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Guide for poultry farmers
Advice released on keeping hens feathered

A four-page guide that shows poultry farmers how to help prevent feather-loss in laying hens has been released.

The booklet has been put together jointly by the RSPCA, the Soil Association and the University of Bristol, in order to help combat what they say is a "key welfare issue".

Feather-loss takes number of management strategies to combat, according to the guide. It says that the most common reason hens lose feathers is due to other hens pecking them, usually because of limited foraging opportunities and poor litter quality.

The guide, which covers the causes of feather loss, best practice for keeping free-range, barn and organic hens with good feather cover, and managing a feather-loss problem, is fully supported by the British Egg Industry Council.

RSPCA senior scientific officer for farm animals, Alice Clark, said: "We are so pleased to be part of such a positive collaborative effort to hep find solutions to this key welfare issue affecting laying hens."

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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.