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BSE testing rules set to relax
Proposals reflect decreasing risk of mad cow disease

Requirements to test meat for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), otherwise known as mad cow disease, may be relaxed from January 1, 2013.

The proposal, which is set to be implemented across 25 EU member states, reflects the decreasing risk of BSE. The European Food Safety Authority advised that testing only animals deemed at risk would "easily meet the international standard regarding the sensitivity of BSE surveillance systems".

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Health (Defra) estimates that the change will save England and Wales' fresh meat industry around £3 million and the government around £800,000 per year.

BSE cases have been declining in recent years, in comparison to 1992, when the number of reported cases peaked at 37,000. In 2011, seven cases were confirmed in fallen cattle, and only two so far this year. No cases have been detected in healthy slaughtered cattle for three years in the UK.

Other implemented measures, including the removal of Specific Risk Material and animal feed controls that designed to prevent the spread of disease, are to remain in place.

Consultation will run until December 5. Defra ministers will seek advice from the Food Standards Agency and health ministers, then vote at the December meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

A Defra spokesperson said: "These proposals from the EU reflect the decreasing risk of BSE and will decrease burdens for industry. The key measures to protect public health are unaffected by this change, and there will be no increase in risk to customers."

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.