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New workshops to help farmers in bTB battle
cow
"England has the highest incidence of bovine TB in Europe and it is vital we pursue our comprehensive strategy to beat the disease to protect the livelihoods of our beef and dairy farmers."
On-farm biosecurity sessions to kick off this month

A series of free, on-farm bovine TB workshops is set to begin this month, Defra has announced.

The sessions will include classroom teaching on the bTB situation in England, control measures, transmission routes and epidemiology. Badger ecology, risk-based training and how to reduce the risk of cattle-to-cattle and badger-to-cattle transmission will also be included.

Following this, participants will be able to apply the knowledge they have gained during an interactive farm walk visiting work stations.

The government's chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: "Biosecurity is a key part of the government’s 25-year plan to eradicate bovine TB in England and I would encourage farmers who can to sign up for one of these events, which are a great opportunity to hear about measures farmers can take to improve their on-farm biosecurity and build the resilience of their businesses.
 
"England has the highest incidence of bovine TB in Europe and it is vital we pursue our comprehensive strategy to beat the disease to protect the livelihoods of our beef and dairy farmers.
 
"Farmers can also access practical guidance to help protect their herds from bovine TB on the TB Hub, which brings together advice on biosecurity from government, farming experts and leading vets in one place."

The first workshop takes place in Shropshire next week (15 November) at Harper Adams University. A further 15 UK events will follow in the coming months.

For further information visit: http://www.farmskills.co.uk/tb-biosecurity-workshops/

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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.