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Massive donation to GALVmed
Bill Gates donates to livestock medicine charity

Founder of Microsoft and pioneer of the personal computer Bill Gates has made a massive donation to an Edinburgh-based livestock medicine charity. The Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) is to receive a donation of £31.2 million ($50 million US) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and further funding from the British Government's Department for International Development (DFID).

The existence of the donation was announced by Mr Gates at the 35th session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)'s Governing Council, held on February 23rd 2012 in Rome.
Welcoming the announcement, Interim Chief Executive of GALVmed

Professor Peter Wells said “Across the developing world, livestock are an essential means of funding the most basic needs including food, education and healthcare. We are working to protect livestock and save human lives and livelihoods by making livestock vaccines, diagnostics and medicines accessible and affordable to the millions in developing countries for whom livestock is a lifeline. This announcement today will take us much further in achieving our goal.”

More information about GALVmed and their activities is available at their website.

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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.