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Bluetongue restricted zone extended to Essex
A specific licence is now required to move susceptible animals out of the restricted zone.
Over 40 cases have now been confirmed.

The county of Essex has been added to the restricted zone after more cases of the bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) were confirmed in Suffolk amid continued evidence of local transmission.

The restricted zone now covers Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. A specific licence is required to move animals outside the zone.

Within the zone, essential movement of susceptible animals (cattle, sheep, goats, deer and other ruminants and camelids including llamas and alpacas) can take place without a licence, but farmers have been urged to do so only when absolutely necessary. Susceptible animals can only be moved from infected premises under licence.

As of 2 September, the virus has been confirmed in 41 animals across 13 premises. The first case was confirmed in Norfolk on 26 August.

This year has also seen thousands of cases of BTV-3 in Europe, with countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France affected by the virus.

Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “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 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 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.