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New beef cattle housing guidance for farmers
The booklet urges farmers to wash-down areas for vehicles and footwear to prevent the spread of disease.
Booklet provides basic welfare, regulatory and environmental information 

New guidelines for farmers on the importance of biosecurity in cattle housing have been published by the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS).

The Beef Cattle Housing booklet warns that cattle housed in poorly designed buildings are at risk of contracting disease if proper biosecurity measures are not met.

“This booklet is intended to provide basic welfare, regulatory and environmental information for farmers considering the erection of a new beef cattle shed and also provides links to sources of more detailed information,” said Jim Campbell from SAC Consulting, which delivers the FAS.

The booklet urges farmers to wash-down areas for vehicles and footwear to prevent the spread of disease. These areas should be carefully located so that contaminated water does not come into contact with livestock, it says.

The booklet also covers regulatory approvals, services, ventilation, waste handling, location, choice of housing system, space requirements, materials and references.

 

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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.