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Fipronil: More products withdrawn
UK-laid eggs are also being tested for fipronil, but so far all results have been clear.
FSA continues to track affected food products

Four more products have been withdrawn from sale as they contain eggs that could be affected by fipronil, a pesticide that is not permitted for use in animals intended for consumption.

The list of withdrawn products in the UK now numbers nearly 70. The latest products to join the list are waffles sold in retail stores and profiteroles for use in catering outlets.

Products must be removed from sale if the amount of implicated egg is more than 15 per cent of the final product.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says it remains very unlikely that there is any risk to public safety and there is no need to buy or consume eggs differently. However, fipronil is not authorised for use in food producing animals, so the FSA continues to trace implicated food products to ensure they are removed from sale if they breach the 15 per cent limit.

UK-laid eggs are also being tested for fipronil, but so far all results have been clear.

It came to light in August that fipronil had been used inappropriately in cleaning products on chicken farms in the Netherlands. As a result Dutch retailers began withdrawing eggs from the shelves.

The FSA later identified a small number of eggs had been distributed from the affected farms to the UK. The number of eggs involved represent around 0.0001 per cent of the eggs imported into the country each year, according to the FSA.

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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.