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Livestock and Global Poverty
Photo by Tadelle Dessie
Vets highlight the role of livestock and livestock keepers in the fight against global poverty.

Sunday 18 April 2010 was World Poverty Day, a day when the main political parties in the United Kingdom addressed world poverty issues and the role of international development. It was also a day when vets were keen to encourage policy makers to highlight the role of livestock and livestock keepers in the fight against global poverty.

The control of animal diseases is an essential component in the fight against poverty.
Tess Sprayson, the UK Councillor on the CVA and member of the BVA Overseas Group said: “Livestock play an important part in the lives of 630 million of the world’s poorest people not only as food supply but as a source of income and as generators of employment. They also provide key functions in crop production as draught animals, their manure is used as a crop fertiliser as well for fuel and biogas, and grazing animals are used for weed control.

Photo by Ashley Banyard.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, added: “The control of animal diseases is an essential component in the fight against poverty. On a daily basis throughout the world the veterinary profession plays a vital role in contributing to the public good by working with livestock keepers to control disease and promote sustainable animal and public health.”

In stressing the importance of livestock in the fight against global poverty, Tess Sprayson emphasised: “The culture of livestock keeping has strength and meaning in every region of the world. The fact remains that livestock are the means by which millions of disadvantaged people around the world, quite literally, stay alive and international development policies need to reflect this fact.”

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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.