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BVA welcomes abolition of brucellosis pre-export testing
Cows
Pre-export testing for brucellosis in Northern Ireland will be abolished from February 2016.
Testing will be abolished in Northern Ireland from February 

News that pre-export testing for brucellosis in Northern Ireland will be abolished from February 2016 has been welcomed by the BVA.

The latest easing in restrictions follows the EU declaration in October 2015 that Northern Ireland is Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) and means that breeding cattle over the age of 12 months will no longer require a pre-export brucellosis test.

Simon Doherty President of BVA Northern Ireland Branch said: “Today’s announcement is another important step forward in ridding Northern Ireland of brucellosis, and ongoing compliance with surveillance measures and biosecurity advice remains vital.

“Brucellosis testing will continue for the five years required, and we encourage farmers to fulfil their obligation to report any late-term abortion and deaths of calves within 24 hours of birth to their local DARD divisionary office. This continued vigilance, based on the precautionary principle, will facilitate appropriate follow-up and help ensure Northern Ireland remains Officially Brucellosis Free.”

Brucellosis is a highly contagious cattle disease that is characterised by abortions in cattle and can be transferred to humans with serious consequences for human health.

OBF status was granted in the Official Journal of the EU on 6 October 2015. It is almost four years since the last confirmed case of the disease, and over six years since the south obtained Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status.  However, brucellosis testing must continue for five years after OBF status is granted to ensure continuing disease freedom and to meet trade requirements.

Announcing the news, agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill said: "The benefits of OBF status are now being reaped by farmers. We are in a position where the major savings for industry, taxpayers and DARD through the gradual dismantling of the brucellosis scheme are currently being appreciated."

Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Robert Huey, recommended the change and pointed out that industry’s ongoing compliance with surveillance measures and biosecurity advice was necessary.

He said: "The ending of pre-export testing to Britain and EU Member States is good news for farmers. However, while we are abolishing pre-export testing and have significantly reduced the levels of other routine testing, we must not relax our attitude to the reporting of abortions or any suspicion of brucellosis.

“It is very important that we continue to stay free of this devastating disease. Farmers should aim to achieve excellent biosecurity standards and so protect both human and animal health."

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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.