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Salmonella cases on the rise - report
The prevalence of Salmonella in laying hens has increased from 0.7 per cent to 1.21 per cent.
S. Enteritidis caused one in six food-borne disease outbreaks in 2016

Cases of Salmonella are no longer falling in the EU, according to the annual report on zoonotic diseases.

The joint report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that cases of Salmonella enteriditis in the EU have increased in humans by three per cent since 2014.

In laying hens, the prevalence increased from 0.7 per cent to 1.21 per cent in the same period.

“The increase shown by our surveillance data is worrying and a reminder that we have to stay vigilant,” said Mike Catchpole from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. “Even in a state of high awareness and with national control programmes for S. Enteritidis in place, there is a need for continuing risk management actions at the Member State and EU level.”

Marta Hugas from the European Food Safety Authority added: “The decrease of Salmonella has been a success story in the EU food safety system in the last 10 years. Recent S. Enteritidis outbreaks contributed to a change in this trend in humans and poultry. Further investigations by competent authorities in the field of public health and food safety will be crucial to understanding the reasons behind the increase.”

In 2016, there were 94,530 human cases of Salmonella reported in the EU.  The most common form of Salmonella accounted for 59 per cent of all cases originating in the EU. The infection is most associated with the consumption of eggs, egg products and poultry meat.

The report found that S. Enteritidis caused one in six food-borne disease outbreaks in 2016. Salmonella bacteria were the most common cause of food-borne outbreaks (22.3 per cent) - an increase of 11.5 per cent compared to 2015.

Salmonella outbreaks also caused the highest burden in terms of numbers of hospitalisations and deaths. Salmonella in eggs caused the highest number of outbreak cases -1,882.

The report also shows that campylobacter and listeria are also on the rise. Campylobacter was found in 246,307 people - an increase of 6.1 per cent compared with 2015. Listeria was reported in 2,536 people - an increase of 9.3 per cent. 

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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.