Dr Johanna Fink-Gremmels – Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology at Utrecht University – has warned that UK cattle producers need to plan for an on-going struggle with feed-borne mycotoxins, and says vets need to help farmers understand and mitigate the negative impact on animal health.
Speaking to cattle vets at a CPD meeting organised by Alltech, she said: "When you see a general inflammatory response, such as elevated somatic cell count, mycotoxicosis should always be on your radar. The mycotoxin threat to cattle is increasing in the UK, yet it is often the most neglected causative issue on any list of pathogenic suspects."
Johanna explained that natural toxins produced by diverse fungal species are proliferating worldwide, partly as a result of global climate change, but also because of changing agronomic practices in developed countries.
"Total mixed rations often now contain more than one fungal species, contributing to a complex mycotoxin picture and unresolved health issues in a herd as a result. Cow signals such as reduced feed intake, reproductive disorders, laminitis, mastitis, impaired liver function, a poor response to vaccination programmes and even increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral diseases can all be attributed to ingesting mycotoxin contaminated feed."
Johanna says the biggest challenge for UK dairy farmers is now multiple mycotoxin contamination of grass and maize silage.
"Cattle health problems with feeding obviously mouldy silage are relatively well understood. But new harder to detect fusarium toxins – such as, for example, Enniatins and Beauvericin contaminating cereal grains – are also now being found in pasture grass in Northern Europe. These will also adversely affect the efficiency and function of the rumen.
"The rumen determines the health and productivity of the cow. When rumen bacteria are suffering the liver does not function correctly initiating a cascade of adverse events; and often a generalised inflammatory response is triggered, which leads to a loss of production."
Johanna added that in the future farmers will need select feed crop plants that are more resistant to fungal invasion and will also have to re-adjust tillage methods to reduce mould contamination. "However, we know that this alone will not stamp out mycotoxin contamination without creating a biological vacuum that will be filled with other micro-organisms.
"Consequently, it will be essential to continue to apply strategies such as rigorous on-farm risk assessment and the use of appropriate in-feed mycotoxin-sequestration agents (binders) to prevent the production-limiting and adverse health effects in our farmed livestock."
Idexx Laboratories has launched a new renal function test, Idexx SDMA, which the company says can detect chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs or cats months or even years earlier than traditional methods.
The test is based on a new renal biomarker - symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) - and is the result of collaboration with a number of global experts.
Simon Wootton, UK CAG Marketing Manager at Idexx said: "The high sensitivity of this marker for detecting CKD will allow vets to diagnose the disease a lot sooner than has been previously possible. Identifying the disease earlier will give vets more time to intervene and prescribe an appropriate course of action."
The company says that the Idexx SDMA test can identify renal disease in dogs up to nine months earlier than previous methods, while in cats the detection time can be up to 17 months earlier.
Dr Martha Cannon, BA VetMB DSAM(fel) RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine of the Oxford Cat Clinic, said: "The launch of SDMA testing is very exciting. It offers the prospect of identifying chronic kidney disease at an earlier stage, which should mean we can treat it more effectively and allow us to maintain cats in the asymptomatic phase. This can improve longevity, but more importantly could help maintain a better quality of life for longer.
"SDMA is also unaffected by muscle loss, which will allow us to assess the true extent of CKD in our elderly and underweight cats. This will lead to improved treatment choices, better quality of life and more peace of mind for owners."
The value of the new test has been validated by the adoption of SDMA into the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines as a biomarker for the early detection of CKD.
Jonathan W. Ayers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Idexx Laboratories, said: "Idexx SDMA is a result of our commitment to lead the industry in sustained research investments that serve to advance veterinary medicine. It represents a significant achievement in veterinary diagnostics. Hospitals in the USA already using Idexx SDMA have told us that it has transformed the way renal disease is diagnosed and treated."
Idexx SDMA is available to UK and Ireland reference laboratory customers now. Further information is available at www.idexxsdma.com.
Video shows Sylvia Conway MRCVS, UK Medical Affairs Consultant at Idexx, talking about the new test (can also be viewed here).
The RCVS has launched the new Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), which is now open for applications for both practice accreditations and the new system of PSS awards.
