The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has granted MSD Animal Health a provisional UK marketing authorisation for Bovilis SBV, the first vaccine specifically targeting the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in cattle and sheep.
SBV, which emerged in late 2011, is transmitted via insect vectors, mainly midges and causes transient clinical symptoms in adult cattle and sheep, such as fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk yield, as well as congenital malformation in newborn calves and lambs. As of March 31st 2013, 1753 cases of SBV had been confirmed throughout the UK. SBV has now been detected in every county in England and Wales.
Andras Bolcskei, Country Manager, MSD Animal Health UK said: "On behalf of Merck MSD, we would like to thank the VMD for its partnership and support to fast track the availability of Bovilis SBV to the market. There was a tremendous urgency for a SBV vaccine in the UK especially given the marked increase in confirmed cases over the past year and the increasing importance to help control this devastating disease."
MSD says that studies it conducted in support of the provisional marketing authorisation showed that all animals responded with formation of virus neutralizing antibodies. During the studies, reduced viraemia against SBV was observed in sheep vaccinated once and prevention of viraemia was observed in cattle vaccinated twice, whereas all animals in the control groups developed infection and became viraemic. In studies to date, Bovilis SBV has been shown to be efficacious in cattle and sheep.
The vaccine is based on wild-type SBV that has been inactivated and contains an adjuvant that stimulates the immune response.
The vaccine will be available in 20ml and 100ml vials. Bovilis SBV is indicated for the active immunisation of cattle to prevent viraemia against SBV and for the active immunisation of sheep to reduce viraemia against SBV.
MSD says it is working diligently to expedite stocks to the UK, and expects Bovilis SBV to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has released a series of photographs taken at its last council meeting on 7th March 2013.
Anyone for a photo-caption competition?
The full album can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcvs/sets/72157633046308352/
The BSAVA reports the highest ever attendance at Congress this year: 6,178 veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers and students, 6% cent higher than in 2011 (the last time the BSAVA hosted its own Congress).
According to the association, a significant number of international delegates attended this year with almost 60 countries represented - notably Scandinavia (186 delegates), Germany (56), the Netherlands (40) and the USA (31).
Other highlights included:
Outgoing BSAVA president Mark Johnston said the event was the highlight of his presidential year: "Last year we showed the world how well the BSAVA can organise a major veterinary congress. But what is pleasing is that the momentum we gained from hosting the World and European meetings has continued into this year.
"We had more delegates in 2013 than in the last purely BSAVA Congress two years ago and to accomplish that in these difficult financial times is a remarkable achievement."
Newly inducted BSAVA president Michael Day (top right) said he was looking forward to extending the international aspect of BSAVA. The Australian-born Professor who has lived in the UK for well over two decades said: "BSAVA has made huge contributions to veterinary practice in the UK, and already has a global reputation for Congress and publications - I believe we have such a wealth of resources and so I am convinced we have so much more to offer the world".
Six individuals have been announced as the winners of the second annual Ceva Animal Welfare Awards, honoured for their contributions to the prevention and reduction of animal welfare problems in the UK and abroad.
All winners were originally nominated by friends, colleagues or family. The judging panel consisted of panel chairman and veterinary surgeon Chris Laurence MBE, Ross Tiffin of the International Cat Care (formerly the Feline Advisory Bureau), Dennis Baker, OBE, Chief Executive at Wood Green, the Animal Charity and media vet, Joe Inglis. Marc Abraham also assisted in the Volunteer categories.
Dr. Pascal Raoul, Ceva's Head of Global Pharmaceuticals, said: "Ceva is delighted to host these Animal Welfare Awards as they help to highlight the incredible affection and care that people have for animals. With 6 billion people living in megacities in the future, companion animals will often be their major link to nature. The benefits that animals have on improving human health are well documented; in turn we all have a duty to protect them and this evening we have seen some of the best examples, from professionals, members of the public, young and old as to how that should be done."
Timothy Phillips, a Plymouth-based vet from the Elm Veterinary Group (above right), was awarded the Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award for his 15 years of charitable work in the Greek Islands with Friends of the Strays of Greece. Tim performs surgeries and other treatments, helping to establish a re-homing system, with dogs fully vaccinated and declared healthy by the vets before being flown out of Greece.
Veterinary Nurse Scott Parry of Bridge Veterinary Surgery was awarded Welfare Nurse of the Year for his work with the RSPCA's Brent Knoll Animal Centre. Scott has spent hours of his own time raising funds and helping with the rehabilitation of a number of traumatised dogs. He also recently assisted in an RSPCA visit to a travellers' camp to vaccinate more than 50 dogs following an outbreak of Parvo Virus on the site.
