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Farmers Needed for Cattle Worm Survey
British cattle farmers are being urged to take part in an important survey.

A survey is to be launched into the control of anthelmintic resistance in roundworms of cattle.

In 2010, Moredun Research Institute, near Edinburgh, conducted a survey on cattle farms across Scotland, and determined there were signs of anthelmintic inefficiency against the ivermectin-based products in the common cattle gut worm Cooperia.

Now Moredun scientists are looking to expand their survey and are seeking more farmers with herds of greater than 30 animals to help.

Dr Dave Bartley, of Moredun Research Institute commented: "It is important for livestock producers, suitably qualified persons and animal health advisors to give serious consideration to the impact of intensive worm control programmes."

Awareness of the problem of anthelmintic resistance in sheep and goats has been established for many years now, and Defra-backed initiatives, such as Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS), has been promoting guidelines on the effective control of roundworms in sheep for a considerable time.

However, little information has been available on cattle and it is hoped the survey will help improve knowledge.

If you would like to take part in the survey, or would like further information, contact Dr Dave Bartley on 0131 445 5111 or dave.bartley@moredun.ac.uk.

Participants will be supplied with a detailed survey form as well as a sample kit containing everything they need to collect faecal samples, and a FREEPOST address to which to return the samples for free faecal egg count testing service at Moredun. 

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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.