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UK and China make £50 million pork deal
Decision announced by Jim Paice.

Agricultural Minister Jim Paice has announced a landmark agreement with China that will significantly boost trade for British food and farming businesses. In a deal estimated to be worth £50 million, British pork - mostly the "fifth quarter" such as offal, trotters and ears - will be exported to China.

Mr Paice said: "China is the most lucrative grocery market in the world and, from fashion to food, its rapidly expanding middle class has an appetite for western goods."

He added: "In particular they are eating more meat, and our top quality produces have got huge opportunities to meet that demand and help our economic recovery."

In addition, the industry is currently developing its trade in genetic material for breeding programmes, as British pigs are more fertile and productive.

BPEX chairman Stewart Houston called the deal "a wonderful achievement," adding that it is "something we have been working towards for several years in close co-operation with DEFRA and the British embassy in Beijing." 

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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.