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Scotland to apply for upgrade in BSE status
cow
Scotland has been BSE-free since 2009 and has had no cases in animals born since 2005.

'Negligible risk' status could create new export opportunities

Scotland's rural economy secretary, Fergus Ewing, has unveiled the government's plans to apply for BSE negligible risk status.

The upgrade in status could bring new export opportunities for Scottish producers, Mr Ewing said, as he made the announcement at the Royal Highland Show.

"Our premium produce is world-renowned but there are countries to which we are currently unable to export Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb," he said.

"Achieving BSE negligible risk status could help open up markets across the world for these premium products, and potentially reduce waste and inefficiencies in the supply chain worth more than a million pounds."

Scotland has been BSE-free since 2009 and has had no cases in animals born since 2005.

Countries or regions are required to adhere to strict requirements before they can apply for the change in status, and at least 11 years must have passed since the birth of an animal with BSE.

Mr Ewing continued: "If Scotland were to successfully apply for and be upgraded to BSE Negligible Risk status, we could be the first region in the world to do so."

The Scottish government will formally consult on its plans this summer.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.