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Improving Gamebirds’ Welfare
Ministers have issued a new code for the welfare of birds produced as quarry for shooting enthusiasts.

The new code will set out how keepers can best meet the welfare needs of gamebirds, including recommendations on providing food and water and  the use of certain types of equipment, as well as space allowances for housing breeding pheasants and partridges to ensure the birds are not kept in overcrowded conditions.

Recommended minimum space allowances will be:
  • pheasants - one square metre per bird
  • grey partridges - 0.5 square metres per bird
  • red leg partridges - 0.29 square metres per bird

Jim Fitzpatrick, Animal Health and Welfare Minister, said:

“The government promised to address concerns about the welfare of gamebirds, and I believe that the new code strikes the right balance between welfare needs and protecting businesses.”

There are about 7,500 registered farms and shoots rearing 50 or more gamebirds a year in England. Large game farms using cages for breeding birds can produce up to three million eggs a year.

Sport shooters will be encouraged to use only birds supplied and raised by game farms and shoots observing the code.

The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes is due to come into effect on 1 October this year.

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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.