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Dairy market sinks to eight year low
Milk
"While we have been obsessing about the machinations of the GDT, the UK market returns have sunk to an eight year low."
MPE drops to 24.3ppl

The UK dairy market has fallen to an eight year low, according to an industry indicator.

Nick Holt-Martyn of The Dairy Group said: "While we have been obsessing about the machinations of the GDT, the UK market returns have sunk to an eight year low.

"The Market Price Equivalent has dropped to 24.3ppl, the lowest since May 2007. Previous lows were 26.9 ppl in April 2012 an 26.1 ppl in May 2009."

A comparison table of market returns from May 2007 with May 2015 reveals that liquid returns are unchanged, with butter and cheddar higher.

However, commodities are very much behind the returns of eight years ago.  The Dairy Group says the significance of this is that commodities were less influential on domestic prices in 2007 compared to cheddar or liquid. Now, partly through GDT, global prices, and transparency in domestic returns, commodities are much more influential.

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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.