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: 28th November 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
BSE testing rules set to relax
Proposals reflect decreasing risk of mad cow disease

Requirements to test meat for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), otherwise known as mad cow disease, may be relaxed from January 1, 2013.

The proposal, which is set to be implemented across 25 EU member states, reflects the decreasing risk of BSE. The European Food Safety Authority advised that testing only animals deemed at risk would "easily meet the international standard regarding the sensitivity of BSE surveillance systems".

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Health (Defra) estimates that the change will save England and Wales' fresh meat industry around £3 million and the government around £800,000 per year.

BSE cases have been declining in recent years, in comparison to 1992, when the number of reported cases peaked at 37,000. In 2011, seven cases were confirmed in fallen cattle, and only two so far this year. No cases have been detected in healthy slaughtered cattle for three years in the UK.

Other implemented measures, including the removal of Specific Risk Material and animal feed controls that designed to prevent the spread of disease, are to remain in place.

Consultation will run until December 5. Defra ministers will seek advice from the Food Standards Agency and health ministers, then vote at the December meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

A Defra spokesperson said: "These proposals from the EU reflect the decreasing risk of BSE and will decrease burdens for industry. The key measures to protect public health are unaffected by this change, and there will be no increase in risk to customers."

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.