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Red Tractor to strengthen inspection programme
Red Tractor has announced plans to carry out more unannounced farm animal inspections.
Organisation to launch its first ever television campaign

Red Tractor has announced plans to strengthen its farm animal inspection programme and broaden its regime in a bid to maintain consumer trust and promote UK food and farming standards.

The move will see Red Tractor introduce more unannounced inspections, together with the creation of additional ‘Modular Standards’. These modules could cover areas such as organic, environmentally sustainable or enriched animal welfare and will be launched with a labelling system to improve consumer clarity.

“I believe that this is one of the most exciting times in Red Tractor’s 19 year history and I am very proud to be leading us through these changes,” said Jim Moseley, CEO of Red Tractor Assurance.

“Our vision is that Red Tractor is seen by shoppers, farmers and the food industry as the flagship of British food and farming. Red Tractor is already a world-leading assurance scheme; however, we are constantly strengthening our standards in line with scientific advances and consumer demand.

“We know shoppers are increasingly looking for more informed choice and simple signposts to traceable, safe and responsibly produced food, which is why we are looking to extend the remit of Red Tractor. Increasing confidence in Red Tractor and the entire UK food industry is vital, particularly as we approach Brexit.”

To communicate its message to consumers, Red Tractor is set to launch its first ever television campaign, supported by print, digital and in-store activity.

Moseley added; “We know consumers are twice as likely to look for Red Tractor products if they know more about what it stands for, which is why it is vital we invest in large-scale communications to tell them what we do.”

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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.