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BSE testing rules set to relax
Proposals reflect decreasing risk of mad cow disease

Requirements to test meat for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), otherwise known as mad cow disease, may be relaxed from January 1, 2013.

The proposal, which is set to be implemented across 25 EU member states, reflects the decreasing risk of BSE. The European Food Safety Authority advised that testing only animals deemed at risk would "easily meet the international standard regarding the sensitivity of BSE surveillance systems".

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Health (Defra) estimates that the change will save England and Wales' fresh meat industry around £3 million and the government around £800,000 per year.

BSE cases have been declining in recent years, in comparison to 1992, when the number of reported cases peaked at 37,000. In 2011, seven cases were confirmed in fallen cattle, and only two so far this year. No cases have been detected in healthy slaughtered cattle for three years in the UK.

Other implemented measures, including the removal of Specific Risk Material and animal feed controls that designed to prevent the spread of disease, are to remain in place.

Consultation will run until December 5. Defra ministers will seek advice from the Food Standards Agency and health ministers, then vote at the December meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

A Defra spokesperson said: "These proposals from the EU reflect the decreasing risk of BSE and will decrease burdens for industry. The key measures to protect public health are unaffected by this change, and there will be no increase in risk to customers."

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.