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: 29th September 2022
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

Vets welcome Welsh ban on glue traps and snares
“We will continue to engage with the Welsh government to develop what the scheme looks like in practice" - Collin Wilson, BVA Welsh Branch.
“This is a landmark piece of legislation" - Collin Wilson, BVA Welsh Branch.

Wales is to become the first country in the UK to introduce a complete ban on snares and glue traps.

On Monday (Sep 26), rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths unveiled a new Agriculture Bill giving Welsh Ministers the power to promote Sustainable Land Management (SLM) principles and integrate them into Welsh agriculture. How this support is delivered will be defined by the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The move has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) which, along with other animal protection and research organisations, has long campaigned for a complete ban on 'inhumane' pest control devices.

The organisation has also played a key role in the development of the new SFS, and BVA representatives are involved in the working group looking at the next stage.

BVA Welsh branch president Collin Wilson said: “This is a landmark piece of legislation which represents a great opportunity to reform the way farmers in Wales receive support. We are particularly pleased to see specific recognition within the Sustainable Land Management goals of the need for high standards of animal health and welfare.

“We are looking forward to seeing more detail on how the conditions within the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme will support animal health and welfare as a Sustainable Land Management goal. As farmers’ most trusted advisors, vets have a vital role to play in delivering the scheme. 

He added: “We will continue to engage with the Welsh government to develop what the scheme looks like in practice, and we look forward to responding to the consultation on the final proposals in 2023.”

BVA recently expressed disappointment that the recent Glue Trap Bill in England fell short of an outright ban and only put restrictions on the general public, still allowing ‘pest controllers’ to apply for licences to use the traps.

Mr Wilson said: “We are keen to see the greater detail of this Welsh Bill to ensure no similar loopholes will be allowed for the pest control industry in Wales."

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.