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NI farmers warned of bluetongue risk
“One of the main risks of bluetongue entering Northern Ireland is from importing infected animals” – Andrew Muir.
Cases in Wales highlight risk of importing infected animals, minister says.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has urged farmers to be vigilant and source animals responsibly after bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) was detected in Wales for the first time.

The cases in Wales were found in three sheep which had been moved from an area in the East of England where the virus is circulating.

In addition to the cases in Wales, there have now been more than 100 cases in England. On 30 September, the restricted zone was extended to include part of Hampshire after a case was identified close to the edge of the restricted zone in West Sussex.

Andrew Muir, minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs, said: “One of the main risks of bluetongue entering Northern Ireland is from importing infected animals.

“Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

“I ask that farmers maintain vigilant for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately. This ongoing spread of the disease across England, including the case now confirmed in Wales from imported animals, further highlights the importance of also sourcing animals responsibly.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office. In England, suspected cases should be reported on 03000 200 301 and in Wales on 03003 038 268. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.

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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."