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Welsh Govt. plans EID Sheep database
Hopes for reductions in bureaucracy

The Welsh Government is assembling an EID database for sheep in the hope that it will lead to a reduction in bureaucracy and inefficiency during the recording process after a rejection by the EU of calls for tolerance at Central Point Recording Centres (CPRC)

Mr Alun Davis, Deputy Minister for Agriculture has expressed his disappointment that protracted negotiations on implementing EU Regulation 21/2004 with particular emphasis on the provision of tolerance when read-rates are below 100% had failed.

“In response to a revised UK proposal, which sets out a potential way forward through a limited tolerance, the Commission has confirmed that cross compliance requirements are not subject to prior validation or approval,” said the Minister.

“My officials have considered the way in which this limited tolerance might be implemented in Wales, the risk of future audit criticism and the complicated set of additional rules that would be required.

“It is my intention to establish a Sheep EID Database for Wales to strengthen our management of this matter.

“To this end my officials are currently assessing the options and I expect to make an announcement at the end of February.

“The provision of this 21st century infrastructure will provide opportunities to remove much of the current bureaucracy and potentially provide a platform for the industry to consider more efficient and therefore profitable ways to produce lamb. It will also provide robust evidence on which to base future negotiations with the Commission.” he added.

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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.