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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th September 2012
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Live exports resume from Ipswich
Move comes after recent suspension at Ramsgate. 

A cargo of live sheep left Ipswich port on Friday night  following the recent suspension of live exports from Ramsgate, according to the RSPCA, which revealed that the ferry left Ipswich on Friday and arrived in Calais on Saturday.

The RSPCA has criticised the move to transfer live exports from Ramsgate to Ipswich while the former is suspended due to serious breaches of animal welfare, which it said amounted to "sneaking the vile trade back in through the back door."

Chief Executive for the welfare charity, Gavin Grant, warned port officials that they had a "duty of care" to the animals that were converging on the port.

Ipswich Borough Council does not have any statutory duties or powers affecting the live export of animals, and said it does not own the port. Inspections are carried out by Defra.

A Defra spokesperson said: "We take animal welfare very seriously and ideally would rather see livestock slaughtered as close as possible to where they are farmed. However, when animals are transported there are stringent rules including on fitness to travel, space allowances, ventilation and access to water and feed. These are strictly monitored and we will take swift action if they are not followed."

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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.