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Nigel Gibbens joins RUMA scientific group
Professor Gibbens retired from his post as CVO earlier this month, after 10 years in the role.
Former CVO to offer expertise on responsible antimicrobial use 

The UK’s former chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens has joined RUMA’s independent scientific group, where he will help to inform policy on the responsible use of medicines in farm animals.

Professor Gibbens retired from his post as CVO earlier this month, after 10 years in the role. He was succeeded by Christine Middlemiss, who was previously CVO for New South Wales, Australia.

RUMA’s independent scientific group comprises eight eminent researchers and scientists from the veterinary, medical and microbiological fields.

Commenting on his decision to join, Professor Gibbens said he has been impressed by the recent progress made by UK livestock sectors in reducing, refining or replacing the use of antimicrobials on farms.

He believes it is time to look at how science can support further efforts to reduce on-farm use.

A strong evidence base for antibiotic use and health and welfare improvements for farmed livestock, should be integral to the aspirations stated within the government’s consultation; ‘Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit’.

“RUMA’s ongoing leadership in AMR mitigation through excellent animal husbandry in all production systems can help to differentiate UK produce and elevate its reputation post Brexit,” he explained.
 
“But to achieve this, and other goals, we need sound science to underpin all the decisions we make. Sitting on the Independent Scientific Group is a great opportunity to do just that – use the knowledge and insight that I’ve been fortunate to acquire in over 30 years as a Government veterinary officer.”

Professor Gibbens qualified from the RVC in 1981 and worked in general practice before completing a master’s in tropical veterinary medicine at Edinburgh University. He provided government-led veterinary services in Belize and Yemen, then returned to the UK as a government field veterinary officer in 1990, after which followed a series of lead veterinary roles in government.
 

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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.