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'No plans' for SBV movement restrictions
Farming Minister answers questions in Parliament

Farming Minister Jim Paice MP (pictured) has told the House of Commons that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) does not intend to bring in new restrictions to control the spread of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) on the grounds that all currently known cases are due to infections last autumn and restrictions imposed now would therefore likely be of limited utility.

Responding to a question by Shadow DEFRA Secretary Mary Creagh, Mr Paice also confirmed that veterinary advice had led to the decision to not make SBV a notifiable disease. “We are receiving a tremendous amount of information from the private veterinary sector and, of course, samples from those in that sector and some directly from farmers, which all go into our labs for testing. As she implies, I urge all farmers to report any particular evidence. At the moment, we do not see any need for notifiability, but the matter is under review,” said Mr Paice.

Mr Paice also confirmed that the Government did not intend to 'revisit' the decision to close two Welsh Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) laboratories despite increased demand for such services in light of the threat of SBV. “However, we do not consider it necessary. As has been said repeatedly before… we believe that the overall laboratory services will be sufficient, under the reorganisation, to continue the surveillance,” 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.