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Welsh Govt to reveal bTB plans
Environment Minister to speak to Senedd

The Welsh Government will be revealing its bovine TB eradication programme next week. The long-awaited announcement will be made by Environment Minister John Griffiths during a scheduled answer in the Senedd to a Plaid Cymru question shortly before the Assembly breaks for the Easter Recess.

In anticipation of the announcement, a joint letter from NFU Cymru President Ed Bailey, CLA Wales Chairman Johnny Homfray and Farmers Union of Wales President Emyr Jones has been sent to the Minister in which the senders stress the importance of tackling TB in Welsh wildlife.

“While we would all wish to see the implementation of a vaccination policy which shown to be effective in the field, such a policy does not exist, and the only evidence suggests vaccination would be less effective than other approaches. Any decision to implement a policy which has not been shown in the field to reduce TB incidences in cattle herds, rather than a policy which has been shown to be successful, would mark a complete betrayal of the trust placed by farmers in the Welsh Government. The industry now looks to the Government to honour its pledge to eradicate the disease by including proven measures for dealing with disease in the badger population” reads the letter.

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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.