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

Food labelling "is a matter for retailers", says PM
halal meat
BVA is calling for an end to non-stun slaughter.
Prime Minister will not intervene on food labelling

Prime Minister David Cameron will not intervene when it comes to food labelling, the BBC has reported.

The BVA recently launched a Government e-petition calling for a ban on slaughter without pre-stunning.

UK and EU law currently prohibits the practice of non-stun slaughter, with religious exceptions for the production of halal and kosher meat.

BVA states its campaign relates to animal welfare, not religion, as scientific evidence demonstrate that slaughter without pre-stunning compromises welfare.

The organisation notes that 80 per cent of halal meat in the UK is stunned before slaughter.

The humane slaughter debate recently hit national headlines as it was revealed a number of products being sold in leading supermarkets could be classified as halal, but were not labelled as such.

According to reports, retailers have said the animals were stunned before slaughter.

In response, the BBC reports that David Cameron's spokesperson says the Prime Minister will not intervene on the labelling of ritually slaughtered meat as "it is a matter for retailers and restaurants to work with consumer groups and representatives of faith organisations."

While non-slaughter is permitted, BVA is calling for clearer labelling of food to allow consumers to make an informed choice. View the petition online: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/64331


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

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.