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TB Health Check Wales Deemed a Success



The Welsh Assembly Government’s 15-month initiative to test all cattle herds in Wales for bovine TB has been hailed a resounding success by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones.

Health Check Wales was established to test Wales’ 13,130 registered cattle herds in order to gain a more accurate picture of the spread of bovine TB across Wales. All registered herds in Wales have now had a TB test during the past fifteen months or have a test booked for early in the New Year.

As a result of TB Health Check Wales, the number of overdue tests has been reduced from 711 at the beginning of the programme, to just six at the end of November 2009. The initiative has also resulted in the slaughter of 185 infected cattle from 96 herds previously thought to be free from bovine TB. Sixty two of these herds were located in North Wales, an area not previously considered to have a significant bovine TB problem.

Elin Jones thanked vets and farmers for their co-operation during Health Check Wales, and congratulated Animal Health for delivering the programme on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. He said: “Not only has TB Health Check Wales given us a clear picture of disease levels in Wales, but it has helped to stop the disease from establishing itself in new areas. This is due to early identification of incidents of the disease, and rapid removal of the sources of infection. TB Health Check Wales has had a real impact in areas such as North Wales, where bovine TB was not thought to be a significant problem. Prior to this initiative, cattle in the area were only tested every four years. Thanks to Health Check Wales, herds in these areas have been tested, and removed if infected, much sooner.”

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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.