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Welsh Chief Vet Issues Advice for Pets in the Cold
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr. Christianne Glossop, has issued advice on keeping pets and birds warm and well as the severe weather conditions continue.

She is advising pet owners to move hutches or cages should be inside where possible, to a shed or garage, provide extra bedding and also check their animals’ water supplies regularly and make sure they are not frozen.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Christianne Glossop also suggests: “If you have fish outside, float a large ball on the pond’s surface so that if the water freezes you can remove it, allowing your fish to get enough oxygen.


Dr Glossop also pointed out that wild birds need extra help with access to food in these weather conditions: “Snow and ice make it difficult for birds to find food and water, so feeding birds with nuts, seeds, or high quality kitchen scraps and making sure they always have access to water could be key to their survival. Putting out nesting boxes can also provide them with some much-needed shelter."

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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
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.