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New bluetongue case confirmed in Wales
Evidence suggests that bluetongue is not currently circulating in Wales.
Animal moved to Anglesey tests positive.

The Welsh government has confirmed that a case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been detected in an animal moved to Anglesey from the East of England.

The new case comes after BTV-3 was detected in three sheep in Gwynedd on 27 September. The three sheep had also been moved to Wales from the East of England. These cases are the first time that bluetongue has been identified in Wales.

After the cases in Gwynedd were detected, the infected animals were culled to prevent the virus from spreading. The Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Pirbright Institute have also undertaken extensive sampling and laboratory testing.

All of the sheep which had been moved to the premises at the same time as the infected animals have tested negative. The resident sheep and cattle have also tested negative. Further testing is planned and movement restrictions remain in place that mean that no livestock can be moved on or off the premises.

Because of the negative test results, the deputy chief veterinary officer of Wales has reached an interim conclusion that BTV-3 is unlikely to be circulating in Wales.

In a written statement published yesterday (2 October) in response to the Gwynedd cases, Huw Irranca-Davies, cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, said: ‘My policy goal remains to keep bluetongue out of Wales, for the benefit of our animals and of those who keep them.   

‘I appreciate that many in the farming community will be concerned about bluetongue. Dealing successfully with a disease incursion such as this requires co-operation and collaboration between farmers, vets and the various government agencies involved.

‘I would like to thank farmers in Wales for their vigilance, and I am grateful to all concerned for the swift action taken to deal with this incident.’

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

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.