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IT problems delay DEFRA bTB stats
Monthly bTB incidence statistics suspended

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has suspended the publication of statistics tracking Bovine Tuberculosis after technical problems with Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency's (AHVLA) new IT system. The problems were attributed to the SAM system, which has suffered a series of technical problems since its introduction in 2011. Test results are having to be logged in manually, which has dramatically slowed the collection of reactors.

The result has been considerable disruption. Farmers in hotspot areas report receiving no paperwork, receiving paperwork that is not relevant to their tests, or receiving improbable amounts that are 'contradictory and make no sense.' Some farmers have been unable to export their cattle as a direct consequence of the problems.

The difficulties compiling accurate statistics have obliged DEFRA to halt the publication of the monthly bTB incidence statistical notices. The new system was meant to generate the notices from September 2011, but the aforementioned technical issues mean that the most recent accessible information is that from August 2011. A statement on DEFRA's website announces that “Unfortunately we are not yet in a position to publish these statistics as there are still some issues to check and resolve.”

No date for the resumption of publication has been named. The decision to suspend the publication of the statistics was taken by DEFRA's Head of Profession for Statistics, who said “Defra statisticians and AHVLA are working together to resolve these issues and to minimise any further delay in publishing the statistics. We are working hard to address these issues and are prioritising this work and it is expect that these issues will be resolved shortly.”

The suspension of publication has drawn criticism from farmers and vets. Speaking to the NFU Council, Cornwall council delegate Martin Howlett said “The system is in a fair old mess. It is still a complete muddle for many farmers with letters coming in all direction telling us conflicting things,” and added that local vets of his acquaintance were ‘all very disoriented and totally fed up with how SAM is performing’.

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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.