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Farmers call for ‘decisive action’ on bTB
Vet with cow
In Pembrokeshire, 2,652 cattle were slaughtered in the 12 months up to the end of May due to bovine TB.

NFU urges Welsh Government to review TB strategy

As new figures show a huge rise in the number of cattle slaughtered due to Bovine TB, farmers are calling on the Welsh Government to take ‘decisive action’ to eradicate the disease.

The latest government statistics show a 37 per cent year-on-year increase in the total number of animals slaughtered in Wales due to bovine TB.

In Pembrokeshire 2,652 cattle were slaughtered in the 12 months up to the end of May - a 61 per cent increase on the previous year.

Speaking at the Pembrokeshire Country Show (16 August), local dairy farmer and NFU Cymru President Stephen James called on the Welsh Government to review the current TB action plan.

He said that while cattle measures and biosecurity have a vital role to play in a TB eradication plan, experience from across the globe shows it must also include a strategy for coping with the disease in wildlife.

“Farmers in Pembrokeshire and across the whole of Wales are playing their part in bearing down on the disease but the reservoir of infection that exists in wildlife still hasn’t been confronted,” said local dairy farmer and NFY Cymru President, Stephen James.

“We now look to this new Welsh Government to look again at the current TB strategy. If we are to eradicate Bovine TB in Wales then this Government has to support the implementation of a policy that will actively remove the disease from the wildlife population in areas of Wales where both cattle and badgers are suffering.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said that in the coming weeks they will be reviewing options for a 'refreshed' TB programme in Wales.

“We remain committed to delivering a programme based on sound scientific evidence. We fully intend to continue to tackle all sources of infection in the most appropriate way to address the TB situation in Wales," said the spokesperson.
 
“Over the coming weeks, the Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary with be considering options for a refreshed TB programme in Wales. As part of that, she will be considering the wildlife issue alongside new cattle and biosecurity measures. It is clear from the epidemiological evidence presented to date that we should be exploring a more targeted approach at farm and area level.”

 

 

 

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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.