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Dog Health Group: 1st annual report
Report highlights continuing progress made towards improved pedigree dog health.

The Dog Health Group has been tasked with ensuring that dogs are bred to enjoy healthy, happy lives. They play a seminal role in influencing Kennel Club policy and guiding health projects.

Key achievements for the group thus far have been:

1)Most breeds now have a single nominated health coordinator and that the scheme is progressing well.
2)The publication of an information guide for veterinary surgeons, to help enhance their understanding of each breed.
3)The introduction of a veterinary assessment of best of breed winners belonging to 14 high-profile breeds at general and group championship shows before their award is confirmed.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Over the last year our priorities have bee to make changes to ensure that our Accredited Breeder Scheme is more robust than ever, so that puppy buyers have confidence about who to buy from and that dog shows only reward healthy dogs in the show ring.

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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.