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Welsh vets and farmers collaborate in animal health pilot
The trial tests the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC), a key element of the government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme.
The government-funded project will test the proposed AHIC.

A group of farm animal veterinary surgeons are collaborating with farmers in Wales, as part of a project to test an element of their Sustainable Farming Scheme.

The pilot project, funded by the Welsh government, will assess how veterinary surgeons and farmers can collaborate to improve animal health as well as farming productivity.

The trial is testing the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC), which is proposed to be a key element of the government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme.

A part of this project will see a small group of farm animal veterinary surgeons conduct regular preventative medicine visits to farms. Each veterinary surgeon will work with a small number of farms, improving livestock health and identifying where livestock performance can be improved.

Actions will then be agreed, and later reviewed to see what improvements have taken place.

Twenty-two veterinary surgeons have signed up to the pilot scheme so far, with each veterinary surgeon aiming to recruit three farms into the project.

The project is being managed by Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers (WLBP), and includes a project team of veterinary surgeons and scientists with a range of expertise in animal health. Lessons from the pilot project will advise future training for livestock veterinary surgeons in Wales.

Richard Irvine, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said:  “I’m really pleased to see this pilot is now underway. This is an exciting project in the field of livestock veterinary medicine. Vets have been involved in the design of the project which provides real potential to improve animal health and welfare.

“The AHIC also has the potential to promote sustainability in the livestock sector through partnership working between local veterinarians and farmers, driving a reduced carbon footprint and further strengthening antimicrobial stewardship.”

Lesley Griffiths, rural affairs minister, said: "Closer working with vets can improve animal health by promoting preventative action, which as well as improving animal welfare will improve a farm’s productivity.

“The results of this pilot project will be very valuable as we move towards the Sustainable Farming scheme in 2025.”

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.