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UK farmers warned about bluetongue outbreaks
sheep
"There is quite strong evidence that with the outbreak in France - and the potential weather situation - it could move to the southern part of the UK in 2016."
NFU says outbreaks possible in 2016

Livestock farmers are being urged to prepare for the possibility of a bluetongue outbreak in the UK this year.

There have been recent outbreaks of serotype 8 (BTV-8) in the Allier region of central France. These are the first cases to be confirmed in the EU since 2011.

While Defra has said the risk to the UK is low, the National Farmers Union (NFU) is warning that factors including rising temperatures and wind direction could increase the threat over the coming months.

An unusually warm winter is believed to have facilitated the virus's spread in France.

At an NFU Council meeting, livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said the union is in talks with Defra and APHA about the likelihood of bluetongue reaching the UK, Farmers Weekly reports.

"There is quite strong evidence that with the outbreak in France - and the potential weather situation - it could move to the southern part of the UK in 2016," he is quoted as saying at a recent NFU Council meeting.

NFU is working to ensure the vaccine is available for UK farmers in time for spring. In previous outbreaks, Defra has subsidised the vaccine cost but it is likely that the industry will have to cover the costs this time, Mr Sercombe added.

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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.