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Views sought on veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide
pig vet
Interested parties are being invited to provide written comment on proposals to withdraw veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide.
VMD invites opinion from interested parties

EU Member States are being invited to provide written comment on proposals to withdraw veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide.

In December 2016, the EMA’s Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) concluded that the benefit/risk ratio for veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide is negative and that this class of products should be withdrawn.

But following numerous appeals from across the EU, the CVMP has been requested to re-examine this conclusion, with a final announcement expected in March.

In light of this review, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate - which represents the CVMP in the UK - is now calling on interested parties to submit relevant evidence via their proforma.

Specifically, the VMD is looking for comments relating to:

    •    the impact of product withdrawal on pig health and welfare and/or pig productivity
    •    husbandry and/or production system changes that will be necessary to mitigate this impact, and the economic cost of these changes
    •    effective alternatives to zinc oxide, either currently available or in development

The deadline for submission of responses is 11.59pm on 21 February. Submissions should be concise, written in English and limited to 2000 words, excluding references.

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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.