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New beef cattle housing guidance for farmers
The booklet urges farmers to wash-down areas for vehicles and footwear to prevent the spread of disease.
Booklet provides basic welfare, regulatory and environmental information 

New guidelines for farmers on the importance of biosecurity in cattle housing have been published by the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS).

The Beef Cattle Housing booklet warns that cattle housed in poorly designed buildings are at risk of contracting disease if proper biosecurity measures are not met.

“This booklet is intended to provide basic welfare, regulatory and environmental information for farmers considering the erection of a new beef cattle shed and also provides links to sources of more detailed information,” said Jim Campbell from SAC Consulting, which delivers the FAS.

The booklet urges farmers to wash-down areas for vehicles and footwear to prevent the spread of disease. These areas should be carefully located so that contaminated water does not come into contact with livestock, it says.

The booklet also covers regulatory approvals, services, ventilation, waste handling, location, choice of housing system, space requirements, materials and references.

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.