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Liz Truss remains as Defra secretary
Liz Truss
Elizabeth Truss has been re-appointed to Defra as environment secretary.

Joined by George Eustice and Rory Stewart

Elizabeth Truss has returned to Defra after being re-appointed as secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

Elizabeth will be leading work to promote the UK's food and farming sector, improve the environment and champion the environment.

Commenting on her re-appointment, Elizabeth said:  "It is a privilege to serve in this Government and I am delighted to be returning as environment secretary.

"Growing the rural economy, delivering for our food and farming sector, helping our rural communities continue to thrive and ensuring the protection of our natural environment will be my priorities and I look forward to getting to work as soon as possible."

Joining Elizabeth will be George Eustice MP, who has been re-appointed as minister of state.

Mr Eustice was elected as the Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth in 2010.

Coming from a farming background, his family run a fruit farm restaurant and farm shop in Cornwall.

They also have a herd of South Devon cattle and the country’s oldest herd of the rare breed of pig, the British Lop.

His family have shown a keen interest in educating children about farming and have opened their farm to 3000 schoolchildren a year.

They will be joined by Rory Stewart MP, who has become the Parliamentary undersecretary of state at Defra.

Rory was elected the Conservative MP for Penrith and The Border in May 2010.

Image (C) Defra

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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.