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Seasonal Risk of Liver Fluke Infection
The VLA is reminding farmers that liver fluke infection will still be a risk to their cattle this autumn and winter and urging them to use the VLA’s Herdsure® Cattle Health Improvement Service.

The liver fluke requires moderate to high rainfall in the spring and summer, to produce the infective stage of the life cycle on herbage in the autumn, for cattle to graze. April was very dry, but summer rainfall will have compensated for this. High rainfall was experienced in July across the west and north, including Scotland, when it was very dry in the south and east. This contrasted markedly with the weather in August, where the west and north were relatively drier, but above- average rainfall was experienced in the Midlands and East Anglia.  

The testing window for liver fluke within the Herdsure® Cattle Health Improvement Service runs from November to January. Herdsure® offers sampling and testing to determine its status and, if necessary, advice on appropriate treatments and management measures to reduce the risk of liver fluke infection.

For more information click here.

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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.