Other award winners included Logan McKerron, aged 6, who was awarded Young Person of the Year for his fundraising for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; Kim Taylor, co-founder of the charity Animal Care Egypt, was awarded the Charity Professional of the Year accolade for her work setting up a large animal hospital helping more than 26,000 animals every year; Faye Stacey of People4Ponies in Devon was awarded the UK Volunteer of the Year Award for the large part she has played in stopping ear cutting, notching and tagging of equines in the UK; Jen White has been named International Volunteer of the Year for her work with the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust.
Jon Bowen, animal behaviour consultant at the Royal Veterinary College and Sureflap have declared 8th May 'Vet Cat Watch Day', and are asking the profession to record the reason why each cat seen that day is brought into the practice.
Jon explained: "There are more than 10 million pet cats in the UK, however there is little information about the prevalence of injuries, disease, cat fights and road traffic accidents on a national scale".
The absence of data became apparent when findings from research on over 1,000 cats - conducted as part of the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign, supported by SureFlap and Your Cat magazine - revealed cats that had suffered minor injuries from fights were more likely to develop other health issues, such as hair loss and eye infections.
Judith Bank from SureFlap said: "People often purchase a microchip-operated cat flap to help their pet to feel secure. Owners tell us that their pet is spraying in the house or has been losing fur and this motivated us to support research to look deeper into the problems that pet owners might be having. We soon realised that objective data from vets was not available to qualify the findings and this is where the idea of 'Vet Cat Watch Day' emerged."
Jon said: "The aim of Vet Cat Watch Day is to take a snap-shot of cats' health from veterinary practices across the nation, on one day. The results will be compiled alongside information from cat owners gained in 'Cat Watch Day' a few days earlier.
A report detailing preliminary findings from the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign is available from the SureFlap website. When complete the results will be used to help provide vets with an insight into the lives of domestic cats so they are better equipped to understand behavioural issues.
For more information on Vet Cat Watch Day please visit the SureFlap website The site hosts a PDF to print out and help record the feline cases that come through practice doors on the 8th May, which can be downloaded from www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch_info. At the end of the day, visit www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch to upload your data to the online survey.
Novartis Animal Health has announced that it has assumed marketing responsibilities for the joint health supplement Cosequin in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Cosequin, which contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, is available in a range of presentations for dogs, cats, and horses.
The product, which was previously marketed by MSD, is the leading joint health supplement among veterinary surgeons in the US and Europe.
Novartis says Cosequin is an important addition to its Orthopaedic Health Category, which in 2009 introduced Onsior (robenacoxib), the first tissue-selective pain relief for cats and dogs.
Gaynor Hillier, General Manager UK & Ireland Novartis Animal Health said: "Our strategic intent is to expand our presence in orthopaedic health to address prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in a more comprehensive manner. Cosequin represents an important step toward achieving this objective".
Cosequin is available from Novartis Animal Health in the United Kingdom and Ireland, from licensed veterinary wholesalers. For more information on Cosequin, contact your Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager.
The Royal College is inviting veterinary surgeons to the first-ever Virtual Question Time, which is being held online with The Webinar Vet, from 8-9.30pm on Wednesday 24 April.
Lizzie Lockett, Head of the RCVS Communications Department said: "This is an ideal opportunity to put your burning questions to members of the RCVS Officer team and to VN Council. Our regular Question Time meetings are popular, so we are following their format by asking delegates to set the agenda via their choice of questions. This time there is the extra advantage that busy vets and nurses can take part from the comfort of their own homes. If the Virtual Question Time proves successful, we may hold these events regularly."
The meeting will be run as a free, live-audio webinar. RCVS President Jacqui Molyneux will open proceedings, and introduce the panel, before answering questions from the participants.
Questions may be put to the College in advance and can also be submitted as discussion unfolds on the night. These can be on any issues affecting the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions - there is no set agenda - and might range from the First Rate Regulator initiative, new vet schools, veterinary nurse training and clinical governance, to proposed changes to the Practice Standards Scheme and recent amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
The session will also be recorded so those unable to attend on the night can still listen afterwards.
The meeting can be counted towards continuing professional development for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. Registrations and questions can be submitted online at http://thewebinarvet.com/rcvs/#.
Virbac has announced the launch of My Virbac, a new website offering a range of business, marketing and technical services for veterinary professionals.
