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Badger cull officially begins

Start of six-week cull confirmed by NFU

Pilot badger culls have officially begun in Somerset and controlled shooting is expected to continue for six weeks despite protests.

Approved in February this year, the pilot culls are part of an attempt by the government to tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in England.

In a letter to members, National Farmer's Union (NFU) president, Peter Kendall, confirmed the start of the cull, speaking of the "misery" suffered by farmers dealing with bTB.

Environment secretary Owen Paterson said: "We know that despite the strict controls we already have in place, we won't get on top of this terrible disease until we start dealing with the infection in badgers as well as cattle.

"That's the clear lesson from Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and the USA."

The culls, however, have attracted much controversy, with a number of organisations including the RSPCA, Born Free Foundation and Humane Society joining together as Team Badger to campaign against the cull.

Commenting on the announcement, the RSPCA said is was "deeply saddened" by the news and will continue its campaign against the cull.

Controlled shooting in Somerset will continue for six weeks, and further culling in Gloucestershire is expected to begin later this week.

Related News
BVA supports badger cull
Charities say culling will be ineffective
Pilot badger culls approved

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.