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Wiltshire lamb born without wool
Wool
Skippy's lack of wool is not a common condition.

Farmer fashions coat out of old fleece jacket 

A farmer in Wiltshire has come up with a novel way to keep a lamb warm that was born without any wool.

Sally-Ann Fisher from Chilton Foliat fashioned a fleece jacket out of an old jumper to keep the lamb warm at night.

Eleven-day-old Skippy, so called because he resembles a kangaroo, was abandoned by his mother.

Ms Fisher and her partner are now hand-rearing the lamb at their farm near Ramsbury.

Ms Fisher told the BBC that they were not aware that Skippy’s lack of wool was a condition or health problem.

“He’s just unlucky, but he’s doing great,” she said.

But Hannah Park from the National Sheep Association said that the condition was not common.

“Some breeds with less wool might be susceptible but it is extremely unusual and not something we would see,” she said. 

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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.