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BVA welcomes plans for additional TB testing in Wales
The measures follow a spike in TB incidents in North Wales.
Measures follow local spike in TB incidents

Plans for additional TB testing and increased veterinary support for farmers in North Wales have been welcomed by the BVA.

The measures follow a local spike in TB incidents and form part of the regionalised TB Eradication Programme, which includes targets to see Wales becomes Officially TB-free between 2036 and 2041.

Commenting on the plans, BVA Welsh Branch president Sarah Carr said: “We welcome these latest steps towards eliminating bovine TB in Wales. The comprehensive, regionalised strategy has already contributed to a significant reduction in incidence across Wales in recent years.

“We hope the implementation of additional contiguous testing in the Intermediate TB Area North (ITBAN) combined with the introduction of Government subsidised "keep it out" veterinary visits for herds which have tested negative to contiguous testing will stem the growing number of TB incidents in this area.”
 
She continued: “We are particularly pleased that these visits will be undertaken by the farms’ regular veterinary practices who can bring their tailored knowledge of the local disease picture, biosecurity and the farms’ cattle trading policy and informed purchasing.
 
“We were delighted to hear that a bTB Centre of Excellence for Wales will open at Aberystwyth University later this year and we support the continuing efforts of Welsh government, academics, industry, farmers and vets in achieving the long-term goal of an Officially TB free Wales.”

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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.