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New strain of bluetongue spreads in the Netherlands
More than 700 Dutch farms have been affected by the outbreak.

UK farmers warned to remain vigilant.

A new strain of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is quickly spreading between farms in the Netherlands, raising fears that it could reach the UK.

In response, Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) has led a series of emergency meetings in the past week. More than 40 stakeholders and representatives from the farming industry across the UK have taken part in the discussions.

Farmers are being urged to source animals from Europe responsbily, proritise biosecurity, monitor livestock closely and report any signs of the disease.

Since first being identified in the Netherlands in early September, the BTV-3 strain has spread to more than 700 farms in the country. A new case has also recently been reported in Belgium.

Great Britain last experienced a major outbreak of bluetongue in 2007.

Dr Joseph Henry, president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and member of RH&W’s steering group, said: “What we are advising is three-fold. Farmers need to beware when buying animals in, especially from Europe, take action to report any signs of the disease, and at all times, remain vigilant.”

Another member of the RH&W steering group, Cat Mclaughlin, chief animal health and welfare advisor for the National Farmers' Union, added: “Currently, there are no reports of the new strain in the UK. But it is felt that due to the nature of bluetongue’s ability to spread via infected midges, and current warm weather conditions, the risk of it reaching the UK is increasing, so we must adhere to advice and do all we can to keep it out.”

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Anyone suspecting a case must report it to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

 

Image (C) 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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."