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Cull stops early in Gloucestershire
Target deemed unlikely to be met during extension period

Badger culling in Gloucestershire was stopped ahead of schedule on Saturday (November 30), as it appeared unlikely that targets would be met.

An eight-week extension of the cull licence was granted by Natural England on October 23, after shooters fell short of their target during the initial cull period, removing just 30 per cent of the estimated badger population.

With the aim of effectively reducing bovine TB in cattle, the cull target was to remove 70 per cent of badgers from the area.

While the extended license was due to end on December 18, the decision was made to cease culling at noon last Saturday, after discussions between Natural England, the National Farmers Union and the cull company.

Any significant reduction in badger numbers over the coming weeks was deemed unlikely, based on the declining amount seen by contractors.

A pilot cull in Somerset was also granted a three-week extension after 60 per cent of the badger population was removed. Following the extension period, Defra reported that a total of 940 badgers were killed - representing 65 per cent of the estimated population.

It is expected that parliament will be updated today on the total number of badgers that were killed during the extension period in Gloucestershire.

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk