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Changes at Defra after Cabinet reshuffle
New Farming Minister and Defra Secretary

Jim Paice, Farming Minister, and Caroline Spelman, Defra Secretary, have both been replaced in the Cabinet reshuffle. David Heath will take over as Farming Minister and Owen Paterson as Secretary of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed Mr Heath, Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, and Mr Paterson, MP for North Shropshire, to their new roles.

Carl Padgett, BVA President, said: “The BVA has enjoyed a very good relationship with Defra with Caroline Spelman and Jim Paice at the helm. They both showed a huge amount of respect for the scientific views and expertise of the veterinary profession.
 
“The bold policy decision taken on bovine TB underlined their understanding of the importance of veterinary scientific evidence as well as the needs of the farming community and we are grateful that they led on such a difficult political issue.
 
“On other important issues such as dangerous dogs, microchipping, wild animals in circuses and welfare at slaughter we have consistently been given a fair hearing and the opportunity to put forward the views of the veterinary profession.
 
“We welcome Owen Paterson and David Heath to their new roles and very much look forward to working with them. Bovine TB policy is at a critical stage and we are keen to ensure they are fully briefed on the latest scientific evidence.
 
“In the not-too-distant future we are also expecting a consultation on welfare at slaughter and movement on the policy for compulsory microchipping of dogs and again we will work with the new ministerial team to input the veterinary profession’s expertise.”

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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.