The main elements of My Virbac are:
Virbac Product Manager, Ms Victoria Hudson said: "Virbac was one of the pioneers of the concept of practice support and the services we already offer are highly valued by our customers. In developing My Virbac, we're taking things to a new level. We've worked with business and veterinary experts to develop a practical and helpful range of services which will make a real difference to practices that use them. We plan to add additional services and tools on a regular basis.
"As the veterinary sector becomes increasingly competitive, providing an outstanding clinical service is no longer enough. Practices must also be well-run businesses, with a strong focus on marketing and client retention. Taking advantage of the services and tools available on My Virbac will help practices to ensure they are well placed to succeed even in difficult times."
To access Virbac's services platform, practices and individuals can register at www.my-virbac.co.uk.
The Born Free Foundation, British Veterinary Association, Captive Animals' Protection Society and the RSPCA have welcomed the Government's draft legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses in England, to be implemented in 2015.
The groups, which have worked closely together for a number of years on the campaign to seek an end to the use of wild animals in big tops in the UK said that they were "delighted" to see the ban brought forward in concrete terms.
A spokesperson, talking on behalf of all four leading organisations said: "We are pleased to see that the Government appear to have come good on their promise to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses.
"We have long argued that the complex needs of wild animals cannot be met in a travelling circus environment and were disappointed when the Government introduced a licensing regime earlier this year which appeared to legitimise a practice which we, and our hundreds of thousands of supporters, want to see abolished altogether.
"We are looking forward to seeing the ban fully implemented at the earliest opportunity".
BVA President Peter Jones said: "Whilst there are only 20 wild animals kept by two licensed circuses in the UK, their welfare is emblematic of the way we treat all animals."
The groups said that they would work to support Government in the formal enactment of the Bill and the Born Free Foundation and the RSPCA reiterated their pledge to offer to find safe homes for life for all wild animals currently being used in English circuses.
Animalcare Ltd has launched Marbocare (marbofloxacin) 100mg/ml solution for injection, a third-generation fluoroquinolone for the treatment of E.coli mastitis and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle, and Metritis Mastitis Agalactia in pigs.
The company highlights the product's unique flexible dosage regimen of once daily injections for 3 days against E.coli mastitis and BRD, plus a single intramuscular (IM) high dose (8mg/100kg) for BRD.
Animalcare says this regimen, coupled with the flexibility of administration afforded by all three injection routes (intravenous IV, subcutaneous SC and IM), a low volume dose and good syringeability, all combine to offer ease of use; resulting in a reduction in handling and less stress for the cattle.
Developed for veterinary use only, Marbocare has broad spectrum activity against Gram+ve and Gram-ve pathogens. Animalcare says the product is especially effective against E.coli mastitis and the key bacterial pathogens associated with BRD, as well as M.bovis.
Marbocare has milk withdrawal times of 36 hours after the last treatment following the 3 day course and 72 hours after a single shot for BRD. Meat withdrawal is 6 days after multiple injections and 3 days after the single shot.
Marbofloxacin has proven efficacy in a comparative international, multi-centre, controlled, randomised field trial1 in 62 dairy cows with E.coli mastitis. Marbofloxacin cure rates were significantly higher than the control product. In respiratory disease it showed a more rapid clinical response in comparison to tilmicosin2, ceftiofur3 and oxytetracycline4. Marbofloxacin was shown to be well tolerated, leading to a fast return to appetite, liveweight gain and associated welfare benefits.
Marbocare is also licensed in the treatment of Metritis Mastitis Agalactia syndrome in pigs, given by IM injection, with a 4 day meat withdrawal.
Tony Liepman, Product Manager from Animalcare said: "Marbocare is competitively priced whether used on its own or alongside a single-dose anti-inflammatory such as Emdocam (meloxicam)."
Marbocare is a POM-V licensed product presented in 50 and 100ml multi-dose vials.
References
Virbac has launched Inflacam, a meloxicam-based NSAID for the alleviation of pain in both acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders in dogs and horses.
Inflacam is presented both as an oral suspension and as a chewable tablet for dogs. The suspension is available in 200ml, 100ml, 42ml and 15ml sizes with a measuring syringe provided. The tablets come in two sizes - 1 mg and 2.5 mg - and are available in packs of 100. It is available for horses as an oral suspension.
Virbac Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS, said: "Virbac is well known for launching innovative products in areas such as dermatology and reproduction but we also aim to support practices by offering tried and trusted practice 'standards' for everyday use. Inflacam fits this brief well - meloxicam is the most commonly-used NSAID in dogs and we are delighted to add it to our range."
