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Farmers reminded of bluetongue risk
The last confirmed case in England was in March.
Cases are increasing in northern Europe.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer is urging farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) after a recent increase in cases in northern Europe.

The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium have all detected new cases of the virus, with the Netherlands alone seeing more than 200 cases. Some of the animals have shown severe clinical signs.

Although the virus is not currently circulating in Great Britain, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has said that there remains a very high probability of the disease being introduced by infected midges blown over from Europe.

The counties considered most at risk are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex. Surveillance measures are continuing and some free testing has been made available in areas where the risk if highest.

Last November, the first case of bluetongue since 2007 was confirmed at a farm in Kent. A total of 126 cases have been detected in England, but there have not been any confirmed cases since March.

Jenny Stewart, interim chief executive at APHA, said: “The recent increase in cases in Europe underlines how important it is for farmers and animal keepers to continue monitoring their livestock and to take up the offer of free testing where necessary.

“APHA’s risk assessment confirmed there is a very high chance of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain this year, and our world-leading scientists, vets and field teams stand ready to tackle an outbreak of bluetongue virus and ensure farmers are kept up to date and supported.”

BTV is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of the disease in animals in England must be reported to APHA on 03000 200 301.

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.