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Welsh TB Eradication plan delayed again
Government sharply criticised

The Welsh Government's failure to set a date for an announcement on its Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) eradication programme has drawn severe criticism. An announcement was originally promised last autumn, which was then put back to December, then again to early 2012, and an announcement is now promised for March. Rural Affairs spokesperson for Plaid Cymru Llyr Huws Gruffydd responded to the news by stating that the Welsh farming sector would not be “holding its breath”.

“Less than 12 months ago each member of today’s Cabinet voted in favour of a badger cull as part of a package of measures to get to grips with bTB and no new evidence has been presented to justify a change in policy. If John Griffiths, the Environment Minister, reneges on that agreement with Welsh farmers then I fear the relationship between the government and the industry will hit an all-time low.” he added.

Antoinette Sandbach, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, also criticised the additional delay. “This Government is stretching farmers’ patience to breaking point. Farmers’ livelihoods are on the line, yet the Government is dragging its heels. Welsh Labour repeatedly voted in favour of the eradication policy in the last Assembly, yet it now appears unwilling to take the tough but necessary decisions to tackle this disease.” she said.

Approximately 700 Welsh cattle are slaughtered each month due to bTB.

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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.