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VDS reminder to vets involved in exports and imports
Vets are being reminded to familiarise themselves with the offical import/export guidance.
Members urged to familiarise themselves with official guidance.

The Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) has written to its members reminding them to familiarise themselves with the official guidance and associated work requirements of the Group Export Facilitation Scheme (GEFS).

The GEFS is a Government scheme designed to support OVs in obtaining the information they need to certify EU Export Health Certificates for certain products following Britain's exit from the European Union.

As the Brexit transition period comes to an end (31 December), the VDS said that it is aware some of its members will be supporting the GEFS, either as Official Veterinarians (OVs) or as Vets certifying Support Attestations and/or supporting other import/export work for the first time in their veterinary careers.

The statement reads: 'We urge members to fully familiarise themselves with any relevant official guidance and the associated requirements of any work of this nature they are intending to perform.

'We would also like to remind members that for the purpose of their VDS Insurance, veterinary work involving export/ import certification of food, food products, pet food, animal feed, eggs, animal products, skins, hides and agricultural machinery is classed as being within Risk Group F (farm animals) of the VDS Policy. 

'Cover under the VDS Policy for work undertaken in Risk Group F is dependent upon the names of the veterinary surgeons who are to undertake work in Risk Group F being declared to the VDS before work in Risk Group F is commenced. Veterinary surgeons who have declared that they will be undertaking work in Risk Group F will be named as doing so on the Schedule of Insurance.

It continued: 'It is very important that you carefully consider and review the Indemnity Limits you require, to ensure that they are sufficient for your needs and those of the Practice. These limits will be the maximum liability of the VDS for a claim or related claims connected with that Risk Group, and this limit includes damages and/or legal and other costs.'

For further information about the VDS Practice Policy, visit thevds.co.uk/our-policy

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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.