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VMD to ban some flukicides
Use of certain flukicides to be banned in milk-producing animals

The VMD have announced a ban on the use of certain flukicides in animals producing milk for human consumption. Speaking last week at the Animal Health Distributors Association conference, Paul Green, director of operations at the directorate said the decision had come from the European Commission (EC). The ban aims to "clarify and harmonise" the advice on using these types of products across the member states.

Mr Green said: "The advice confirms that products containing clorsulon, closantel, nitroxinil, triclabendazole and rafoxanide are not authorised for use in animals producing milk for human consumption, including during the dry period."

However, he added that products containing one of these compounds as their sole active substance will be subject to "specific directions", with regards to their use in heifers and ewes prior to the first calving or lambing. For example, clostanel can be given to pregnant cattle, but not during the second half of pregnancy, whereas triclabendazole cannot be used within the year prior to the first lambing or kidding in sheep and goats respectively.

No UK-authorised products contain rafoxanide, and clorsulon is currently only included in UK products in combination with a second active substance, meaning there are no special circumstances with either of these two substances.

According to the directorate, the decision by the EC comes after a "community interest referral", which is a change initiated by concerns regarding the protection of the EU's human and/or animal health. As a result of the decision there will be major changes to the labelling of affected products across the EU. Mr Green said that the marketing authorisation holders (MAHs) concerned were taking the "necessary steps" to introduce the new labelling. Products containing the new advice will start to become available "in about six months time".

More information and a complete list of the specific directions is available on the VMD's website.

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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.