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ASF risk level raised to medium in the UK
The risk of exposure to the UK’s pig population is still considered to be ‘low’.
Bulgaria reports first outbreak in backyard pigs

The risk of African swine fever (ASF) entering the UK via contaminated pig products has been raised to ‘medium’, following a recent upswing in outbreaks on commercial pig farms in Romania and Poland.

Bulgaria also reported its first outbreak in backyard pigs on 31 August. Four out of seven pigs died and the remainder were culled.

Several thousand tonnes of Romanian-origin meat per annum are consigned to the UK from EU member states.

According to the APHA’s latest risk assessment, the risk of exposure to the UK’s pig population is still considered to be ‘low’.

Since 22 August, Romania has seen 42 new outbreaks in several regions - four of which occurred on commercial pig farms with more than 140,000 pigs on affected premises.

Meanwhile, the disease was detected for the first time in China in early August. The country’s sixth outbreak, on a farm with 459 susceptible pigs, was reported on 31 August in Yanhe Village, Anhui. China’s agriculture ministry has introduced a ban on transporting pigs or pig products from provinces where ASF has been confirmed, and is set to shut down live pig markets in the region.

APHA will reassess the risk to the UK every two weeks. Pig keepers are reminded not to feed swill to their animals and to be aware that visitors to their premises should not have had any recent contact with affected regions.

ASF should be considered as a possible diagnosis, even in single pigs with haemorrhagic lesions, lethargy, skin discolouration or petechiation and high fever. Any suspected cases must be reported to APHA immediately.

 

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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.