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Update on Bluetongue vaccination
Regulation change for Bluetongue-free areas

Bluetongue laws have changed for England and Scotland, and are set to change for Wales, to allow the use of approved inactivated vaccines in Bluetongue-free areas, on the basis of Veterinary Risk Assessments.

In England, the Bluetongue (Amendment) Regulations 2012 came into effect last month (24 August) to permit the use of inactivated Bluetongue vaccines in Bluetongue-free areas. A General Licence has been issued to protect against Bluetongue serotypes 1, 2, 4 and 8.

Scotland's Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2012 came into effect at the same time as England and permits inactivated Bluetongue vaccinations against all serotypes within Bluetongue-free areas.

Next week (10 October), the Bluetongue (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 will come into effect, permitting the use of inactivated Bluetongue vaccinations in Bluetongue-free areas against all serotypes.

The use of voluntary vaccination against Bluetongue remain illegal in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Regulations for live attenuated vaccines remain unaltered, and must not be used due to the risk of reversion to virulence and subsequent disease spread. Live attenuated vaccines do not have marketing authorisations for use in the UK.

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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.