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Welsh welcome badger cull decision
Frustration at cull opt-out in Wales

The NFU Cymru and the Farmers Union of Wales have both welcomed the High Court decision that proposals to cull badgers in England to control bovine TB are legal, and have criticised the Welsh Government’s failure to stand up to the Badger Trust.

The FUW’s TB spokesman, Brian Walters, said: “The judge has made it clear that the English decision is legal and that licenses to cull badgers ‘for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease’ can be issued.

“The decision highlights the extreme contrast between the Welsh Government’s failure to grasp the nettle and the Westminster Government’s decision to stand by a robust decision in order to save the lives of cattle.

He continued: “The scientific and economical arguments in favour of a badger cull in Wales are irrefutable. The Welsh Government’s own figures suggest that vaccination will lead to an overall loss of £3.5 million, whereas a cull would have actually saved money as well as cattle lives.”

Stephen James, the NFU Cymru’s deputy president, commented: “It does, however, only deepen the disappointment and frustration among the farming community in Wales that the Welsh Government will not pursue a similar policy in the Intensive Action Area of North Pembrokeshire where it is known the disease is endemic in the badger population.

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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.