Speaking after today’s launch at the London Vet Show, which over 200 veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and practice managers attended, Practice Standards Group chair Jacqui Molyneux, said: "The new Scheme is all about offering a pathway to improvement for practices of all shapes and sizes that want to aspire to excellence, and then highlighting these achievements to the animal-owning public in a way that is clear and easy to understand.
"Over half of all veterinary practice premises in the UK are already RCVS-accredited, which is fantastic for a voluntary scheme, but we’d really like to help more practices to get on board. I hope that the improvements and exciting new benefits that we’ve developed will make the Scheme even more rewarding for existing members, and encourage more people to join."
The College says that the main changes to the scheme have been based on feedback from the profession and input from the Practice Standards Group (PSG), with the dual aims of making it more accessible for those practices which aren’t yet PSS members, and even more rewarding for those who are already accredited.
Whilst retaining the existing accreditation levels across small animal, equine and farm animal practices (current RCVS-accredited practices will be automatically transferred to the new Scheme), a new modular structure helps to make the Scheme more flexible and ensure all types of veterinary practice – from ambulatory services to veterinary hospitals – can join. This structure also recognises the contributions of the whole practice team, helping to raise standards across the board.
Once accredited, practices can now apply for a range of optional awards that focus on outcomes and behaviours in specific areas, such as ‘In-patient Service’, ‘Team and Professional Responsibility’ and ‘Client Service’. Designated at either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, these awards should help clients understand where a practice excels, and what skills and services are on offer, enabling them to make choices based on their needs and preferences.
The RCVS has also recruited and trained a new team of assessors, who will take more of an interest in listening to practice staff rather than just checking paperwork and equipment. It has also developed an online administration and support tool – nicknamed Stanley – to provide document storage, a calendar and a self-assessment function, to make the accreditation and awards application processes quicker and easier to manage.
As an introductory offer, the RCVS is now inviting applications from practices that would be willing to help with a final round of testing of the new Scheme, to be in with a chance to win one of 20 free assessment days, worth £350. The offer is open until Friday 4 December, and the first 20 practices drawn at random on 7 December will be allocated the free assessments.
Full details about the draw, the new Scheme and how to apply for accreditation and/or awards are available at www.rcvs.org.uk/newpss. The new promotional video shown above can also be viewed here.
The RCVS and the BVA have published the Vet Futures report: their vision for how the veterinary profession should look in 2030, coupled with 34 recommendations for change.
The report, which represents the culmination of a year of engagement, consultation and research with the veterinary profession, veterinary nurses, members of the wider veterinary team, key stakeholders, animal owners and the general public, says that in 2030 vets should be a leading force for animal health and welfare and valued for their wider roles in society. They should be confident, resilient, healthy and well supported, and benefit from exceptional leadership. And there should be a broad range of diverse and rewarding veterinary careers, as well as thriving, innovative and user-focused businesses.
While the focus of Vet Futures has been on veterinary surgeons, Vet Futures engaged with the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council and British Veterinary Nursing Association, as well as individual veterinary nurses, and the College says that many of the ambitions should resonate with members of both professions. It goes on to recommend that the veterinary nursing profession should build on the work of Vet Futures to develop its own clear vision and ambitions.
The recommendations within the report include:
Other recommendations include developing an animal welfare strategy for the profession, increasing collaboration with medical professionals and environmental organisations, adopting a more strategic long-term outlook for research funding, and exploring how to encourage a more diverse profession.
RCVS President Bradley Viner said: "The Vet Futures report is the culmination of a year of research and engagement with thousands of members of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions, which has given us a very firm foundation on which to build our ambitions and recommendations. We are extremely grateful to every individual who has contributed in some way to the project, and helped us to seize the initiative.
"Over the years the veterinary profession has proved itself to be adaptable and able to face challenges head on, and we have no doubt that by working together we will realise our joint vision of a profession in charge of its future. Ultimately, we all want a profession that is confident in itself and one in which members are proud to call themselves veterinary surgeons."
Sean Wensley, BVA President, added: "Vet Futures has proved to be an exciting, engaging and truly ambitious project for the veterinary profession and it has created a fantastic level of debate and engagement.
