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EU backs UK over sheep EID burden
Support from Europe for UK and Irish farming unions.

Farmers from across Europe have backed UK and Irish farming unions in their bid to persuade the European Commission to review the burdensome sheep EID regulations, after concerns were voiced to European farming union Copa, in Brussels, on 29th May.

They stated that the current EID regulation is causing multiple problems for farmers - including tag retention, unjust penalisation and related welfare issues for sheep - but is "adding nothing to traceability and disease control."

French, German, Spanish and Swedish farming unions are now among the vast majority of members states that fully support the UK-Irish position, and sheep industry representatives were therefore able to present a united front to European Commission officials.

Sian Davies, a spokeswoman for the UK, said: “We have told the European Commission about our problems with the sheep EID regulation repeatedly but they will not listen to us. We now feel strengthened to return to the Commission to ask for a review of the regulation with the backing of more farming unions."



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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.