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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th November 2011
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Research Promises Five-Fold Reduction of Footrot in Sheep
University of Warwick has revealed research set to reduce footrot in sheep.

Researchers at the University of Warwick have shown that proper management of footrot has the potential to cut lameness from one in ten to one in fifty sheep.

The research promises a transformation in tackling the endemic disease, which causes lameness in around 9 million ewes and lambs in Great Britain every year.

The research has prompted the Sheep Veterinary Society to draft new recommendations, to be published nationally, on the treatment and control of footrot and interdigital dermatitis in sheep.

The treatment has been tested in India and is as effective there as it is in the UK.

Professor Laura Green, who led the research team, said: “Footrot is contagious and extremely painful for diseased sheep, and costly to the farming industry.

“Our research is significant because it can have an immediate impact on the disease with rapid cure  in three to five days, minimising the time that sheep are lame as well as increasing productivity for farmers.”

The work is part of a £1.4 million Biotechnological and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)-funded project at the University of Warwick, in collaboration with the University of Bristol.

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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. 

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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.