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Government announces strict new controls to protect against ASF
“An outbreak of African swine fever is one of the biggest threats our pig industry faces today" - Lord Richard Benyon, Defra security minister.
The APHA has raised the risk of the disease entering the UK to medium.

The UK government has today (21 August) announced strict new controls restricting the movement of pork and pork products into Great Britain to safeguard pigs from the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF).

It follows the publication of a new risk assessment, conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which has increased the risk of ASF entering the UK to medium. The assessment found that the most likely way the virus could enter Britain is via a member of the public bringing pork or pork products back from an ASF-affected country.

The controls come into force on 1 September and will make it illegal to being pork or pork products weighing over two kilograms into the UK, unless they are produced to the European Union's (EU) commercial standards. The rules do not apply to commercial imports, which remain unaffected by the control.

Defra biosecurity minister, Lord Richard Benyon said: “An outbreak of African swine fever is one of the biggest threats our pig industry faces today. We are not complacent and this decisive and proportionate action will stop the entry of pork products that pose the greatest risk. It is essential we maintain the highest levels of biosecurity and all visitors to the UK will need to abide by these new regulations.” 

UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer Richard Irvine added: “If African swine fever ever reached the UK, it would have a severe and damaging impact on our pigs and pig industry. A single outbreak of this highly infectious disease would also harm relations with our trading partners and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of our pig farmers.

“We are taking this action to limit the risk of disease spreading by banning people bringing in high-risk pork and pork products that could carry this virus until further notice. Everyone can do their bit to help stop animal diseases spreading to this country by simply not bringing pork and other meats onto our shores.”

ASF is a highly contagious disease of pigs that has been spreading across mainland Europe. While the disease poses no threat to human health, ASF has led to the deaths of thousands of pigs and caused significant losses to the meat trade. There is currently no vaccine for ASF.

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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.