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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th June 2012
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Defra lawyers defend decision
Judicial Review of badger culls continues

The High Court Judicial Review into sanctioning two pilot badger culls in England was met with a robust defence by Defra lawyers yesterday in the second day of proceedings.

The opening day of the review (Monday 25 June) was dominated by arguments over whether the cull would prevent the spread of bovine TB (bTB) or whether it could potentially worsen the current situation.

David Wolfe QC, counsel for the Badger Trust, has said the legislation Defra is deploying states that licences can be issued to cull badgers ‘for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease’. However, he continued by explaining that Defra has justified the policy by saying its purpose was to ‘reduce the incidence of bTB in cattle in the areas where badger control measures are being applied.’

Nigel Pleming QC, counsel for Defra, has dismissed this argument. Mr Pleming stated the purpose of the badger cull policy "couldn’t be clearer" and “it is to prevent the spread of disease after years of failure.” He said Defra had not seen the need to make a distinction between the purpose of reducing bTB already in the area and prevent the spread of the disease.

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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.