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Latest figures for bovine TB
cow
A total of 23,876 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered between January and September 2014.
Short-term fall in UK incidence rate

The Animal Health and Plant Agency (AHPA) has released updated figures on the incidence of bovine TB in cattle in Great Britain.

According to figures released yesterday (December 10), there was a fall in new herd incidents and compulsory slaughters between January and September this year. However, Defra says these figures should be considered in the context of long-term trends. Further revisions of the TB incidence rates are possible as more data is gathered.

Key figures
  • There were 3,373 new herd incidents between January and September 2014, compared to 3,491 in the same period last year.
  • A total of 23,876 cattle were compulsorily slaughtered as reactors or direct contacts, compared to 24,616 in 2013.
  • There were 56,904 tests on officially TB free herds, compared to 52,631 last year.
  • Provisional incidence rate for January to September this year was 4.0 per cent. In the same period last year, the figure was 4.4 per cent.

However, Defra has warned against putting too much emphasis on short-term figures. Overall, there has been an upward trend in bTB figures since 1996.

Bovine TB has a serious impact on the food and farming industries. In 2012, the cost of a herd breakdown in high risk parts of England was estimated to be £14,000 for the farmer and £20,000 for the government.

For the full report, visit the AHPA's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/incidence-of-tuberculosis-tb-in-cattle-in-great-britain

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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.