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Scottish government launches consultation on bovine TB
The consultation seeks views on a proposal to introduce changes to the need for post-movement testing.

Move ’vital to maintaining Scotland’s OTF status' - BVA

A consultation outlining proposals to introduce changes to compensation arrangements in Scotland and update the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2007 on other disease control measures has been launched by the Scottish Government.

The consultation seeks views on a specific proposal to introduce changes to the need for post-movement testing and the way compensation is paid to cattle keepers who break the rules.

It comes not long after Defra and the Welsh government introduced plans to make changes to their own TB programmes.

Speaking to The Herald, rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “"The Scottish Government is committed to maintaining our current low level of TB and safeguard our Official TB Free status.

"It only seems fair that, where a keeper has broken rules, that they should not then be able to recover the full market value for their animals that are slaughtered as a result of poor farming practices or non-compliance. We are therefore looking for views as to whether further measures to encourage Scottish farmers to follow good farming practices and keep diseases out of their herds is required.”

BVA Scottish Branch president Melissa Donald commented: “We welcome the announcement that Scottish Government are carrying out a consultation on bovine TB. While Scotland currently enjoys Official Tuberculosis Free status it is vital that Government continue to review their TB controls and compensation system to ensure compliance and encourage best practice.

“BVA will consider the proposals in detail together with colleagues in the British Cattle Veterinary Association and other relevant specialist divisions, and provide a full response.”

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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.