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SBV found in Wiltshire
Total numbers of infected farms now 58

The presence of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) has been confirmed on a farm in Wiltshire, marking the first time that the county has been affected. The case is in a sheep, and brings the total number of confirmed cases to 58. Counties known to be affected now stand at Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Cornwall and Wiltshire. The list of areas deemed to be at risk now includes Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and South Wales.

The recent discovery that the northern French coast has been affected by the spread of the virus led to a re-evaluation of the hypothesis that the virus was carried on the wind across the North Sea from Northern Europe by infected midges. It is now believed that it has also come north and north-west form French territory as well, exposing the entire south of England instead of just the east and south-east.

Commenting, a spokesperson for the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) said “Due to the increase in reports of SBV identified in France, the areas at comparatively higher risk in the UK have been revised in line with the plume modelling data from the summer which models areas at risk of midge incursion from northern Europe. The timing of the most dense plumes would have been in late October for this south west region. This is therefore in line with the appearance of deformities in lambs being born now, assuming the highest risk period for lambs is if the mother is infected at approximately one month into gestation.”

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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.