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New bluetongue restricted zone put in place
“We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops” – Christine Middlemiss.
The East Riding of Yorkshire and parts of Lincolnshire covered by zone.

A new restricted zone has been put in place following cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in the East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency has said that there is now evidence of local transmission of the virus in the area. The restricted zone replaces the temporary control zone which had been in place and covers the East Riding of Yorkshire and part of Lincolnshire.

The East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have also been designated as high-risk counties. This means that animal keepers outside the restricted zone will be able to access free testing.

Animals in the counties can also now be vaccinated under the new general licence. Movement controls will still apply to vaccinated animals.

As a further measure to restrict the spread of BTV-3, the restricted zone that was already in place in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and parts of Kent and Greater London has been extended. It now covers all of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, East Sussex and part of Greater London.

Susceptible animals within the restricted zones can only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move an animal from within a restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “As the number of bluetongue cases continues to rise in England and northern Europe, we are taking prompt action to mitigate the spread of the disease.

“I urge farmers within bluetongue control zones to adhere to restrictions and remain vigilant to prevent the disease spreading to their herds.

“We appreciate the impact restrictions can have on farmers and are committed to working with everyone affected. We will continue to keep control zones under review as our understanding of the disease picture develops.”

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.