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Campylobacter levels continue to fall
“It is good to see that levels continue to go down as this indicates that the major retailers and processors are getting to grips with campylobacter."
Under half the chicken skin samples tested positive

Campylobacter levels in shop-bought chickens are continuing to decline, according to the latest survey by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which found that less than half of those sampled tested positive.

FSA tested 1,051 whole fresh chickens that were produced in the UK, between January and March 2017. The number of chicken skin samples testing positive for campylobacter at any level fell to 48.8 per cent, from 50 per cent in the same period last year.

Across the market, an average of 6.5 per cent of chickens tested positive for the highest level of contamination, which is down from 9.3 per cent.

Among nine major named retailers, the figure for high-level campylobacter prevalence was five per cent, compared to 7.8 per cent last year. However, a group of smaller sampled retailers and butchers were found to have significantly higher levels (16.9 per cent) compared to the market average.

FSA chairman Heather Hancock commented: “It is good to see that levels continue to go down as this indicates that the major retailers and processors are getting to grips with campylobacter.

“These results give us a clear picture of the positive direction in which we are heading, and help us measure the impact of interventions that are being used to reduce contamination. While results are reassuring, we want to see more progress among the smaller businesses, to achieve real and lasting reductions.”

Campylobacter levels in shop-bought chickens have fallen consistently since the FSA began testing in 2014. Improvements in the level of contamination are reflected in declining numbers of people falling ill with campylobacter. It is estimated there were 100,000 fewer cases of campylobacter last year, leading to direct savings to the economy of more than £13 million, in terms of fewer days of work and NHS costs.

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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.