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AWF re-opens research fund
Sheep, cattle and horse research saved

The Animal Welfare Foundation has carried out a review of its grants process and has chosen to re-open its Norman Hayward Fund grants programme for research into the diseases and welfare of sheep, cattle and horses.

The Fund has awarded more than £1 million to research over the last six years to projects in the UK. A four-year study into Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis in Sheep led by a team at the University of Liverpool is the most recent project funded by the scheme. The research has the potential to greatly improve sheep welfare and the Fund hopes it will attract this kind of project in the future.

The Norman Hayward Fund was closed to applications for a year while the review looked at making the grants process more transparent and easier for applicants to understand.

Applications are now welcome from academic and practice-based researchers who can demonstrate that their proposal will have a practical impact on the welfare of sheep, cattle or horses.

For further information and to apply click here.

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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.