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Researchers to monitor impact of zinc oxide ban
The researchers hope to address the uncertainties around 'zero zinc'.
The project is working with multiple commercial pig herds across the UK.

A research project that is studying the impact of the ban on giving weaning piglets zinc oxide has received £1.1 million in funding.

The ban has been put in place over concerns that zinc oxide, which is used to suppress post-natal weaning diarrhoea (PWD), may be contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The funding has been awarded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and will help the researchers to assess the impact of the ban on pig health and the development of AMR.

The project, which began in 2022 and is set to run until 2027, will monitor levels of the bacteria which causes PWD in a number of commercial pig herds. The researchers will also analyse the genetic makeup of the bacterial strains, as well as the gut microbiome of the pigs, to assess the impact of the ban on AMR and disease spread.

It is hoped the research might eventually lead to the identification of potential replacements for zinc oxide.

The study is being conducted by a consortium of academics and industry partners led by the Roslin Institute. Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Scotland’s Rural College, Edinburgh Napier University, and the University of Surrey are taking part.

Deborah Hoyle, a lecturer at the Roslin Institute, said: “This research will provide insights into the effects of the zinc oxide ban but also pave the way for the development of sustainable strategies to manage PWD in pig production systems.

“By addressing the uncertainties surrounding 'zero zinc' and offering evidence-based solutions, we set out to support the pig industry to adapt while maintaining the health and welfare of piglets.”

Image © 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."