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Scotland and NI achieve lowest risk level for BSE
The new risk status was described as a ‘significant achievement’ for both countries.
Negligible risk status ‘a significant achievement’

Scotland and Northern Ireland have achieved ‘negligible risk’ status for bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE).

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has recognised that the official BSE risk status for both countries is at the safest level, a decision that will help to open access to new markets for exports.

There have been no BSE cases in Scotland since 2009, and no cases in Northern Ireland since 2012. England and Wales continue to be recognised as having ‘controlled risk’ status for BSE.

The new risk status was described as a ‘significant achievement’ for both countries, and the result of tireless efforts by all those involved.

Frank Clark, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, said: “Scotland has lived with BSE since 1986 and the farming and meat industries have made massive efforts to manage and eradicate the disease.

“Today’s decision frees our industry to make full commercial use of Scotland’s high health status on behalf of producers, processors and wholesalers, opening the door to fresh marketing opportunities around the world.”

Responding to the news, BVA president Gudrun Ravetz said it is a testament to the years of hard work and collaboration between the respective governments, farmers, industry and vets, who are pivotal to the success of any disease control programme.

“We must of course continue to work together keep up high standards of biosecurity and surveillance in order to safeguard animal health, which is vital to both countries’ economies,” she added.
 
“This is excellent news for Scotland and Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry, especially as we look ahead at the trade deals which will need to be forged in the coming year or two, further demonstrating that our beef is produced to a high quality and standard of animal health for consumers in the UK and across the world.”
 

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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.