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BVA welcomes funding to eradicate sheep scab in Wales
Sheep scab has been identified as a disease priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.
£5million to be made available through Rural Development Programme

The BVA has welcomed an announcement by the Welsh Government that £5 million of Rural Development Programme funding will be used to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.

BVA Welsh Branch President Sarah Carr said: “We welcome this positive step towards eradicating sheep scab in Wales. Vets see first-hand the very significant impact sheep scab has on livestock health and welfare and we are delighted to see Welsh Government supporting vets and industry to eradicate this highly contagious disease.

“Today's announcement is another example of Welsh Government leading the way in demonstrating that industry and government can work together for the benefit of animal welfare.”

One of the most contagious diseases of sheep in Wales, sheep scab has been identified as a disease priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.

The funding was announced on Monday (7 January) by Welsh environment secretary Lesley Griffiths and follows an industry proposal to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.

“Eradicating the disease has the potential to deliver significant lasting economic benefits for the sector at a particularly challenging time as we prepare to leave the European Union,” she said.

More details about the project are expected in the coming months. 

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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.