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Bluetongue restricted zone extended
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease.
Nottinghamshire and parts of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire have been added.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has extended the restricted zone after new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) were detected along the border of the zone.

The newly expanded zone now includes Nottinghamshire, part of Leicestershire and part of Northamptonshire.

The zone already included the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, and part of Hampshire.

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

On 6 October, four cases of BTV-3 were confirmed affecting two premises in Essex, one in Norfolk and one in Suffolk. The previous day saw one case in Norfolk and one in Suffolk.

The virus was also detected outside the restricted zone in two sheep in Yorkshire and one bovine in Cornwall on 5 October. The animals had been moved from different premises in Suffolk before the restricted zone was put in place.

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. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary 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.