"The report we are launching today is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of the next chapter. It is crucial that we maintain the momentum of the project so we will be inviting members of the veterinary professions to step forward and join a new Vet Futures Action Group to help us turn the recommendations into actions and drive forward activity."
The full report can be downloaded here.
Lindsay Newell, a Derbyshire veterinary nurse, has been struck off by The Veterinary Nurses Disciplinary Committee of the RCVS, after she was found guilty of the unlawful possession of veterinary medicines and failing to give regard to welfare in respect of six animals.
The hearing for Ms Newell, who did not attend and was not represented, concluded on 18th November 2015. It related to two main charges against her. The first was that, on 29 November 2012, she was found in possession of a number of veterinary medicines without lawful permission.
The Committee heard that the RSPCA and police officers had attended Ms Newell’s home on that day, where they found veterinary medicines, including controlled drugs, stored in an insecure cabinet within an insecure shed. It heard that during a police interview, she agreed that she was not allowed to possess some of the drugs and subsequently accepted a police caution, which the Committee took as an admission of the offence and therefore found the charge proved.
The second charge was that, between 1 and 29 November 2012 at the Burton Wildlife and Rescue Centre in Etwall, Derbyshire, she failed to give any or sufficient regards to the welfare of six animals in her care. These charges relate to an RSPCA investigation of the rescue centre on 29 November 2012 which found two animals dead and the rest of the animals emaciated and in poor physical condition.
The animals included a male lamb found dead in its pen, a ‘furry-faced’ lamb which died just over a week after the investigation took place, a female goat which died 12 hours after being taken to a veterinary practice for treatment and a pig which died during the investigation process, as well as an adult ewe and a pony which both survived. The charge against her also cited her failure to supply an adequate diet, obtain any or any adequate veterinary attention and explore and address the cause of the weight loss for these animals.
The Committee found all parts of the second charge proved and was satisfied that Ms Newell failed to give sufficient regard to animal welfare as is required by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses.
In deciding its sanction, the Committee considered a number of aggravating factors in this case. It found that, in respect of both charges, the misconduct was “sustained over a period of time rather than being a single and isolated incident” and that, in respect of the second charge, that there was “actual harm caused to animals, which resulted in the deaths of four out of the six animals.”
The Committee felt that this constituted reckless disregard for animal welfare rather than deliberate acts but, nevertheless, said that these animals unnecessarily suffered for a period of at least four weeks due to inadequate diet and that, as rescue animals that were already vulnerable, the expectation was that they would be given the appropriate level of care. It also found that Ms Newell had demonstrated limited insight into her behaviour. Furthermore, it considered that a Magistrates’ Court had also disqualified Ms Newell from keeping sheep, goats, pigs, and equines for a period of five years.
In mitigation it considered that Ms Newell did show some insight into her behaviour in relation to the first charge by making admissions during her police interview, as well as the fact that the animal sanctuary, which opened in 2008, had no complaints or cause for concern prior to 2012.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee is of the opinion that removal of Ms Newell’s name from the Register of Veterinary Nurses is the only appropriate sanction based upon the severity of the facts found proved.”
The BVA has announced the results of a survey which found that 64% of small animal veterinary surgeons have been injured in the line of duty in the past year alone.
By far the most common injuries were scratches and bites (90% and 78% respectively), however 17% rated their injuries as either 'quite' or 'very' severe.
Whilst small animal vets were shown to be at the greatest risk of injury in clinical practice (compared to 61% of equine vets and 53% of production animal vets), the injuries sustained by production and equine vets were predictably more severe. 19% of production vets and 27% of equine vets rated their injuries as either 'quite' or 'very' severe.
BVA President John Blackwell said: Vets accept the daily risk of injury at work, but these figures highlight just how common injuries are for vets who care for pets. Rather than simply accepting this as an ‘occupational hazard’, veterinary teams should ensure they are taking all appropriate measures to mitigate the risks of working with animals whenever possible. BVA provides guidance for vets, for example on preventing and dealing with dog bites in the practice."
Improve International has announced that it is to hold the first conference aimed specifically at Official Veterinarians.
