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: 14th August 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

bTB outbreak confirmed on Skye
Last year there were 11 new cases of bovine TB in Scotland, which met the requirement for another year of OTF status.
Such cases ‘remain rare’ - NFU Scotland

An outbreak of bovine TB has been detected in a herd on the Isle of Skye, the Scottish government has confirmed.

Scotland was given Officially TB Free (OTF) status in 2009, owing to the very low incidence of the disease. However, a small number of cases continue to occur each year.

TB was identified in a herd on Skye following routine herd testing, which is undertaken as part of Scotland’s TB controls. The herd is now subject to movement restrictions and this will remain the case until it is considered free from disease.

Cattle that tested positive have been slaughtered and test results from adjacent farms were negative for TB. Further testing of the herd is being carried out, along with veterinary investigations to determine the source of the infection.

A spokesperson for NFU Scotland said: “Thankfully, such TB cases remain rare.  Scotland has achieved disease-free status for TB through a combination of routine testing of our herds; abattoir surveillance and pre- and post-movement testing of animals moving into Scotland from high risk TB areas in other parts of the UK.

“This regime identifies a small number of cases in Scotland each year but the number of cattle affected remains low, allowing us to keep our valuable TB-free status.”

Last year there were 11 new cases of bovine TB in Scotland, which met the requirement for another year of OTF status. Most cases in Scotland can be traced to movements of infected animals, according to the government, and wildlife - including badgers - are not thought to play a significant role in the spread of TB there.

Earlier this month the APHA confirmed bovine TB had been found in badgers in East Cumbria for the first time. Sixteen cattle holdings in the area have been affected between November 2014 and February 2017.

The Scottish government said in a statement it is aware of the situation in Cumbria and is monitoring developments. However, there is no evidence to suggest this outbreak is affecting Scotland.

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.