For more information contact your territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243 243.
Ceva Animal Health has launched Marboxidin chewable tablets for dogs and cats for the treatment of micro-organisms susceptible to marbofloxacin, including skin and soft tissue infections (in cats and dogs), respiratory tract infections (in dogs and cats) and urinary tract infections (in dogs).
Containing marbofloxacin as its active ingredient, Marboxidin has a taste-masking lipid coating to ensure that its bitterness is not detected. In palatability trials over 90% of dogs and 80% of cats voluntarily consumed Marboxidin chewable tablets from the hand or in food1. Ceva says that Marboxidin is also very cost-effective, with an ongoing discount using the new CevaSave rebate scheme.
Marboxidin chewable tablets are available in three tablet sizes (5mg, 20mg and 80mg).
For further details, contact your Ceva Territory Manager or telephone the customer support team on (01494) 781510.
The WSAVA's Global Nutrition Committee (GNC) has launched a Nutrition Toolkit for veterinary professionals.
The non-branded toolkit contains the following materials:
The toolkit is available for download at http://wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit.
Based on its importance to overall health, the WSAVA is campaigning to have a nutritional assessment confirmed as the fifth vital assessment in a standard physical examination and for the veterinary healthcare team to provide nutritional recommendations for each animal as an integral component of patient care.
The launch of the Nutrition Toolkit follows on from the Global Nutrition Committee's first initiative, the creation of a set of Nutrition Guidelines in 2011. These were aimed at helping veterinary professionals and pet owners ensure that pets are fed according to an optimal and individually tailored nutrition plan. According to WSAVA, they have been successful, securing endorsements from 19 veterinary organizations in 16 countries. They have been translated into ten languages and are available for download at http://www.wsava.org/guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines.
GNC Co-Chair Dr Marge Chandler said: "Research shows that more than 90% of pet owners would like nutritional advice but fewer than 15% feel they receive it. In some parts of the world, pet malnutrition remains a major challenge, while in many other countries, pet obesity is an increasing problem. In addition, there is confusion about optimal nutrition because there is now so much conflicting and inaccurate information available online.
Our Nutrition Toolkit is designed to help the veterinary healthcare team address nutrition at every patient visit and to advance the central role of the veterinary healthcare team as the expert source of nutrition information."
Owners of hyperthyroid cats say they would rather veterinary surgeons prescribed the appropriate dosage for their pets than have an easy way to administer the medicine, according to new research carried out by feline expert Dr Sarah Caney BVSc PhD DSAM (Feline) MRCVS.
111 cat owners were questioned for the research, which was supported by Dechra Veterinary Products and has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Dechra says the results of the study challenge long-held perceptions, and should encourage a reappraisal of the approach to oral anti-thyroid medication:
89% of cat owners agreed with the statement that it 'was more important to me that the vet prescribes the most appropriate dose for my cat than that they provide me with an easy method of administering the medicine.'
Dr Caney said: "The survey has shown that cat owners are not a barrier to prescribing twice daily medication. Their overwhelming drive is to provide the best level of care that they can.
"From an owner perspective, the ideal anti-thyroid medication offers low doses and a variety of dosing strategies to ensure that each individual cat receives the dose they need and no more."
The findings revealed that 'once daily treatment' was not ranked as the most important statement on dosing by any of the owners and that only 21% of owners who had experienced oral dosing of their cat described the process as either 'tricky' or 'very difficult'.
Craig Sankey, Brand Manager for Felimazole at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We are very pleased to have supported such an important piece of independent research relating to feline hyperthyroidism which challenges some of the assumptions made about owner needs.
"Ease of administering the medicine is not the overwhelming issue for owners of cats with hyperthyroidism - administering the correct dose is. In fact, 79 % of cat owners questioned were happy to give pills twice a day if necessary."
To see the latest research in full, please visit www.dechra.co.uk/hyperthyroidism
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Pexion (imepitoin) a novel treatment for canine idiopathic epilepsy.
Canine epilepsy can affect up to 5% of dogs6. In most dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy no underlying cause for the seizures can be found. While the condition can affect any dog, it is more common in young (one to five year old), purebred dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Vizlas, Beagles, English Springer Spaniels, Irish Setters, Poodles and Dachshunds.
