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Bluetongue cases confirmed in Suffolk and Norfolk
Farmers are urged to remain vigilant.
The temporary control zone has been extended in response.

Three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) have been confirmed on premises in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Two sheep have tested positive near Norwich, Norfolk, as well as a single sheep near Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The cases follow the confirmation of a case near Haddiscoe, Norfolk on 26 August, the first to be detected in Great Britain during the 2024/25 vector season.

In response to the further cases, the temporary control zone (TCZ) which was put in place at the start of the week has been extended to include more of Norfolk and east Suffolk. The movement of susceptible animals and their germinal products will be restricted in the TCZ except under license.

All four infected animals have been humanely culled to minimise the risk of onward transmission. Keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids and other ruminants have been urged to remain vigilant and follow the restrictions.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, a total of 126 cases of BTV-3 were detected in England. This year has also seen the strain spread to Luxembourg, France and Denmark for the first time as well as causing thousands of cases in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium where the virus overwintered.

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

A map of the Temporary Control Zone can be found here.

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.