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Cambodia confirms first case of ASF
ASF has been spreading across China since August last year and the country’s pig herd is said to be down 19 per cent year-on-year. (Stock photo)
Backyard outbreak claims 500 pigs, agriculture ministry reports

African swine fever has been confirmed in Cambodia for the first time, in backyard pigs near the border with Vietnam.

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture said the outbreak killed 400 of the 500 pigs at the premises in Ratanakiri Province, while the remainder were culled and disposed of.

Responding to the news, the UK’s National Pig Association (NPA) said the outran was of “little surprise” considering the rate at which the virus has spread in neighbouring Vietnam, since the first case was reported there in February.

ASF has been spreading across China since August last year and the country’s pig herd is said to be down 19 per cent year-on-year.

The virus has also been detected in Mongolia and there are concerns that nearby countries, including Thailand and Taiwan, could be at risk.

There are also concerns that movement of infected meat could aid the spread of ASF, as contaminated meat has already been found at ports and airports in Australia, the US, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government revealed this week that ASF has been detected ‘in a contagious state’ in soil for the first time.

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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.