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New cattle health scheme launches
The CHeCS scheme complements the government’s 25-year plan to eradicate Bovine TB in England.


Scheme recognises farmers who set up biosecurity control measures

A new cattle health scheme to help farmers across England and Wales avoid the effects of bovine TB has launched in Bristol.


The CHeCS bTB Herd Accreditation is a voluntary scheme that evaluates risk and recognises farmers who set up biosecurity control measures.


Run by the Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS), the scheme aims to improve a herd’s ‘score’ every year it is free from a bTB breakdown, awarding a status of 0-10.


It requires the herd vet and cattle owner to work together on following a host of biosecurity measures already implemented in other cattle disease control programmes.


Besides reducing infection risk, the CHeCS says the programme could benefit farmers selling cattle from regions with a high risk of TB, or those who wish to minimise exposure from bought-in animals.


It may also give recognition for a farmer’s efforts to complement government and industry strategies to control infection, they add.


Welcoming the scheme, farming minister George Eustice said: “We know some 40 per cent of herds in the high-risk area in England have never had a breakdown, and the CHeCS scheme will help them to communicate this so they can carry out risk-based trading to support their business.

“The scheme will also recognise those practising good biosecurity, which is a core part of our long-term plan to tackle bovine TB.”

Cabinet secretary, Lesley Griffith continued: “This industry-led initiative aimed at reducing TB is to be welcomed and fits in without principles of working in partnership and promoting the benefits of disease prevention.

“I urge Welsh farmers to engage with the scheme and reduce the risk of disease being introduced into their herd.”

The CHeCS scheme complements the government’s 25-year plan to eradicate Bovine TB in England.


Farmers wishing to take part are advised to discuss joining with their vet before contacting one of the participating CHeCS-accredited health schemes listed at www.checs.co.uk.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.