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ASF: Serbia reports first outbreaks
So far there have been four outbreaks in Serbia since 30 July.
Over 240 pigs dead or culled on backyard farms

Serbia has reported its first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), with four outbreaks on backyard premises.

So far there have been four outbreaks since 30 July, resulting in the deaths pf 242 pigs. Three of the outbreaks occurred in the capital Belgrade, and the fourth in a town 52 miles away, Smederevska Palanka.

The source of the outbreak is currently unknown.

ASF has spread widely across Asia, including China and Vietnam, as well as parts of central and Eastern Europe. Cases have also been seen in sub-Saharan Africa.

Slovakia confirmed its first case in July, on a backyard pig holding just a few kilometres from the border with Hungary.

It was reported last week that 130,000 pigs died or were culled in Bulgaria due to ASF outbreaks in July and August. Cases were predominantly seen in the north, north west and central northern parts of the country. Six of the outbreaks occurred on large commercial farms in northern Bulgaria, close to the border with Romania.

In its latest ASF update, the APHA said there has been a distinct rise in the number of cases in domestic pigs in Eastern Europe, predominantly in the backyard sector in Romania.

The risk level for contaminated products entering the UK remains at medium, but APHA is continually reviewing the situation.

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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.  

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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.'