Boehringer says Pexion has a highly targeted mode of action1-3 to suppress a dog's seizures. It starts to work within a few hours and reaches steady state within three days4,5. Boehringer claims this will make it easier to stabilise epileptic patients. It also says there is no evidence of hepatotoxicity or liver-associated enzyme elevation, so repeated blood tests for liver enzymes or therapeutic levels are no longer required.4,5
Pexion is available in 100 mg and 400 mg tablets. The tablets are white, scored and divisible in half. Both tablet strengths are available in 100 tablet packs from veterinary wholesalers.
Jemima Mead, brand manager at Boehringer said: "Pexion is a ground-breaking new product which gives vets a new first-line treatment option for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, improving the lives of newly diagnosed epileptic dogs and their owners by reducing the number of seizures and their impact on the patient's life".
To support the launch of the new product, Boehringer hosted an epilepsy webinar presented by neurologist Dr Holger Volk DVM PhD DipECVN FHEA MRCVS, recognised RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology. The webinar is now available on demand at www.bi-academy.co.uk.
For further information on Pexion visit www.pexion.co.uk, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or telephone +44 (0)1344 746959.
Invicta Animal Health has launched EthyCalm Spray, a cryoanalgesic for minor procedures.
The active ingredient, ethyl chloride, acts as a local analgesic (pain relief) when sprayed or wiped onto the skin.
According to the company, the product is effective in a few seconds and works for a few minutes until the skin warms up again. This makes it suitable for such things as venepuncture, tick removal or placing of PVC's, where it should help reduce stress for the patient and the practitioner.
Ethycalm is presented in a 50ml vial which provides up to 100 applications.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "We are delighted to launch EthyCalm. During theatre training sessions for our product, ChloraPrep, we realised that the busy nurse doesn't have time to use traditional analgesia methods such as creams. They needed something instant yet cost-effective. Seeing the widespread use of ethyl chloride in places like Great Ormond Street Hospital, it was obvious that this product needed to be made available to veterinary practices".
For further information see www.invictavet.com or phone 01403 791313
Novartis Animal Health has announced the launch of a new campaign called Prepare, Predict, Prevent and designed to raise awareness of blowfly strike management in sheep.
The campaign will include new industry research, an expert-led report, and information tailored to farmers, veterinary surgeons and SQPs. The campaign is aimed at improving awareness of blowfly strike management, with a particular focus on prevention.
In the UK, blowfly strike (myiasis) occurs on over 80 per cent of sheep farms2. If untreated, strike can severely affect the welfare of infested sheep, and may result in death. For farmers, poor management of blowfly strike brings economic costs in terms of the loss of animal, production losses and in terms of treatment and control of the disease, which is easily spread.
Furthermore, previous research from the University of Bristol4, which simulated the pattern of parasite growth in different climate-dependent environments, showed that an increase in average temperature of 3 degrees Celsius would be enough to quadruple the incidence of strike in ewes and double the rate in lambs. This is a growing concern, with climate change models for the UK suggesting that over the next 50 years summer temperatures are set to increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures by 2.5 degrees Celsius5.
Research conducted at the 2013 Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) Annual Conference indicated that, in the past five years, many believe the blowfly strike season is lasting longer and beginning earlier in the year, with the majority of early reported cases occurring unexpectedly in March. The findings have prompted a wider survey from Novartis Animal Health, which is urging SQPs, farmers and key opinion leaders nationwide to contribute answers at: www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/fleecebind-questionnaire.
Katherine Openshaw, Ectoparasiticides Category Manager at Novartis Animal Health, said: "This has always been a serious issue for the sheep industry and elevated temperature is likely to bring about increased levels of blowfly strike and a longer season.
"We recognise the need to evolve attitudes towards parasite control and to provide farmers and prescribers with the knowledge and tools needed to facilitate a better management of blowfly strike. The 'Prepare, Predict, Prevent' campaign is all about simple, yet effective, measures to prevent the occurrence of blowfly strike, which can be enough to ensure farmers are protected from the potentially devastating impacts of flock infestation, offering season peace of mind.
"We have developed a range of materials to aid prescribers in promoting preventative solutions to farmers; these include farmer leaflets, posters and counter displays. We will also be offering training support so prescribers are best equipped to help farmers make informed decisions about preventative blowfly solutions."
To what extent changing diets and adding novel feed additives can cut emissions from beef cattle is being investigated in a new three-year research project.
EBLEX, the organisation for beef and sheep producers in England, has teamed up with Scotland's Rural College, SRUC, in Edinburgh, to look at how changes to feeding regimes can improve efficiency and drive business profitability, while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced as a by-product of rumination.
