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Badger cull may be extended, says Defra
Shooting in Somerset falls short of the target

After the six-week badger cull in Somerset officially ended on October 6, Defra's secretary of state, Owen Paterson, has announced that the cull period may be extended in both Somerset and Gloucestershire.

According to a statement from Defra, the pilot cull in Somerset fell short of the target to remove 70 per cent of badgers from the population.

It has been revealed by the secretary of state that 850 badgers have been culled during the six-week pilot in Somerset, just under 60 per cent of the estimated population of 1,450 badgers.

This figure is based on the latest population estimates carried out in September 2012, which also indicated that Gloucestershire had a badger population of approximately 2,350.

The chief veterinary officer (CVO) has reportedly advised that, although short of the target, a 60 per cent reduction in badger numbers this year will provide "clear disease benefits" as part of a four-year cull.

However, both Somerset and Gloucestershire, where culls are still ongoing, have reportedly been sent applications to Natural England requesting an extension of the cull. The CVO is said to have advised that increasing the number of badgers culled will further improve the disease benefits.

Pilot culls in both areas form part of the Government's strategy to rid England of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) within 25 years. Tackling the disease in the badger population is a "key element" in this plan, according to Owen Paterson, and initial culls in the two areas aimed to test the humaneness and effectiveness of the method.

In a statement after the Somerset cull drew to a close, Owen Paterson said: "Current indications suggest that the pilot has been safe, humane and effective in delivering a reduction in the badger population."

One of the lessons learned, he added, was that "in order to ensure high levels of safety and humaneness, the cull period may need to be longer than six weeks in future."

This will be considered by the Independent Panel of Experts, who will assess all the information gathered during the pilot. Mr Paterson says this information will become available to the public after both culls have finished.

The pilot in Gloucestershire continues and a further statement from Mr Paterson is expected at the end of the six weeks.

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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.