Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th April 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Scotland introduces new BVD 'positive’ herd status
Cows
BVD is on of the most important diseases of cattle in terms of economic cost and welfare.

Status applies to herds that have a persistently infected animal

Scotland is to introduce a new ‘positive’ status to make the new Bovine Diarrhoea (BDV) eradication programme easier for farmers to understand.

According to Farmers Weekly, the Scottish government is adding the new status on 10 April to highlight that herds pose a higher BVD risk for those buying or transporting cattle, than “negative” and “non-negative" herds.

The ‘positive’ status will only apply to herds that have a live persistently infected animal. The herd will revert back to the current “non-negative” status once this animal has been removed.

Commenting, rural secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Eradicating BVD is an important step for the industry. Controlling the disease is centred on the identification of persistently infected animals and the timely removal of these animals from the herd.

"Such control measures are estimated to save the industry between £50-80 million over a ten year period."

He added that BVD is one of the most important diseases of cattle in terms of economic cost and welfare.

"That is why the cattle industry in Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government, remains determined to eradicate this disease from our herds,” he said.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.