Steers will be finished on either concentrate based or forage based diets, each with two different feed additives, such as vegetable oils. The role of the rumen microbial population in the responses will be measured to look at how rumen function changes according to diet, additive and breed. Results will be related to the greenhouse gas emissions and feed efficiency, as well as long-term effects of feed additives.
Dr Mary Vickers, senior livestock scientist with EBLEX said: "The animals will be moved into specialist chambers for short periods of time where their emissions can be captured.
"In addition, when they are accessing rations from group pens, special plastic hoods over the feeding stations can measure the specific emissions at those times. Measuring emissions, rumen function, feed intake and growth rates can help us build a picture of any effect the additives have.
"The ultimate aim is to ensure the cattle are having their full nutritional needs met in an efficient, cost effective way while minimising the emissions produced."
In addition, carcase quality, meat quality and shelf life will also be recorded to ensure quality of the final product is maintained. The outcomes of this project will provide producers with independent advice about the efficacy of two feed additives fed in a range of commercial conditions.
Bayer Animal Health has announced the launch of a new campaign which plays on our anthropomorphic nature to drive owners into practice for worming.
As part of the campaign, the company has enrolled the behaviour specialist and author Sarah Whitehead to oversee a video analysis of the behavioural interaction between a small number of dogs and their owners. The results will be used to make an educational film for pet owners which helps them better understand their pet's emotions and behaviour.
Tracey Dawson, Group Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: "We want owners to really understand the importance of health on their dog's happiness and behaviour, whilst reminding them to worm their pet at least four times a year. Our ground breaking research will make owners feel like real-life Dr Doolittle, as they will better understand their pet's emotions and actions, highlighting the importance of keeping their dogs healthy, happy and worm-free."
In order to prompt owners to worm their dog more frequently, Bayer has also launched a free SMS/email worming reminder service available at www.drontal.com. In addition, there'll be a new CPD section for SQPs on the website in the summer..
Bayer is also developing 'Worm Reminder' toolkits for veterinary practices, including a press release template, infographics, and video report of the research findings to further promote the importance of worming frequently. For more information, talk to your Bayer representative.
Petplan has announced the finalists for the inaugural Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Animal Charity Awards.
The awards have been set up by Petplan to celebrate the outstanding work of animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK.
The finalists for each of the categories are:
Animal Charity Team of the Year
Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year
Animal Charity Employee of the Year
Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships said: "Animal wellbeing is central to all we do at Petplan. We work with over 1,500 animal charities and give over £2million to assist them every year. The Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards is another way for us to support and recognise the teams and individuals at charities dedicated to improving the lives of animals. We're delighted that these new awards have got off to a fantastic start with over 3,400 nominations from adopters, supporters, charity staff and volunteers."
Winners will be announced on the 2nd May in an awards ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon. For further information go to www.petplan.co.uk/charityawards
Bimeda has announced the launch of a new teat seal which the company claims offers a significant return on investment and an opportunity for veterinary surgeons to prompt farmers to re-evaluate their dry cow therapy and mastitis control.
Bimeda's vet and head of technical services, Padraig Hyland MVB said: "Boviseal is proven to dramatically reduce mastitis in the 100 days post calving¹. Adding competition to the market will encourage farmers to re-assess their dry cow and mastitis strategies.
"The UK launch of Boviseal is a great opportunity for vets to raise the issue of the damage and cost of mastitis, and the potential savings by the correct use of a seal. Boviseal is the number one selling teat seal in the Republic of Ireland, with 2/3 of the Irish dairy cows sealed annually²."
Padraig says the evidence of the value from combined sealing and antibiotic therapy is all too clear when it comes to dry cow therapy. He cites a case study at Waterwheel Farm in Donegal, Ireland which delivered a 300% return on investment: "Combined therapy might sound costly but this two year study saw annual mastitis cases fall dramatically, from 26 per 100 cows to 9 per 100³.
"Defra figures indicate that mastitis is the most costly disease problem that UK dairy farmers face, with a typical case costing £175.00 4. When you compare that against the cost of treatment for the herd, there's no real counter argument in my opinion."
Boviseal contains 65% Bismuth Subnitrate. Padraig says the effectiveness of teat sealing is proven but correct administration is key: "It is important to note that the conventional practice of massaging into the udder after infusion is not employed - the teat seal must stay in the teat canal."
For details on best application practices, the company has developed a website, www.boviseal.co.uk with a video demonstration for correct infusion.
