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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th December 2017
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Government considering controls on live animal exports
The government is considering options to control live exports after Brexit.
Defra confirms ministers are looking into the issue

The government is considering options to control exports of live animals after Britain leaves the European Union.

According to Farmer's Weekly, Defra minister Therese Coffey confirmed ministers were looking into the issue during a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday (12 December).

She is reported to have told parliament that the live export trade remained “a considerable concern” despite a huge fall in recent years.

“We have always been clear that the government would prefer to see animals slaughtered as near as possible to their point of production,” she said. “We believe that a trade in meat is preferable to a trade based on the transport of live animals, particularly when journeys may result in livestock travelling long distances across Europe.”

She added that live exports were restricted by the EU, but Brexit was a “unique opportunity to shape future animal welfare policy to ensure the highest standards in every area”.

She continued: “Our manifesto commitment made it clear that we would take early steps to control the export of live farm animals for slaughter once we leave the EU.

“We are currently considering options, but the issue is rather complex and any future proposals would have to consider trade between the UK and Ireland, whether that is with Northern Ireland or across the Republic of Ireland.”

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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.