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Restricted zone put in place after more bluetongue cases
“Farmers are urged not to move animals within the zone unless it is absolutely necessary” – Christine Middlemiss.
New restrictions apply across Norfolk and Suffolk.

A restricted zone covering all of Norfolk and Suffolk has been put in place after several more cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) were detected in the counties.

The additional restrictions were introduced in response to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) finding evidence of some local transmission of the virus. Due to current temperatures and midge activity, the risk of onward spread in the UK is considered to be high.

The new zone, which came into force at 8pm on 30 August, replaced the temporary control zone which had initially been put in place. As of 31 August, the virus has been confirmed in 27 animals across ten premises in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Under the new rules, only essential movement of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) within the restricted zone can take place without a licence. A specific licence is required to move animals outside the zone.

All of the infected premises have been placed under further restrictions. Susceptible animals can only be moved from the premises under licence.

Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “Following an increased number of bluetongue cases, we have declared a restricted zone across Suffolk and Norfolk.

“This means all keepers in these regions must urgently act now to both prevent the disease spreading to their herds and any further. Farmers are urged not to move animals within the zone unless it is absolutely necessary.

“We have not taken this action lightly and we are clear that farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA immediately.”

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.

Further information on the restrictions and the licences available can be found here. A guide on spotting the signs of the virus is available 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.