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African swine fever confirmed in India
A quarter of the global pig population is estimated to die as a result of ASF.
Disease continues to devastate pig herds across the globe.

African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in India for the first time.

According to the National Pig Association (NPA), the disease was detected in two north-eastern states: Assam, where it has already killed 2,500 pigs, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Telegraph (India), reports that the Assam state government decided to send samples for testing after pigs failed to recover from vaccination against classical swine fever.

Results confirmed that all the 17 tissue samples from Assam were positive for ASF virus genome by real-time PCR and nucleotide sequencing analysis. A further 11 out of 62 samples from Arunachal Pradesh also tested positive for the ASF virus.

While movement restrictions have been introduced in Assam, authorities have collectively decided against culling pigs.

Assam's animal husbandry minister Atul Bora told India's Economic Times: "The National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has confirmed that it is African Swine Fever (ASF). The central government has informed us that it is the first instance of the disease in the country.

"We have discussed with experts if we can save the pigs without culling them. The death percentage of the pigs affected by the disease is almost 100 per cent. So we have made some strategies to save the pigs, which are not affected by the virus."

He continued: “After testing, we will cull only those pigs which will be found infected. We are avoiding the immediate culling of the pigs. We will have daily updates and take a decision as and when the situation demands."

ASF continues to devastate pig herds across the globe. Historically, outbreaks have been reported across Africa and parts of Europe, South America and the Caribbean. In recent years, however, the disease has devastated pig populations across much of Asia, Africa and parts of Europe.

ASF was confirmed in April on the Pacific island of Papua New Guinea. A quarter of the global pig population is estimated to die as a result of the disease.

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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.