Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th November 2019
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Humane slaughter of wild fish
There is good evdence that wild-caught fish may experience significant suffering
Funding to encourage development and adoption of humane methods

Billions of fish are caught for food every year – the vast majority of these fish are not stunned before killing, and there is good evidence that many wild-caught fish may experience significant suffering between the time they are captured and their death.

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) has announced funding of up to £200,000 to support a systematic review and feasibility study into the stunning or killing of wild-caught fish in commercial fisheries. It hopes to encourage the development and adoption of humane slaughter methods.
 
The specific aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of the development and use of methods of humane stunning or stun/killing for wild-caught fish in order to minimise pain or distress in commercial fisheries. The work should also consider the sustainability of such methods – economic, environmental, ethical and social considerations, including practicality. 

The research is expected to consist of three major components:
  • an overview of the worldwide wild-capture fishing industry
  • a systematic review of any existing relevant research into the stunning of wild-caught fish
  • a feasibility analysis of which fishing system, species of fish, geographical fishing area is most likely to be amenable to the adoption of routine stunning of wild-caught fish.
Applications should be made via the HSA website. The deadline for receipt of applications is the 10 January 2020 with the aim of making an award by April 2020.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.