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Labour questions Defra on badger cull expansion
Labour MP David Drew has accused Defra of ignoring ‘an evidence-based, scientific approach’.

David Drew MP accuses government of ignoring scientific evidence 

The Labour party has written to Defra asking for clarification on why the government has decided to significantly expand the badger cull.

In an open letter, shadow Defra minister David Drew said that he was surprised that the government had increased the cull to a further 11 areas. ‘You appear to have done so without any consultation of statement providing the rationale for such a dramatic move,’ he said.

In the letter, Mr Drew - Labour MP for Stroud - accuses Defra of ignoring ‘an evidence-based, scientific approach’, adding that it had ‘fallen back upon the tried, tested and failed policy of culling’. He calls on Mr Eustice to provide clarity on what new scientific evidence there is that the cull has been a success.

He writes: ‘The only academic study I can find is the paper by Brunt et al in the journal Ecology and Evolution. Their general conclusion is that it is far too early to be able to derive any meaningful data let alone evidence from the first two years of study.’

Mr Drew also questions what happens to badger carcasses that are collected after being dispatched. ‘Why has no attempt been been made to investigate what percentage of those animals were carrying bovine TB?’ He said. ‘Surely if only cattle carcasses are studied that is one one side of the equation’.

He asks Defra what other reservoirs of bovine TB in the wildlife population are being studied for the incidence of the disease. Furthermore, as cattle to cattle transmission of the disease remains the prime cause, he questions what plans are in place to deal with this aspect of the problem.

Defra announced last week that it would be granting 11 additional licences for badger control to parts of Devon, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset and Cheshire. The update followed a consultation on licensed badger control to which the BVA, BVZS and the Association of Government Veterinarians submitted a formal, joint 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.