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Badger TB vaccinations at record high
The government reports that badger cullimg has decreased by 12 per cent compared to 2023.
The drive aims to end the badger cull by the end of Parliament.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has reported a record high in badger vaccination against tuberculosis (TB).

Vaccinations increased by 24 per cent across the country, with a total of 4,110 badgers now vaccinated against TB. This is an increase of over 1,000 badgers since 2023.

The progress is the result of a major drive to increase badger vaccinations and end badger culling. The current government has pledged to end badger culling by the end of Parliament.

As the number of vaccinations increase, the government reports that badger culling has decreased by 12 per cent compared to 2023. This is less than half the number of badgers culled at the peak of the policy.

The government is set to introduce additional projects to support farmers to carry out badger vaccinations themselves. Launching later in 2025, the new programme is the result of collaboration with the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

It will be advancing its plans further with the launch of its Badger Vaccinator Field Force next year, which is expected to increase the pace of badger vaccination.

Badger culling is often used to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis through badgers. Over 230,000 badgers have been killed to control the disease.

The government seeks to prevent the need for badger culling through continued rollout of the badger vaccine, as well trialling a cattle vaccine.

Cattle vaccination field trials are continuing this year. The next phase of field trials will launch this summer, with cattle keepers invited to express their interest.

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “Bovine tuberculosis is one of the most difficult and prolonged animal disease challenges we face, causing devastation for farming communities.     

“The disease is on a very positive downward trajectory following years of hard work, as vaccinations continues to increase and we remain committed to take a data-led and scientific approach as we transition to fully adopting non-lethal control methods for managing this insidious disease.” 

Image © Shutterstock

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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.