Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th March 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
SBV transmission method confirmed
Midge hypothesis proven correct by Belgian scientists

Belgian scientists at the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITG) and the Belgian Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (VAR) have proven the hypothesis that the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) is transmitted by midges. The teams have announced their intention of publishing the findings of their research in due course.

SBV was found in three species of biting midge, specifically Culicoides dewulfi, Culicoides obsoletus and Culicoides pulicaris, which are also known to transmit the Bluetongue Virus (BTV). All three are common to the UK and Culicoides obsoletus in particular is known to be prevalent on UK farms.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) recently began to state that they "cannot rule out the possibility that domestic (local) midges may have transmitted SBV within the affected areas" in light of the likelihood that domestic midges could have become infected themselves after biting already infected animals. A full breakdown of the known spread of SBV on UK territory is available here.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.