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BVA Criticises Badger Vaccine Project
Conclusions drawn from badger vaccine project come under fire.

The British Veterinary Association has criticised the conclusions drawn by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust in its report on badger vaccine deployment.

The report takes into consideration the effectiveness of the Trust's programme of deploying the injectable BadgerBCG vaccine in seven nature reserves covering 170 hectares during the summer. Its conclusion is that the badger vaccine is a viable alternative to culling in the battle against bovine TB, but lacks evidence to support this claim.

BVA President, Carl Padgett, said that, while welcoming the initiative by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the work "must not be confused with an investigation into the effectiveness of the badger vaccine in reducing or eradicating bovine TB."

He stressed: "To conclude from this report that the badger vaccine is a viable alternative to culling in eradicating TB is unrealistic at best and spin at worst."

The vaccine has no protective effect on infected badgers and at least 30-40% of badgers in the area will be infected. Many young badgers will therefore become infected before they can be injected.

Mr Padgett cited Defra's Badger Vaccine Deployment Project as likely to provide more information.

He added: "Vaccination of badgers certainly has a role to play in an effective TB eradication programme but it is only one tool in the toolbox."

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."