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African swine fever reaches Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is the latest country to be affected by the disease.
Country’s first case confirmed in wild boar

A wild boar found dead in the Czech Republic has tested positive for African swine fever (ASF), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed. It is the country’s first reported case.

Samples for ASF testing were collected from the animal, which was found in the village of elechovice in the Zlín region. The samples were sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute (Reference Laboratory), as part of the national ASF surveillance programme.

The source of the outbreak is currently unknown. Movement control has been implemented inside the country, in addition to surveillance within a containment and/or protection zone.

The Czech Republic is the latest country to be affected by the disease, which in recent years has been confirmed in Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and, in October, Moldova.

In the past month, the OIE has reported 11 cases in Poland and nine in the Ukraine, as well as cases in Lithuania, Russia and Moldova.

Responding to the latest outbreak, Zoe Davies, chief executive of the UK’s National Pig Association, said: "This is another concerning development in the spread of ASF in eastern Europe…

“Wild boar, which have played a major part in spreading the disease in eastern Europe and this highlights once again the need to ensure we have robust control measures in place to prevent our wild boar populations spreading out of control."

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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.