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Third ASF outbreak confirmed in China
The outbreaks in China are causing alarm, partly because they are so far apart geographically.
Over 500 pigs culled in latest incident 

Veterinary officials in China have confirmed a third outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) this month.

The latest incident - which occurred in Baofu Village, Jiangsu - involved 615 pigs, 88 of which died and the remainder of which were killed and disposed of. The source of the outbreak is not yet known.

On 3 August, China reported its first case of ASF to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Over 8,700 pigs in Liaoning were culled and 47 died. Investigations found the pigs came from two privately owned farms belonging to one owner.

A second outbreak was confirmed in the Economic Development Zone in Zhengzhou on 16 August. The infected pigs had been legally transported from a live swine market in Jiamusi city.

The UK’s National Pig Association said the outbreaks in China are causing alarm, partly because they are so far apart geographically. By road, site of the latest outbreak is 800 miles south of Shenyang, Liaoning, where China’s first case was detected.

APHA says the risk of ASF entering the UK is considered to be ‘low’. It is reminding pig keepers not to feed catering waste of any description, in keeping with the law, and to practice good biosecurity.

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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.