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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th March 2012
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MEPs vote to end EU-US trade war
Long-awaited normalisation of trade in beef predicted

MEPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of raising the EU's quality beef import quota to 48,200 tons after the US Department of Agriculture published a draft Bill to bring US bovine import conditions into line with the World Organisations for Animal Health's (OIE) own standards on BSE, thus signalling the conclusion of a long-running trade war. The final count stood at 650 votes in favour, 11 abstentions and 11 voting against, and the approval took place at the first reading. The new import quota will come into force in August 2012.

Welcoming the news, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl (A German MEP responsible for drafting the report which was voted upon) said “This long-lasting trading dispute will end today. This is a win-win resolution for the EU. Parliament has taken a step that will enable the EU agricultural industry to plan ahead again and that will strengthen transatlantic trade links.”

The vote has also been warmly welcomed by the UK farming sector, which stands to gain from the improved trading conditions and renewed access to the large US market. Commenting, National Farmer's Union Chief Livestock Advisor Peter Garbutt said “This move would open up further export opportunities for UK producers and I believe we can be positive and optimistic about our market prospects in the future.”

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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.