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National Disease Surveillance Programme Established
BSAVA and the University of Liverpool collaborate on SAVSNET.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is working in conjunction with veterinary scientists at the University of Liverpool to develop a national network for monitoring diseases in small animals.

The establishment of the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network follows the conclusion of a three year pilot study aiming to bring together data on diseases in pets across the UK.

Since funding ended for the project in August 2011, the BSAVA have decided to work in partnership with the University of Liverpool to continue the work and create a vital national surveillance programme. This will provide a single resource for accessing data on pet animal disease for veterinary scientists, veterinary surgeons, members of the public and policy makers.

Andrew Ash, BSAVA President, said: "SAVSNET ticks all the boxes for BSAVA. High quality large scale epidemiological research helps us fulfil our obligations as a charity to public good, the information on disease surveillance gives us the information to treat animals better, and the research papers help us inform veterinary policy and education."

He added: "This is an important scheme for both animal and human health."

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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.