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Four more bluetongue cases confirmed in England
A total of five cases have now been confirmed in England since the start of November.

Farmers are urged to remain vigilant.

Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in four more cows in Kent, bringing the total number of recent cases in England to five.

The four new cases are on two premises within the 10km Temporary Control Zone which was put in place earlier this month after the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the first case on a farm near Canterbury.

The infected animals will be culled to reduce the risk of the disease spreading. The Temporary Control Zone remains in place.

According to APHA, there is no evidence that the virus is being spread by midges in the area.

The five cases in Great Britain follow an outbreak in the Netherlands of a new strain of BTV-3, which has spread across hundreds of farms since early September.

There is currently no effective vaccine against the new strain.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease and suspected cases must be reported immediately on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, possible cases should be reported to the local field services office.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.