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New bovine TB campaign revealed
cattle farm
In low risk areas of the country, it is estimated that 50 per cent of new TB breakdowns are caused by purchased animals.
Info hub launched to help farmers and vets tackle TB
 
Farming minister George Eustice has unveiled a new campaign to tackle bovine TB, which includes an information hub for farmers and vets, as well as a five point biosecurity plan.

A single website - www.TBhub.co.uk - will now hold all bovine TB advice from the government, leading vets, farming experts and agricultural colleges.

The site covers everything from biosecurity measures to understanding trading rules. It aims to be the 'go to' place for beef and dairy farmers to find information on dealing with TB on their farms.

Mr Eustice also announced a new Bovine TB Biosecurity Five Point Plan, which aims to improve disease prevention on farm and in the trade.

The five points of the plan are:
  1. Restrict contact between badgers & cattle
  2. Manage cattle feed and water
  3. Stop infected cattle entering the herd
  4. Reduce risk from neighbouring herds
  5. Minimise infection from cattle manure

In England last year, more than 3,000 farms were affected by new TB breakdowns. Each breakdown is estimated to cost the farmer more than £10,000, and the taxpayer around £20,000. In low risk areas of the country, 50 per cent of breakdowns are said to be caused by purchased animals.

Mr Eustice commented: "There are simple and practical ways for farmers to reduce risk to their herds and neighbouring businesses from bovine TB which are set out in this new action plan approved by vets and farming experts."

By the end of this month, posters featuring the five-point plan will be on display in vet surgeries, cattle auction marts and the offices of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Copies will also be sent out to farmers around the country and regular surveys will be carried out to track progress.

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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.