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Bluetongue case confirmed in Kent
The case was confirmed near Faversham.
The restricted zone has been extended in response.

The current outbreak of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has reached a new county after a case was confirmed in a single sheep near Faversham, Kent.

The case was confirmed on 12 September and a temporary control zone was initially put in place. However, this has now been revoked and the restricted zone that covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and part of Greater London has been extended to cover part of Kent.

Keepers of sheep, cattle, camelids, and other ruminants within the restricted zone must follow the movement restrictions in place. Susceptible animals within the restricted zone can only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move an animal from within the zone to outside of the zone.

On 13 September, three more cases were confirmed in Essex and one in Norfolk, bringing the total number of premises affected to 56 during the current vector season.

Kent was previously affected by bluetongue during the last vector season. The first case of the BTV-3 strain in Great Britain was confirmed on a farm near Canterbury in November 2023.

As part of efforts to limit the impact of the virus, three unauthorised vaccines for BTV-3 were recently permitted for use under licence. Movement restrictions will still apply to vaccinated animals as the vaccines reduce symptoms of the virus rather than prevents it.

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.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply 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.