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'Innovative new approaches' to TB urged
Govt hopes to cut expenditure

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has urged the farming sector to develop 'innovative new approaches' to the control of bovine tuberculosis in light of the need to make financial savings in the current economic climate.

DEFRA is hoping to cut its animal health budget to £199million by 2014/15 as compared to expenditure of £244million in 2011/12. As TB-related spending accounts for an annual expenditure of £100million at present, savings in this area would greatly assist in achieving this reduction.

Commenting, Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) Chairman Michael Seals said “We are open to new ways of working. We are looking for industry to come forward with their ideas. For example, do we have to have a hugely bureaucratic system of controls and decision-making processes, when some aspects could easily be handled by the farmer. It is far easier for a farmer to organise the removal of animals from his farm than some central organisation.”

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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.