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Improving Farm Regulation
The new Task Force on Farming Regulation has launched a new wide ranging consultation to try and improve approaches to regulation.

In particular the Task Force are seeking examples of:
  • regulations that are unnecessary and could be removed without lowering standards for business, the public or the environment;
  • regulations that have had additional and unnecessary measures added to them; and
  • regulations that are overly complex or disproportionate in the way that they are implemented or enforced.
Richard Macdonald, the Task force chairman said: “We want farmers, growers and the food industry, who often complain about excessive regulation and bureaucratic processes, to help us to improve the system. This is a major consultation exercise to identify the issues and find solutions and we encourage all interested parties to submit evidence personally or through trade and representative bodies. It is our intention also to get out and meet farmers, growers and food processors to get first hand views on what’s wrong and explore new and alternative ways to current regulations and processes.”

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice is hoping that the Task Force will be able to put forward fresh ideas that go beyond the ‘traditional’ methods of regulation, whilst continuing to maintain high standards.

The consultation will be open until 31 October. Evidence can be submitted online at http://engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/

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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.