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Acting Chief Scientist of Wales resigns in protest
Resignation over badger vaccination decision

The acting Chief Scientist of Wales, Professor Chris Pollock, has announced his resignation in protest at the decision by the Welsh Government to pursue a policy of vaccinating badgers as a means of controlling bovine tuberculosis (bTB) instead of culling them.

Commenting, Professor Pollock said “Vaccination is effectively untried so you are exchanging an approach which has a track record of success in Ireland and elsewhere with one not really tried at all. That was a position I was far from happy with but more significantly from my standpoint was that in the scientific report the Minister commissioned there was a specific comment about the problems of using vaccination in an area where you obviously had a high incidence of disease. Using vaccination in the targeted Intensive Action Area, where the level of infection in badgers is extremely high, in my view goes against the recommendations of his own scientific review.”

“I was certainly not happy about that and as such did not believe I could continue to be a member of the programme board if I did not fully support the programme being pursued.” the Professor added.

The Welsh Government has acknowledged Professor Pollock's resignation.

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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.