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Red Tractor vets must be PVS members from October
pig with vet
The change has been announced as part of the scheme’s standards review.
Changes announced as part of standards review
 
Veterinary surgeons registered under the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme for pigs must be members of the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS) from 1 October.

The change has been announced as part of the scheme’s standards review. Previously, this was only a requirement for vets carrying out Real Welfare assessments.

Other changes in the review relate to the responsible use of antibiotics. A number of animal medicines standards have also been strengthened.

One new standard requires vets to declare that they only prescribe antibiotics for use on Red Tractor pig units in line with the PVS Prescribing Principles for Antimicrobials.

Joanna King, Red Tractor’s technical manager, is quoted by Pig World as saying: “Ensuring every Red Tractor registered vet is a PVS member will help keep them abreast of the most recent version of the Prescribing Principles, along with other guidelines and publications.”

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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.