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What is social distancing?
The government is advising that we all take social distancing steps to reduce interaction between people.

Government advice to protect the elderly and the vulnerable

The government is advising that we all take social distancing steps to reduce interaction between people to slow the transmission of COVID-19.

The guidance advises those who are at increased risk of COVID-19 to be especially stringent in following these measures. This group includes those aged 70 or over, under 70 with an underlying health condition and those who are pregnant.

The government’s advice, which is likely to be in place for some weeks, includes:


 1. Avoiding contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
 2. Avoiding non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible.
 3. Working from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information.
 4. Avoiding large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs.
 5. Avoiding gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
 6. Using telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.

The government states: “Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much is pragmatic”.

For more information and guidance on social distancing in the UK, please visit www.gov.uk

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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.