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Liver fluke cattle cases rising
FSA announce the rise of liver fluke infection in the UK

The latest figures released by the Food Standards Agency have shown that liver fluke infection is still increasing in British cattle.

While the total percentage of livers that showed confirmed signs of liver fluke infection in cattle sent for slaughter in 2011 has only from 21.7% in 2010 to 22.2% in 2011, the figures nevertheless demonstrate a continual upward trend.

Wales has the highest amount of cases, with Scotland second and England with the least, but there has been an increase in cases across all three countries.

Veterinary advisor Fiona MacGillivray commented: "While Scotland and Wales have reported more than one in four cattle having livers affected by fluke for the past two years, figures for England have also increased, such that we seem to be heading towards one in four cattle having fluke-affected livers across Britain."

It should be noted that the UK has just had the wettest April on record and that wet weather exacerbates liver fluke. However, figures from the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (GB) database also show an upward trend in confirmed cases of liver fluke in cattle, with figures since 2001 having nearly tripled. 

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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.