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Project to increase resilience of dairy industry
The N8 AgriFood programme is one of five projects being funded by the UK’s Global Food Security programme.
N8 AgriFood to look at animal health in a post-Brexit UK

A major project that aims to make the UK dairy industry more sustainable and resilient has been launched.

The N8 AgriFood programme will look at issues around environmental impact, animal health and farmer incomes in a post-Brexit UK.

Incorporating researchers from the Universities of Newcastle, Leeds and Liverpool, the project is being funded through the UK’s Global Food Security programme. It will involve collaboration with a range of stakeholders in the dairy industry, including FirstMilk.

“We are very excited about this project. It builds on the University of Liverpool’s strengths in food systems, infectious diseases and socio-economics,” said professor Diana Williams from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health.

“We will work with dairy farmers to investigate the relationship between managing the environment and changing disease risk while improving dairy sector resilience, to maintain long-term milk supplies for consumers at reasonable prices.”

Professor Mark Reed, who is leading the project from the University of Newcastle, added: “The project is about balancing competing demands and pressures in the industry.

“We aim to explore innovative ways of making dairy systems better for the natural environment and for farmers’ livelihoods, while maintaining long-term supplies for consumers at reasonable prices, at a time of unpredictable challenges like climate change.”

The N8 AgriFood programme is one of five projects being funded by the UK’s Global Food Security programme.

The projects bring together researchers and food producers, manufacturers and retailers working in several areas; from understanding the role of phosphorus as a key nutrient in crop and livestock production to better understanding of how different landscapes affect crop-pollinating insects.

For more information about the projects, visit foodsecurity.ac.uk

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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.