For further information, visit the website or contact Bimeda on 01248 725400.
A new study of 1,000 children aged between nine and 10 years old, conducted by Mars Petcare in conjunction with the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition and The University of Liverpool, with partners Liverpool John Moore's University and Liverpool City Council, has revealed the depth of the bond between children and their pets.
The research revealed that:
The research looked at the ownership of a range of pets - including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, horses and fish - and revealed that more than 50% of children consider their dog to be their "favourite" pet, followed by cats (15%).
The research also looked at the impact that pets have on children who do not have siblings, showing a strong attachment between single children and their pets. Lead researcher Dr Carri Westgarth from the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health said: "In the absence of siblings, pets offer children the chance to care for and nurture others; a vital skill in a child's learning and development. The youngest siblings in a family also had stronger attachment to their pets which can be attributed to a lack of younger, more dependable siblings to care for. "
Dr. Sandra McCune, Scientific Leader for Human - Animal Interaction at WALTHAM, said: "Pets play a crucial role in the development of children; allowing them to socialise, care for and nurture others. This is particularly important for children who do not have siblings to learn from and play with, and for the youngest siblings in the family who do not have a younger, more dependable sibling to care for. Children often yearn to own a pet and the developmental impact that they have for kids is significant. Not only are they good in terms of exercise and responsibility, but also helping children understand relationships. Playing, taking care of and talking to animals can have a really positive impact on a child's development."
A new study published this month in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ)1 has concluded that toxins from the seeds of the sycamore tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) are the likely cause of Atypical Myopathy (AM) in Europe.
However, to avoid confusion, the authors of the study point out that the American Sycamore (also just called 'the sycamore' in the USA), is a completely different species: Platanus occidentalis. Furthermore, the sycamore found in the UK is also known as the sycamore maple in other countries.
The new research follows on the heels of a study in the USA earlier this year that linked toxins from the box elder tree (Acer negundo) with Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM), the US equivalent of AM2. The discovery marks an important step for the future prevention of this fatal disease.
Atypical Myopathy is a highly fatal muscle disease in the UK and Northern Europe. In ten years, approximately twenty European countries have reported the disease. Incidences tend to occur repeatedly in the autumn and in the spring following large autumnal outbreaks. Horses that develop AM are usually kept in sparse pastures with an accumulation of dead leaves, dead wood and trees in or around the pasture and are often not fed any supplementary hay or feed. SPM is a very similar disorder, prevalent in Midwestern USA and Eastern Canada that is now known to be caused by the ingestion of hypoglycin A, contained in seeds from the box elder tree.
The new European research1 was conducted by an international team led by Dominic Votion, University of Liege and involved 17 horses from Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands, suffering from Atypical Myopathy. High concentrations of a toxic metabolite of hypoglycin A, were identified in the serum of all of the horses. The pastures of 12 of the horses were visited by experienced botanists and the Acer pseudoplatanus, the sycamore maple, was found to be present in every case. This was the only tree common to all visited pastures.
Researchers believe hypoglycin A is the likely cause of both AM in Europe and SPM in North America. The sycamore and the box elder are known to produce seeds containing hypoglycin A and the pastures of the afflicted horses in Europe and the USA were surrounded by these trees.
Hypoglycin-A is found in various levels in the seeds of plants in the genus Acer as well as in various other genera in the family Sapindaceae such as ackee (Blighia sapida). In ackee, hypoglycin-A levels do vary with ripeness of the fruit and, if the fruit is eaten before it is mature, it causes hypoglycaemia to different degrees including a condition called "Jamaican vomiting sickness" (because of ackee's use in Jamaican cooking) and occasionally death in humans.
Researchers at the Universities of Minnesota2 and Liege are continuing their work to try to uncover exactly how the equine disease occurs. Dr Adrian Hegeman of University of Minnesota said: "It is likely that the most important contributing factors to horses becoming poisoned by hypoglycin-A are the availability of seed in the field combined with lack of other feeding options. The seeds from two species of maples (box elder and sycamore maples) that we have tested include significant quantities of hypoglycin-A.
"We know that seeds contain highly variable quantities from seed to seed, even within a single tree. We do not know yet how hypoglycin-A levels vary seasonally, nor do we know how its abundance varies with different levels of stress to the plant, though this may well explain seasonal variability in the occurrence of the malady. It is possible that conditions that stress the plants may contribute to significant seasonal changes in hypoglycin-A levels. At this point we just don't know. It is common held knowledge that trees under stress usually produce more seed."
