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Sheep Veterinary Society appoints new president
Amanda Carson has been appointed president of the Sheep Veterinary Society

Amanda Carson to lead discussions on sheep health and welfare.

Leading sheep vet Amanda Carson has been appointed president of the Sheep Veterinary Society.

Amanda, who leads the APHA's small ruminant disease scanning surveillance project, takes over the role from Nick Hart, who becomes senior vice president.

A graduate of the University of Sydney, Amanda spent 15 years as a partner in a rural mixed practice in Cumbria. Among her sheep-related activities include representing APHA on the Sheep Health and Welfare Group; vice-chair of the Farmer Scientist Network of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society; trustee of the charity The Sheep Trust.

Amanda is also a member of the Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee (FAnGR) and secretary of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association. In 2019, she was awarded Associateship of the Royal Agricultural Societies in recognition of her outstanding contribution to agricultural and rural progress in the sheep sector.

The Sheep Veterinary Society aims to bring together vets, advisers and flock owners from across the world who are interested in the welfare and production of sheep. Besides providing a forum for education and discussion on sheep health and welfare, the Society builds strong links with sheep farmers through the National Sheep Association.

Ms Carson was appointed president of the Society during its virtual autumn conference (9 September). Also joining the officials is new junior vice president, Rebecca Mearns.

Image (C) Sheep Vet Society.

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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.