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SBV ‘knowledge gaps’
EFSA calls for better understanding of disease

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has claimed there are ‘knowledge gaps’ surrounding the outbreak of the Schmallenburg virus in Europe. The EFSA has stated in a report the need for a full understanding of the disease, including its geographical spread, its origin and its impact in the herd.

The report published by the EFSA - Schmallenberg virus: Analysis of the Epidemiological Data and Assessment of Impact – was produced following the commission’s request for scientific advice on SBV.

The EFSA has recommended that to improve the possibility of future outbreaks certain data gaps need to be filled. These include SBV vector competency and other vector host transmission parameters, the distribution, density and overwintering of Culicoides, SBV host vector transmission parameters and other routes of transmission.

They also believe that host susceptibility, species range and virulence – as well as the vulnerable period during gestation – all require further investigation, as does the development and duration of post-infection immunity.

The spokesman for the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Adam Bealby said: “[These] knowledge gaps have been discussed and agreed at an EU level, and there is an initiative to address these through multi-disciplinary research.”

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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. 

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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."