Dr Jeff Gillman of University of Minnesota said: "Without question, further analysis of the seeds and other tissues from Acer species needs to be performed along with sampling of plant materials over multiple seasons and at various stress levels. Additionally, one cannot rule out more complex explanations for the seasonality of disease occurrence such as: animals may begin feeding on seed materials in response to depletion of more palatable choices under drought conditions; or simple explanations such as high wind events driving seeds into fields. These sorts of explanations for the occurrence of the disease do not depend on botanical variations in toxicity across seasons, sites or stress levels, yet also require consideration.
"Although limited examples are available, the experience of animals at a pasture site might also confer some degree of behavioral resistance to poisoning due to exposure at sub-lethal levels with prior exposure to seeds in the pasture."
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: "This is an important advancement in our understanding of what causes AM and how it can be prevented. In immediate practical terms owners can take prompt measures to avoid exposing their horses to sycamore seeds this autumn. Where horses are grazing in the vicinity of sycamore trees, it is imperative that they are provided with sufficient supplementary feed as this will minimise the risk that horses might be tempted to ingest seeds containing this toxin. This must be done carefully and leaving wet hay on the ground should be avoided so providing extra carbohydrate feeds may be more practical."
Norbrook Laboratories has announced that Pestigon for Cats, the company's fipronil spot on solution against fleas and ticks, has been granted an extension to its licence which means it is now indicated against the Ixodes ricinus tick.
Previously, the cat product was only indicated for Dermacentor reticulatus.
The Pestigon dog spot on offers efficacy against the Dermacentor reticulatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and the Ixodes ricinus tick.
Michelle Jones, Norbrook's Small Animal Brand Manager said: "The extension of our licence for Pestigon in Cats is welcome news. The Ixodes ricinus tick is one of the most common ticks found in the UK. Pet owners need to be aware that choosing a treatment that kills ticks as well as fleas is vital, with ticks potentially spreading diseases such as lyme disease. We are therefore delighted that our Pestigon range now gives cat owners even more protection against fleas and ticks."
Michelle added: "Pestigon is only available through veterinary practices which means that pet owners have to visit their practice to purchase this flea and tick treatment. They can therefore receive expert advice at the point of purchase and discuss any concerns they may have."
Pestigon spot on is available from all wholesalers in packs of 3, 6 and 24. Norbrook also makes a household spray, Permaguard, and a range of customer support materials available from Norbrook Territory Managers.
Image: Ixodes ricinus Richard Bartz
The RCVS has announced that the first members of its reconstituted Disciplinary and Preliminary Investigation Committees have been appointed and will join the Committees from July 2013.
Beverley Cottrell and Catherine Goldie (pictured right) have been appointed to the new Disciplinary Committee (DC), and are retiring as elected veterinary surgeons on Council to take up the posts. Veterinary surgeons Jane Downes and Charles Gruchy, and lay members Stuart Drummond, Ian Green, Chitra Karve and Mehmuda Mian, will also join the DC.
The new Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) members will include veterinary surgeons Andrew Ash and William Reilly, plus lay members Penny Howe, Sarah Pond and Elana Tessler.
These new appointments result from a legislative reform order (LRO) made to separate the RCVS disciplinary committees from the RCVS Council. The Royal College says this will improve the independence of the disciplinary process and bring it into line with regulatory best practice.
The LRO came into force on 6 April 2013, and amended the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA). The VSA now requires that the RCVS PIC and DC are made up of veterinary surgeons and lay members who are not RCVS Council members, and who are appointed independently. The change to the legislation ensures that the same group of people is not responsible for setting the rules, investigating complaints, and adjudication.
The LRO also brings lay people formally into the PIC and will increase the pool of people available to investigate complaints and sit on disciplinary hearings.
RCVS Registrar and Head of Legal Services, Gordon Hockey said: "The LRO fundamentally improves the way the veterinary profession is regulated, and will help to ensure public confidence in our disciplinary processes. I am delighted by the constructive and collaborative working relationship that we had with Defra and the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which has allowed this major reform to be introduced."
To make these appointments, a long-list of lay and veterinary surgeon candidates was put together by recruitment consultants, and a shortlist was referred to an independent selection committee chaired by Sir Michael Buckley and including Christopher Laurence and Dr Joan Martin. The selection committee's choices were then ratified by RCVS Council at the June 2013 meeting.
As part of a transition phase, both committees will also include some Council members; after a two-year period, members of RCVS Council will become ineligible for membership of either committee.