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Defra trials gassing as a badger cull option
badger
Defra says no live animals will be used in the trials.
FOI request reveals trials are being carried out on artificial setts

Defra has revealed it has been conducting trials to determine the humaneness and efficacy of gassing as a badger culling option since summer 2013.

Information about the trials has been published online following a freedom of information (FOI) request.

No animals have been used in the investigations, according to Defra. Preliminary tests have been carried out to investigate the dispersal of carbon monoxide in a sett environment. Trials will not involve the use of active setts or testing on live animals.

Nitrogen oxide foam has also been used in an artificial structure but this work is "not being pursued", Defra says.

The aim of the investigation is to determine whether humane and effective outcomes could be achieved using gas in real setts.

Trials are still ongoing and it is currently unknown how long they are expected to last. Defra is withholding the location of the trial to protect the safety and security of staff.

Pilot badger culls in Gloucestershire and Somerset last year aimed to reduce the badger population by 70 per cent as part of the Government's plan to eradicate bovine TB. However, shooters in both areas failed to meet their targets.

Furthermore, a report by an independent expert panel (IEP) revealed the culls failed on both humaneness and effectiveness.

MPs voted against a roll-out of the culls to other areas of the country in a parliamentary debate in March this year. Culls are set to continue in Somerset and Gloucestershire, however, with improvements recommended by the IEP.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."