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Lamb crop survey for livestock farmers
Industry bodies hope to uncover lambing health trends

An online survey has been launched to provide an ongoing weekly snapshot of lamb crop, and whether any health trends are emerging – particularly as a result of the schmallenberg virus (SBV).

Producers in England, Scotland and Wales are being urged to complete the survey as they finish lambing, to record key performance figures. They are asked to answer all questions to the best of their knowledge, even if they do not experience any problems.

The results will then be analysed to gauge the effects of last year's poor weather on lamb crop. It is expected that the weather will have caused a prevalence of disease this year, particularly SBV.

Launched by a group of industry bodies, the survey will enable specific projects to be tailored to help if health problems do emerge. A similar calf crop survey is set to launch in the coming weeks.

“Obviously Schmallenberg is something that everyone is worried about but it is currently difficult to get a true picture of how many flocks are affected and the prevalence in any particular flock,” the group said in a joint statement.
 
“However, there are plenty of other factors which could affect the lamb crop, such as the poor weather conditions and liver fluke. Without hard data, we cannot co-ordinate a response that helps farmers.
 
“This is not an in-depth scientific survey so will take less than 10 minutes to complete. However, the collective picture built from individuals’ responses will significantly help our understanding of the grassroots situation. We would urge all sheep farmers in the UK – and beef cattle farmers for the calf crop survey that is to follow – to do their bit for the industry and fill in their results.”

The industry bodies that have joined forces for the study are Eblex, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC)/ Meat Promotion Wales, National Beef Association (NBA), National Farmers Union (NFU), National Sheep Association (NSA), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA).

Click here to fill in the survey, or head to any of the seven industry bodies' websites. Individuals that would like feedback as the season progresses are asked to leave an email address. Farmers that lamb in batches may complete the survey after each batch.

The survey is set to stay open through to the end of May.

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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.