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AHVLA stop sheep transport lorry
Inspection at Ramsgate could lead to prosecution

A lorry transporting sheep was stopped at Ramsgate port on Wednesday 12th September after officers from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) found a number of the sheep were injured.

All the animals were unloaded under the supervision of AHVLA animal health officers and were examined by AHVLA vets, who ascertained that several were lame and unfit to travel.

They remained at Ramsgate overnight to monitor the welfare of the animals until a replacement vehicle arrived to return them to a Northamptonshire premises.

Will Creswell, South East Regional Operations Director for the AHVLA, said: “AHVLA takes its responsibilities for animal welfare during transport extremely seriously. That is why our animal health officers undertake checks on vehicles when animals arrive at the port of Ramsgate. Live animal transporters must comply with welfare regulations and vehicles must be fit for purpose. We will refer all serious welfare infringements to Trading Standards for enforcement action, which could lead to prosecution.”

AHVLA is working with Kent Trading Standards Department to fully investigate all potential breaches of animal welfare regulations.  

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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.