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France steps up African Swine Fever controls
Around 139 wild boar carcasses have been tested for African Swine Fever to date.
Authorities to erect fence on Belgian border

French authorities have stepped up controls to keep African Swine Fever (ASF) out of the country.

According to the National Pig Association (NPA), a fence is being built on the Belgian border to contain the virus, which has been confirmed in 75 wild boars to date.

The NPA refers to a report in La Republic Lorrain, which said the measure had been announced by Eric Freysselinard, the prefect of Meurthe-et-Moselle, in northeastern France.

It has also been reported that the hunting federation of Meurthe-et-Moselle had agreed to participate in the fence’s installation under the guidance of the state services.

‘The departments of other regions close to the infected region in southern Belgium, Meuse, Ardennes and Moselle, are also expected to build a fence,’ the NPA said.

The NPA adds that the prefect of Meurthe-et-Moselle has put a stop to all hunting, leisure activities and forest work in its ‘zone of reinforced observation’ until October 20. Authorities in the Meuse have taken similar action, with Ardennes expected to follow.

Some 139 wild boar carcasses have been tested for ASF so far. Out of 111 discovered in the infected area, 75 have tested positive for the disease. None of the 28 carcasses found outside the zone have tested positive.

Over 4,000 domestic and commercial pigs inside the zone have been slaughtered as a precautionary measure. 

 

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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.