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Pets Easily Spooked at Halloween
Vets are offering advice to prevent pets being frightened this autumn.

With Halloween and Bonfire Night coming up, autumn can be action-packed for humans - but frightening for pets.

Pets commonly suffer from noise phobia and Halloween can be a very distressing time. And with up to 80% of pet owners reporting that their pet is afraid of fireworks, Bonfire Night - following closely on the heels of Halloween - only adds to pets' anxiety.

Irish vets are advising pet owners on measures to keep their pets safe this autumn. Animals can react badly to excessive noise and it is a common time of year for pets to go missing or to be injured on the roads.

Veterinary Ireland has come up with tips for owners to keep pets calm. Click here for their advice. 

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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.