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APHA and Pirbright Institute collaborate to improve animal care
The Pirbright Institute and APHA hope to continue sharing ideas and exchanging findings.
The teams explored issues including housing, enrichment and care of large animals.

Animal technicians from The Pirbright Institute and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have been sharing expertise to improve the practice of large animal care.

The teams visited each other’s sites to discuss their experiences with tackling issues such as the housing and enrichment of large animals, as well as the culture of large animal care and health.

Their collaboration began with The Pirbright Institute’s large animal team visiting APHA’s site in Weybridge in May. This was followed by the APHA team visiting The Pirbright Institute in September.

During initial meetings, the teams focused conversation on the care and health of large animals. However, this soon saw them planning similar discussions between poultry teams, as well as organising the visit to The Pirbright Institute.

At The Pirbright Institute, APHA were given a virtual tour of the large animal facilities, including the Biggs facility.

Animal technicians from The Pirbright Institute then shared presentations about the current refinement projects within their Animal Services team. This included leg banding and enrichment, as well as an overview of their husbandry practices and building functions.

The teams believe that their visits have contributed to closer working and an effective information exchange, as well as giving their animal technicians the opportunity to connect with peers outside of their usual workplace.

Both The Pirbright Institute and APHA hope to continue sharing ideas and exchanging findings as they seek to improve their shared learning.

Jess Drage, an APHA animal technician, said: "APHA's visit to Pirbright was very insightful. It was great to discuss and share ideas that will no doubt help enhance the work we do at both establishments.

“We look forward to continuing our work and exchanges with colleagues at Pirbright to deliver great scientific services and enhance animal welfare whilst doing so!"

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.