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bTB incidence falls by 35 per cent in Welsh IAA
Over 95 per cent of herds in Wales are now TB free.
New figures welcomed by the Welsh government

Bovine TB incidence in the intensive action area (IAA) of Wales has fallen by 35 per cent since it was established in 2010, according to a new report.

The IAA was established in North Pembrokeshire as an area where increased measures would be used to tackle the sources of bTB, including stricter cattle controls, improved biosecurity, badger vaccination and testing of all goats and camelids.

Although the approach had not been tried before, figures in the new report show the disease situation is improving more rapidly in the IAA than a nearby comparison area, where TB incidence fell by 23 per cent during the same time period.

The proportion of herds under restriction for bTB in the IAA also fell to 14.3 per cent, from 22.3 per cent in 2010.

Commenting on the report, Welsh cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths said: “Today’s report is encouraging and shows, over time, all the measures used in the IAA have had a positive impact on the disease. This is further evidence our approach to reducing the incidence of TB is working, with numbers of new incidents now at their lowest in 12 years.”

Over 95 per cent of herds in Wales are now TB free and the proportion of herds with TB has reduced by over a quarter since 2008.

According to the government, the report also underlines the fact that a recent rise in cattle slaughtered due to TB in Wales is not down to a worsening of the disease situation. Instead, this is largely the result of increasing use of the more sensitive gamma interferon blood test and more severe interpretation of the skin test. For the most part the increase is only being seen in areas that carry out the most gamma testing.

Late last year, a consultation was held on the next steps for Wales’ eradication programme. Many of the responses, including a report from a National Assembly committee, agreed that a more regional approach is needed to build on the progress made and accelerate the process of becoming TB free.

Ms Griffiths said she will make a statement on the future of the eradication programme next month.

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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.