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High Demand for Ethical Turkeys this Christmas
RSPCA Freedom Food study reveals extent of demand.

Research into Higher Welfare Food by the RSPCA has revealed that one in three adults would choose a Christmas turkey based on a higher welfare label such as Freedom Food or free-range. Only 10% said they would choose based on simple size and price alone.

The research also revealed that 52% of people believe that over 20% of turkeys are reared to RSPCA welfare standards and 30% of people believe that the figure is over 40%.

The true figure, at 1.4 million out of 16 million, is just under 9%. The overwhelming majority of British turkeys are reared in conditions that the RSPCA considers inadequate. However, the survey took heart from the discovery that 81% of people believe that more turkeys should be reared to RSPCA standards.

Alice Clark, an RSPCA Farm Animal Scientist, said "We are really concerned about the way the majority of turkeys in the UK are looked after. Most of them are kept in a very barren environment where they simply aren't given enough space to move around and exercise properly. Turkeys are intelligent birds and naturally inquisitive. They need things to do, such as objects to peck at and perch on."



Ms Clark added: "The good news is we can all do our bit to help improve their lives by choosing turkeys with higher welfare labels, such as Freedom Food or free-range. But we need supermarkets to help too, by listening to consumer demand and stocking more of them."

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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.