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Scotland to apply for upgrade in BSE status
cow
Scotland has been BSE-free since 2009 and has had no cases in animals born since 2005.

'Negligible risk' status could create new export opportunities

Scotland's rural economy secretary, Fergus Ewing, has unveiled the government's plans to apply for BSE negligible risk status.

The upgrade in status could bring new export opportunities for Scottish producers, Mr Ewing said, as he made the announcement at the Royal Highland Show.

"Our premium produce is world-renowned but there are countries to which we are currently unable to export Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb," he said.

"Achieving BSE negligible risk status could help open up markets across the world for these premium products, and potentially reduce waste and inefficiencies in the supply chain worth more than a million pounds."

Scotland has been BSE-free since 2009 and has had no cases in animals born since 2005.

Countries or regions are required to adhere to strict requirements before they can apply for the change in status, and at least 11 years must have passed since the birth of an animal with BSE.

Mr Ewing continued: "If Scotland were to successfully apply for and be upgraded to BSE Negligible Risk status, we could be the first region in the world to do so."

The Scottish government will formally consult on its plans this summer.

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk