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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th May 2012
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EC confirms full battery cage ban compliance expected
Compliance by 16 member states anticipated on sow stall ban

The European Commission has confirmed that all member states not currently in full compliance with the ban on the use of battery cages within EU territory are expected to achieve compliance by the end of the year and that sixteen of twenty seven member states are expected to achieve compliance with the forthcoming partial sow stall ban.

Approximately one in seven (50 million) European hens are currently being kept in battery cages in spite of the ban, which came into force at the start of the year. The member states not currently in compliance are Spain, Portugal, Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia, Italy, Hungary, Greece, France, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Belgium. The aforementioned member states have previously been warned that they would need to ‘make extra efforts’ to avoid both a final warning and being referred to the courts.

Commenting on the news that only sixteen member states were expected to achieve compliance with the partial sow stall ban, George Lyon MEP said that "we need to redouble our efforts to force the pace with countries that are dragging their feet on complying with the ban on sow stalls and avoid this mess happening again. Pressure must be brought to bear through tough action in the courts by the Commission against those who are going to miss the deadline. Action also needs to be taken by the major retailers in the market place.”

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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.