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More time needed to consider TB testing contracts
cows
One of the biggest concerns raised by practices is the short time frame in which to consider the impact of the new contracts.
Practices have raised a number of questions about the new process

Veterinary practices have not been given enough time to consider the impact that new TB testing contracts will have on their businesses, say veterinary associations.

New bovine TB testing contracts were awarded to five delivery partners in February and, earlier this month, those businesses sent contracts to veterinary practices who may be potential sub-contractors.

The deadline for signing these contracts was 24 April and the start date for the contracts is 1 May. This has left practices with just a few days to make decisions that could have a major impact on their businesses, according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).

Members of the organisations have raised a number of concerns about the contracts but the short time frame has left only a small window for obtaining the answers to their questions.

In a letter to Defra's secretary of state, Liz Truss, BVA and BCVA called for the deadline to be extended to the end of May, with a start date of 1 June. The associations said they are also in touch with the delivery partners and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to obtain answers to their members' questions and address specific concerns.

BVA's president John Blackwell said: "The move to tendering for TB testing and other official veterinarian services has caused a significant amount of anxiety for some of our members.
 
"One of the biggest concerns we are hearing from members is that they have not been given enough time to consider the impact of the new contract on their practice and that they need more time to properly scrutinise the detail and obtain answers to their questions."

BVA opposed the decision to tender for delivery partners to manage and monitor TB testing work. Prior to the new system, testing was done by private vets who were trained, appointed and paid by the APHA.

Mr Blackwell said: "We have consistently warned Defra that the move to tendering must not simply be a cost cutting exercise, because the UK’s network of veterinary practices, which is vital for spotting and dealing with animal disease, is at stake."

It is now essential that the government works alongside the delivery partners and veterinary practices to ensure TB testing can be carried out effectively, he added.

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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.