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EU Summary report on presence of TSEs published
No cases of classical BSE in cattle were reported in 2017
EFSA presents the results of surveillance on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reported on its 2017 monitoring of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in the EU member states and Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.

TSEs include bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie and chronic wasting disease (CWD). The diseases affect the brain and nervous system.

The research reports on findings in bovine animals, sheep, goats, cervids and other animal species. Genotyping in sheep is also included.

The main 2017 findings of the report are:
  • no cases of classical BSE in cattle were reported (out of 1,312,714 tested)
  • six cases of atypical BSE were reported
  • 933 cases of scrapie in sheep were reported (out of 314,547 tested)
  • 567 cases of scrapie in goats were reported (out of 117,268 tested)
  • no cases of CWD in cervids were reported (out of 3,585 tested) in the EU
  • 11 cases pf CWD in cervids were reported in Norway.
Full results of the report can be found here.

BSE is the only known zoonotic TSE. Although no classical cases of BSE were identified in 2017, a farm in Aberdeenshire confirmed a case of BSE in October 2018.



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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.