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Over 2000 farm animals feared dead in flooding
Sheep
Thousands of livestock are feared to have died in the floods caused by Storm Desmond earlier this month.
Charity calls for donations of fodder and feed

Thousands of livestock are feared to have died in the floods caused by Storm Desmond earlier this month.

Farmers Weekly say that latest estimates from the Fallen Stock Company show that around 2000 sheep and 100 cattle perished in the flood water.

The news comes as Forage Aid, a charity which supplied emergency livestock feed and bedding to farmers hit by the storm, repeated its call for fodder and feed.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Forage Aid founder Andrew Ward said: “It is very bad in places – there are many more animal fatalities than many people envisaged.

“Thousands of sheep have died or are missing – a lot of people I have spoken to believe they have been washed out into the Irish Sea.”

The charity say that they have received 200 pledges from farmers wanting donate forage, with nine livestock markets in Cumbria signed up as distribution depots for supplies.

However, they add that farmers wanting to donate supplied should do so through the Forage Aid website, and not turn up at the depots unannounced.  

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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.