as part of bovine TB control measures.

Deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans, reminded farmers that cattle moving within sole occupancy authorities (SOAs) will not have an automatic pre-movement testing (PrM) exemption.  However, an interim land association management (ILAM) arrangement has been established to help manage cattle movements between parcels of land that fall within an existing SOA.

An ILAM agreement allows herd keepers to move their animals without a PrM Test providing certain criteria are met and that the movements are within 10 miles of the main holding.

Rebecca Evans said; "Our comprehensive eradication programme, which has now been in place for more than five years, is based on solid evidence and includes annual testing of cattle, strict bio-security measures and movement control.

"The latest figures, that show the situation to the end of June this year, reveal the measures we have put in place have worked together to produce a 27 per cent decline in the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales as a result of bovine TB compared to the previous year.

"In addition, for the February to June 2014 period, the figures reveal that new incidents of the disease were at their lowest level since 2008.

"Since last November we have not been accepting new SOA applications. By ending automatic pre movement test exemptions within SOAs we are further reducing the risk of TB spreading across Wales by limiting the movement of untested cattle between two pieces of land that could be many miles apart.

"That kind of movement represents an unacceptable disease risk, which these new changes now deals with."

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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.