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Pig Producers Reinforcing Disease Defences
Over a third of producers aim to review their defences against pig disease.

Following a series of Focus on Health conferences, more than a third of pig producers have said they intend to review ways of improving defences against pig disease.

Robin Brice, from Rattlerow Farms, explained how they aim to maintain good health status, having invested several years in eradicating PRRS in one unit.

Good cleaning and disinfection is cited as vital to biosecurity, but Brice stressed "that alone is no good if there is a risk of vermin re-introducing disease. Vermin control has to go hand in hand with cleaning and disinfection."

Good stockmanship is also cited as central to pig health, as it makes the earlier spotting of clinical signs of disease easier, which in turn leads to a solution being reached more quickly.

Meanwhile, the importance of vaccinations was also emphasised, with Brice commenting: "We make sure we vaccinate at the optimum timing to benefit the pig, rather than just to suit our own routine. "

For more information on the presentations given at the conferences, and to access BPEX factsheets, 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.