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Persistent bTB herds to benefit from new approach
Image cows
The new approach aims to boost support for farmers working toward OTF status.
AHVLA to provide enhanced management to support farmers

The AHVLA has announced that herds suffering long-term bovine TB (bTB) breakdowns in England and Wales will now be considered for a more tailored and hands-on management approach.

As of February 3, enhanced case management procedures became available for herd owners seeing breakdowns lasting longer than 18 months.

The move is aimed at helping farmers to regain their officially TB-free (OTF) status as quickly as possible, whilst lowering the risk of future breakdowns. This follows feedback from stakeholders that a more proactive approach was needed.

Each case will be assigned AHVLA veterinary officers, who will consider a number of factors when determining a suitable management approach.

Herds may be selected for enhanced case management based on several issues, including the length of breakdown, number of reactors and compensation costs, results of post mortem examinations and herd size and dynamics, including movement volumes.

According to the AHVLA, official veterinarians will be consulted for local knowledge and herd health problems that may be of importance. In addition, they will be invited to an on-farm meeting, for which they will receive payment.

The agency says the changes aim to boost support for farmers working toward OTF status, to identify and deal with the cause of persistent infection and to gain knowledge to improve the management of future breakdowns.

The new management approach will be assessed using farmer questionnaires, internal case review, pairing herds for epidemiological comparison and quantitative measures (particularly to determine cost savings).

For further information, view the AHVLA website.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.