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The Reform of Public Bodies
As part of the Government’s commitment to reform and review all public services, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, has now summarised plans to substantially reform a large number of public bodies, including Defra. 

The intention of Ministers is to simplify all of Defra’s arm’s-length bodies (ALBs), both for the department and its customers. According to the minister, this will include restructuring the provision of scientific advice and the replacing a number of existing advisory bodies.

After these reforms, the number of remaining public bodies under Defra will be reduced to 32.

Some of the changes to be made include:
  • The abolishment of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy England Implementation Group
  • The substantial reform of the Environment Agency, including  structural and cultural changes.
  • The reconstitution of the Farm Animal Welfare Council, the Veterinary Residues Committee and the Zoos Forum as a ‘committee of experts’.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Defra’s current delivery network contains over 90 arm’s-length bodies and there have been difficult decisions to make in order to achieve the best value for money in this challenging economic climate. The announcement today confirms that the number of Defra’s arm’s length bodies will reduce by over half.

“But the changes announced today also reflect the government’s view that it should only carry out those functions which only government can do, while harnessing the power of civil society and the private sector to help deliver Defra’s objectives.”

For more information and to see all the changes that will be made please click here.

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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.