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Alpaca blood donation event held in Derby
Plasma can be a lifeline for baby alpacas if they are unable to get enough colostrum in the first few hours of life.

Vets and farmers join together for event featured on BBC Countryfile 

An alpaca blood donation event in Derby, which brought local vets and farmers together, is set to feature on BBC Countryfile.

The event in Markeaton involved six alpacas from four different farms, ensuring these animals can provide plasma for baby alpacas in their own herd if needed.

Farm vet Fay Pooley from Scarsdale Vets, who ran the event, explained: “Having spoken to a number of our alpaca-owning clients we had the idea of bringing together a small group of animals to help us build up a supply of plasma."

Baby alpacas, or cria, are born without antibodies, which can leave them vulnerable to serious infections in the first few days of life. Immunity is passed from its mother through colostrum, but if the newborn doesn't drink enough milk in the first 12 hours after birth, it will not receive enough antibodies.

Pooley added: "The best way to correct this is by giving plasma intravenously, which will support their immune system until they are old enough to produce their own antibodies. This is an important way to support herd owners in maintaining healthy animals and we are really pleased to have had such a good turn out from local alpaca farmers.”

The blood collected was sent to Pet Blood Bank UK, which is the only charity in the country that provides a blood bank service for vets. The blood will be processed at the charity’s centre in Loughborough, where it is turned into plasma and frozen for future use. Plasma must only be used within the herd it was collected from to avoid disease transfer.

Wendy Barnett, found of Pet Blood Bank, said: “We are proud to be able to support the veterinary profession with our blood service. One unit of donated alpaca blood goes a long way, to help save the life of a cria.”

One of the attendees, Ingrid Ruston from Amber Valley Alpacas in Derbyshire, added: “The health of our herd is so important to our business and it was also good to meet other breeders and collectively develop a way to support our animals in the future.”

TV presenter Matt Baker took part in filming the event for BBC Countryfile. The programme will air this weekend (Sunday 25 February).

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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.