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Update on new pig tail docking rules
Farmers will need to provide evidence that tail docking is justified and that ‘reasonable’ effort has been taken.
Calls to delay new regime over lack of clarity 

The National Pig Association (NPA) is urging the government to delay new rules on tail docking, citing a lack of clarity over what will be expected of farmers.

A new inspection regime is due to come into force in April, which will mean that pig tail docking can only be carried out if there is evidence that the risk of tail biting has been reduced and all likely trigger factors addressed.

Failure to comply with inspections could result in enforcement action and Single Payment deductions, NPA warned.

The new rules were expected to come into force in January, but the deadline for implementation was extended after NPA called for more time to seek clarity.

After a meeting with the APHA, the NPA has provided an update on the new regime.

Key changes:
  • farmers will need to provide evidence that tail docking is justified and that ‘reasonable’ effort has been taken. APHA will no longer accept a letter from a vet to justify docking
  • pigs must be provided with some form of enrichment and farmers must be prepared to make improvements if enrichment is found wanting. A mix of wood and chains and/or plastic would be acceptable, APHA is reported to have said, assuming the pigs use it
  • inspectors will also look at ammonia and CO2 levels, humidity and light - all of which can affect pig behaviour and potentially tail biting. APHA does not expect all pig farmers to measure ammonia levels - action should be taken if ammonia levels are detectable by nose and high enough to affect pig welfare.

NPA stressed that there could be serious unintended consequences if tail docking stopped suddenly. Zoe Davies added that there is currently a lack of clarity over the percentage of tail-bitten pigs farmers would need to see before docking is deemed acceptable.

She added: “APHA will come down harder on farmers who fail to accept there is an issue where one has been raised.”

NPA is requesting a three-stage process where there is not a clear breach, so that farmers would initially receive an advisory notice, then a formal notice, before a breach is declared. 

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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.