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New Measures to Help Farmers Sell TB Restricted Cattle
Farmers under TB movement restrictions in annual parish testing areas of England now have the option of bringing their cattle home if they fail to sell at dedicated sales for TB restricted animals Animal Health has announced.

Post TB Sale Isolation Units’ have been introduced so that unsold animals returning to their home premises from dedicated sales can be kept segregated from other cattle on the same holding.

Under previous rules farmers were wary about sending animals to dedicated sales because cattle not sold at these gatherings were barred from returning to their premises of origin.

Linda Evans, TB lead Veterinary Service Manager for Animal Health, said the new option should help to boost the autumn sales by encouraging more farmers to use dedicated sales for TB restricted cattle.

“If farmers have established one of these new units on their premises they will be able to send animals to market safe in the knowledge that they can bring them back if they don’t achieve the right price,” she said.

“The idea for Post Sale TB Isolation Units came from a working group we set up at the end of last year at the suggestion of the TB Eradication Group (TBEG).

“The group, which comprises farmers, key trade associations, the NFU and auctioneers, wanted to help farmers under TB restrictions to either sell their animals or take them home if the price they were offered at sales did not meet their expectations.”

Premises in annual testing parishes in England will be allowed to operate one Post TB Sale Isolation Unit.

In other areas animals may return to a TB Isolation Unit (with slightly different biosecurity considerations) on the premises of origin. These units can already be set up, and guidance is available on the Animal Health website.

All units will need to be approved by Animal Health, and will be placed under TB2 movement restrictions. Animals kept in isolation units will undergo TB testing with the eventual aim of reintegrating them with other cattle on the holding.

A number of conditions will apply to all Post TB Sale Isolation Units. For more information about these conditions, and isolation units in general, visit the Animal Health website.

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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.