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High risk of new bluetongue cases, APHA warns
The majority of cases of BTV-3 in Great Britain have been in cattle.
Midges expected to carry virus from northern Europe.

The government has warned that there is a high probability of new bluetongue cases this year.

The latest qualitative risk assessment, published by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), predicts that there is a very high chance of livestock in Great Britain being infected with bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) by midges blown over from northern Europe.

Premises in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and Sussex are considered to be most at risk. The government is actively monitoring the situation and plans to provide free bluetongue tests to keepers in high-risk counties if transmission increases.

Midge activity is higher between April and November, but the timing of any transmission through winborne midges will depend on weather patterns. Midge traps are being used as part of surveillance measures.

The government has also revealed that it is engaging with vaccine manufacturers on the development of a BTV-3 vaccine. A new vaccine has recently received emergency authorisation for use in the Netherlands.

BTV-3 was first detected in Great Britain in November last year following an outbreak in northern Europe. Since then,126 cases have been confirmed – 119 in cattle and seven in sheep. The most recent case was confirmed on 8 March 2024.

David Holdsworth, APHA’s chief executive officer, said: “The Animal Plant Health Agency’s world-leading scientists and vets have been working to provide evidence and modelling to government, to enable effective proactive planning and to prepare for any potential incursion and outbreak in the UK.

“Our field teams stand ready and will continue to work closely with farmers and animal keepers to ensure they are kept up to date and supported during any outbreak.

“I would encourage farmers to make sure they register their livestock and land with APHA, ensure their contact details are updated so we can locate animals in the event of an outbreak, and monitor their animals frequently for clinical signs.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of the disease in animals must be reported to APHA on 03000 200 301 in England, on 03003 038 268 in Wales, and to the local  Field Services Office in Scotland.

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.