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Topics released for SRUC Sheep Conference
The conference will share new knowledge on health, welfare, climate resilience and breeding strategies.

The event will discuss 'future proofing' the sheep industry.
 

Topics have been released for the Scottish Sheep Industry Conference, taking place on 18 and 19 January 2022.

The online event, which showcases the results of a research programme funded by the Scottish Government, will share new knowledge from research by Scotland's Rural Collage (SRUC), which has collaborated with the Moredun Research Institute. 

Dr Joanne Conington, sheep breeding specialist at SRUC, commented on the conference: “This meeting provides an excellent forum for researchers, policy makers and the sheep farming industry to discuss the implications of our research.

“It also provides an opportunity for open dialogue with an eye to the future regarding the challenges the Scottish sheep sector is facing and what is being - and should be - done to address them in the future.”

The sessions will cover topics including new strategies for health management – including issues of anthelmintic and antimicrobial resistance and chronic iceberg diseases, neonatal lamb management, climate resilience – exploring the best breeding and management strategies to reduce the impact of sheep on climate change, and new breeding goals – assessing new traits for genetic and genomic selection. 

Taking place between 2 – 4.15pm on 18 and 19 January 2022, the conference is open to anyone with an interest in the future of the sheep industry, and anyone wishing to attend can register here

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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.