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Farmers to receive bespoke TB advice
Cows in field
Farmers will have the option of receiving a farm visit from a vet.
Service forms part of a comprehensive strategy to beat TB in England

Cattle farmers within licensed badger cull areas will be offered bespoke veterinary advice on how to reduce the risk of bovine TB on their farms, Defra has announced.

Over the next two years, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will offer the service to all farmers within the cull areas as part of a comprehensive strategy to beat the disease in England.

Defra say that the service will help farmers to strengthen their TB prevention measures to the highest practical levels, complementing other measures in place within Somerset and Gloucestershire, such as the badger cull license, annual TB testing, and the existing cattle movement controls.

Farming minister George Eustice said: "This new service is part of our comprehensive strategy to beat bovine TB and will provide farmers with expert advice on how they can reduce the risk of the disease affecting their farm."

A summary of the local levels of TB this month will be sent to cattle keepers within the cull areas, with a description of known causes and risk factors.

APHA will provide farmers with customised reports for each of their holdings, showing the number of incidents of TB recorded over the last five years, the cattle movement history and other risk-related information.

Farmers will also have the option of receiving a farm visit from a vet, who will discuss the report and provide bespoke advice and guidance on preventing 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.