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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th March 2016
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New guidelines to prevent pig tail docking
pig
Under the new recommendation, enrichment materials are classified as 'optimal', 'suboptimal' and 'of marginal interest'.
Farmers advised to carry out risk assessments

The European Commission (EC) has published new best practice guidelines to help reduce the need for tail docking in pigs.

The practice of tail docking is carried out to prevent tail biting - an abnormal behaviour with multi-factorial causes.

EU legislation requires member countries to ensure tail docking is not carried out routinely, but only when there is evidence of injuries to sows' teats or other pigs' ears or tails. British producers are required to reduce the need to tail dock by making adjustments to the environment and husbandry.

The recommendation has been released at the same time as a paper on best practice in providing enrichment materials to prevent tail biting.

Both papers have been produced in response to a drive by animal welfare organisations to ensure member states adhere to pig welfare rules. There are also concerns that husbandry systems differ between member states, meaning there is a need for best practice advice.

Under the new recommendation, enrichment materials are classified as 'optimal', 'suboptimal' and 'of marginal interest'. Suboptimal materials should be used in combination with other materials, while those of marginal interest are likely to provide distraction for pigs, but must be used with optimal or suboptimal materials.

Farmers should carry out a tail biting risk assessment, according to the recommendation. This should take into account: enrichment materials provided, cleanliness, thermal comfort and air quality, health status, competition for food and space and diet.

Based on this assessment, farmers should consider making any relevant changes, such as providing enrichment materials, comfortable environmental conditions, assuring good health status and/or providing a balanced diet.

The UK's National Pig Association says it will discuss the paper with Defra to ensure the government's response takes into account the multifactorial causes of tail-biting.

For more information, see: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016H0336

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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.