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Netherlands puppies 'not infected with rabies'

False positive confirmed after further testing

Further tests have indicated two puppies confirmed to have rabies in the Netherlands in October, were not in fact infected with the disease.

After the puppies were imported into the country from Bulgaria on October 5, initial immunofluorescence tests (IFT) carried out at the National Reference Laboratory came back positive.

However, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing proved inconclusive, while virus isolation tests were negative.

As a result, the BSAVA has announced that samples were sent to the European Rabies Reference Laboratory (AFSSA) in France for retesting by IFT, PCR and rabies tissue culture infection. All test results came back negative.

Following this, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) concluded that the original IFT  was a false positive, confirming the puppies rabies negative.

The reported case of rabies back in October sparked concerns among the veterinary profession that abuse of pet travel legislation could have harmful consequences.

Following the announcement, BVA president Robin Hargreaves urged the government to review current enforcement of the Pet Travel Scheme to ensure measures in place are sufficient to protect the UK's rabies-free status.

A rabies warning was issued in France last month after an infected kitten was found in Argenteuil, near Paris. Earlier on in the year, Spanish authorities also activated their rabies contingency plan after a dog carrying the disease was euthanised in Toledo, central Spain.

Related News
Rabies confirmed in the Netherlands
Rabies case confirmed in France

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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.