Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Farmers to receive bespoke TB advice
Cows in field
Farmers will have the option of receiving a farm visit from a vet.
Service forms part of a comprehensive strategy to beat TB in England

Cattle farmers within licensed badger cull areas will be offered bespoke veterinary advice on how to reduce the risk of bovine TB on their farms, Defra has announced.

Over the next two years, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will offer the service to all farmers within the cull areas as part of a comprehensive strategy to beat the disease in England.

Defra say that the service will help farmers to strengthen their TB prevention measures to the highest practical levels, complementing other measures in place within Somerset and Gloucestershire, such as the badger cull license, annual TB testing, and the existing cattle movement controls.

Farming minister George Eustice said: "This new service is part of our comprehensive strategy to beat bovine TB and will provide farmers with expert advice on how they can reduce the risk of the disease affecting their farm."

A summary of the local levels of TB this month will be sent to cattle keepers within the cull areas, with a description of known causes and risk factors.

APHA will provide farmers with customised reports for each of their holdings, showing the number of incidents of TB recorded over the last five years, the cattle movement history and other risk-related information.

Farmers will also have the option of receiving a farm visit from a vet, who will discuss the report and provide bespoke advice and guidance on preventing TB.


Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'