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Should PED become a notifiable disease?
piglet
"The threat posed to the health of Scottish pig herds by PED is substantial".

Scottish government launches new consultation
 
Views are being sought on whether to make porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED) a notifiable disease in Scotland.

If the proposals go ahead there will be a legal requirement to report suspected cases of PED to the relevant authority. In this case, the authority will be Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), through the new Scottish Pig Disease Control Centre.

PED is caused by a virus that spreads rapidly and is easily transmitted through indirect contact. A new, highly pathogenic strain was discovered in China in 2012. It has a mortality rate of 80-100 per cent in piglets.

Announcing the consultation, Scotland's rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead, said: "Scotland’s pig industry, which was worth £95 million to our economy last year, is understandably concerned about a new virulent strain of PED that has been seen in pig herds in China, North America and, more recently, in the Ukraine.

"Although there have been no reports of this strain in the EU, there are other strains circulating within the EU pig herd that could also have potentially serious consequences."

The Scottish government has launched a six-week consultation following requests from the pig industry. The move has been welcomed by numerous organisations including QMS, SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, BVA Scottish Branch and National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland.

It is hoped that making PED notifiable will help to prevent and control a potentially devastating disease.

"The threat posed to the health of Scottish pig herds by PED is substantial and infection would be a devastating blow to the sector," said Kevin Gilbert, who chairs NFU Scotland's pigs committee. "Were it to arrive, then speed is everything in disease control and in reducing the health, welfare and economic impact of a virus like PED."

All those with an interest in pigs and pig health are being urged to take part in the consultation. Brian Hosie, head of SAC, said: "The heavy mortality in piglets caused by this virus has had a serious impact on animal welfare and the viability of the pig industry in many countries.

"We welcome the proposal to make PED notifiable so that there is a legal requirement for anyone to report suspicion of the disease. This is an essential component of the contingency plan drawn up with Scottish producers."

To access the consultation visit: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/animal-welfare/specified-diseases/

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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.