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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th February 2015
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Sheep industry agrees proposal on carcase splitting
Sheep
Domestic regulation in the UK requires carcases to be split for the removal of the spinal cord.
A calendar date will now be used to determine a sheep's age

Sheep industry leaders have agreed a proposal that will free lamb producers of having to implement inefficient and expensive EU regulations.

Over 30 representatives from the sheep sector and UK governments met following calls from the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the National Sheep Association (NSA).

Both organisations have been pushing for reform of the EU rules on TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) and carcase splitting as they believe that more immediate gains can be made by changing the UK implementation of the rules.

Changes would see a switch from 'mouthing' of sheep to determine age, to a calendar date of June 30, which is already used for sheep identification purposes.

Charles Sercombe, NFU Livestock Board Chairman, said: “Carcase splitting costs our industry a huge amount of money, not just through devaluing the carcase but also time spent mouthing sheep in markets and abattoirs. It causes a great deal of uncertainty for farmers, auctioneers, processors and retailers. While we strongly believe the practice of splitting carcases is not necessary at all, an immediate improvement could be made by revisiting the way we decide whether carcases are split.”

Explaining the changes, Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, said: “It is impossible to record individual birth dates for all lambs born, so this calendar date provides a clear cut-off that farmers can work to. Using this same calendar date for deciding when carcases are split will remove a great deal of confusion from the food chain.”

Current EU regulation on TSEs requires the spinal cord to be removed from sheep over 12 months of age, or which have one permanent incisor erupted through the gum.

Domestic regulation in the UK requires carcases to be split for the removal of the spinal cord. This is an interpretation of the larger EU ruling, and currently uses the mouthing of sheep as the mechanism to determine which carcases should be split.

The proposal is supported by organisations such as Eblex, The Sheep Veterinary Society and  the British Meat Processors Association, amongst many more.

Defra, the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DARD also welcome the initiative, as well as the Food Standards Agency in all four nations.  

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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.