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BVA supports badger cull

Calls for cull opposers to allow scientific work

Following the start of the badger cull in Somerset and Gloucestershire on June 1, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a statement in support of the initiative.

The association has reiterated its support following activity from those campaigning against the cull, and is calling on its opposers to allow the scientific work to go on unhindered.

Explaining its support, the BVA cited data from the Randomised Badger Culling Trials (RBCTs), which shows that bovine TB in cattle can be reduced by 16 per cent in areas where a cull has taken place.

President of the BVA, Peter Jones, said: "We have not taken the decision to support the pilot badger culls lightly; we have considered all of the scientific evidence, which supports the management of bovine TB in badgers in order to reduce the incidence of the disease in cattle.
 
“We accept that there is a gap in our knowledge, which is whether controlled shooting can deliver a badger cull humanely and safely, and to the same degree of effectiveness as cage trapping and shooting.

"That is what the pilots are designed to address and why is it important that they are allowed to go ahead unhindered.
 
“We understand that this is a highly emotional issue but we must be able to gather the evidence to enable future policy decisions to be based on science."

 Image: Peter Jones, BVA president

Related News
Charities say badger cull will be ineffective
Pilot badger culls approved

 

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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.