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APHA lifts bluetongue Temporary Control Zones
There have been more than 100 confirmed cases of bluetongue since November.
Surveillance procedures remain in place.

From today (19 February), the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) has lifted the Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) brought in to tackle the spread of bluetongue.

However, APHA says that officials will stay in close contact with livestock keepers within the affected areas in Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent.

Restrictions will remain in place for positive high-risk animals and for premises that were in the TCZs which are yet to be sampled. Surveillance efforts and epidemiological assessments will also continue.

The easing of restrictions comes at a time when the risk of the disease spreading is considered to be low due to a seasonal drop in midge activity.

The Kent TCZ had been in place since November 2023, when a case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 was confirmed in a cow near Canterbury. The Norfolk TCZ was introduced in December and was later expanded to include part of Suffolk. As of today, there have been 112 cases.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “We are now in a seasonally low vector period, when midge activity is much lower and there is reduced risk of disease, meaning we can lift the temporary control zones.

“However, our robust disease surveillance procedures continue, and I urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”

Aled Edwards, APHA’s head of field delivery England, added: “APHA teams will continue to work closely with farmers to ensure that keepers and businesses are kept up to date, and that questions and concerns are addressed promptly.”

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.