Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th October 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Update on SBV in cattle
AHVLA release data on acute SBV in cattle

Evidence of acute Schmallenberg virus (SBV) disease has been found in adult dairy cattle in 19 premises across England, it has been revealed.

Enhanced surveillance, recently introduced by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) has detected cases of SBV across 14 counties in England.

Cattle affected by acute SBV may develop signs such as a transient drop in milk yield, fever and diarrhoea; others may be infected without showing any clinical signs. The disease is not fatal and symptoms are short-lived, but farmers and vets should be aware that these signs may be caused by other agents of disease as well as SBV.

Farmers are advised to contact their veterinarian if they suspect an SBV inception, and vets should contact their AHVLA/SAC laboratory if they suspect the virus is present. Further information on SBV is available here, and advice on investigating suspected incidents can be downloaded here.

The counties currently with acute cases in cattle are as follows:
  • Berkshire
  • Cheshire
  • Cornwall
  • Derbyshire
  • Devon
  • Dorset
  • Leicestershire and Rutland
  • North Yorkshire
  • Oxfordshire
  • Somerset (excl North)
  • Staffordshire
  • Warwickshire
  • West Yorkshire
  • Worcestershire

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.