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Defra announce bute test results
Presence of bute confirmed in some horse samples

The latest phenylbutazone (bute) test results have been announced by Defra. Minister David Heath has confirmed the presence of the painkiller in 8 of the 206 samples tested.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) checked the carcasses of 206 horses that were slaughtered in the UK between 30 January and 7 February 2013. Of the 8 that tested positive for bute, the Agency says 6 were sent to France and may have entered the food chain. Government chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies has stated that the horse meat containing bute poses very little risk to human health.

In a joint statement, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) noted: "The presence of phenylbutazone (or bute) in horses intended for the food chain will be of concern to consumers.

"We are grateful to the Chief Medical Officer for clarifying the very low level of risk that this presents to human health and we will work with the FSA and Defra in any way we can to assist their investigations into these incidents."

The statement continued to speak of the importance of phenylbutazone in equine welfare, as it is "unique" in providing "affordable, long-term pain relief for horses." Commenting on the Horse Passport Regulations, the BVA and BEVA expressed their intentions to continue a dialogue with Defra and others to improve the system.

"We fully support the concept of the Horse Passport Regulations but have argued for some time that there are problems with the system in terms of the number of Passport Issuing Authorities and the vulnerability of the system to fraud."

The FSA introduced 100 per cent testing of horse carcasses on 30 January. Horses testing positive for bute will not be permitted to leave the slaughterhouse and enter the food chain. The agency says recent test results are in line with extra surveillance carried out last year, which found bute in 6 per cent of horses slaughtered. 

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com