Taking place from 22-23 October 2015, Improve says the conference aims to provide a forum to update OVs on the latest developments and thinking on all aspects of OV work and to provide an opportunity to network and share experiences and ideas.
Organised in association with the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Official Veterinarian Conference programme includes a two-day stream of large animal lectures and round-table discussions on topics including Bovine TB, Brucellosis, Anthrax, Sheep Scab and other important diseases.
A lecture stream for small animal practitioners will provide updates on export regulations and small animal exotic diseases, with dedicated lectures for equine practitioners also running on Friday 23 October.
Speakers at the event include Peter Jinman, Chair of the RCVS Certification Sub-Committee (pictured right); Dr Tim Brazil, Directorate of Equine Medicine on the Move and Andy Paterson, Veterinary Head of Intervention Epidemiology. An exhibition of the latest products and services for OVs will run alongside the conference which takes place at the Alexandra House Hotel and Conference Centre, near Swindon, where Improve International is based.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve, said: "The world of the OV is a fast-changing one so this unique event provides an opportunity for OVs to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to hear industry experts deliver up-to-date and practical lectures which will have a positive impact on their work as an OV.
"The programme and content has been developed by our Scientific Committee in collaboration with APHA which is supporting us and we believe it will offer highly relevant content for all OVs."
Are you planning to come to this event? If so, indicate it here, so other VetSurgeon members can see you'll be there!
To book, visit www.officialvet.com
European Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry Lisa Milella, who revealed last year that she has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, has now announced that she plans to end her life at the Swiss-based organisation, Dignitas, and is calling on MPs to support a Private Members Bill on assisted dying, due for a second reading next month.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lisa said: "In Britain, we give more dignity in death to our pets than we do human beings. I don't want to suffer a prolonged, lingering death. I want to be able to choose when I die – and I'd like to do that in my home, surrounded by my loved ones with dignity – but British law doesn't allow me to do that and that makes me angry."
Meanwhile, Lisa's campaign to raise money for International Animal Rescue has smashed its original target of £10,000 and now stands at £24,096.83, with a new target of £50,000.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has agreed to accept undertakings from a Dorset veterinary surgeon, Philippa Ann Rodale MBE, in which she requests that her name is removed from the RCVS Register of Veterinary Surgeons with effect from 31 July 2015, and undertakes never to apply to be restored to it.
The Committee met on Monday 17 August, resuming a hearing which had been adjourned on 20 July. The adjournment had been made to allow Ms Rodale time to submit formal responses to the charges against her and indicate whether she agreed with them. In the event, as outlined by a letter from her solicitors received by the College on 14 August, Ms Rodale declined to comment on the charges and did not admit to any of them.
Ms Rodale did not attend the hearing on 17 August, however, the Committee decided to continue in her absence, on the understanding that, as evidenced by her solicitors’ letter, she was fully aware of the hearing and had voluntarily waived her right to be presented and represented.
The original charges related to Ms Rodale’s standards of practice (in relation to issues such as biosecurity, hygiene, in-patient facilities, drug storage and the disposal of hazardous waste, among other things) and also to a test for Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin. The charges relating to her standards of practice did not have complainants, as the College raised the matters itself; with respect to the Tuberculin test charge, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, as the relevant body, raised no objection to the proposed course of accepting undertakings.
In accepting the undertakings, the Committee felt that a contested hearing that could take up to seven days and involve up to eight witnesses for the College and up to three for the Respondent would not be in the public interest. Furthermore, since the 20 July hearing, Ms Rodale had retired and closed her practice. The Committee also noted that there had been no previous disciplinary findings against her, in what was otherwise a long and unblemished career.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee is satisfied that the undertakings offered by the Respondent protect the welfare of animals since the Respondent has now retired and is no longer in practice. It is also satisfied that the reputation of the profession is upheld since the undertakings offered go beyond any sanction which the Committee could impose at the conclusion of a contested hearing, were any of the Heads of Charge to be found proved. It considers that it would not be proportionate or in the public interest for there to be a lengthy contested hearing.”
Zoetis has announced the launch of Zulvac SBV, a new Schmallenberg vaccine licensed for use in cattle and sheep in two doses at a three week interval, the second at least two weeks before mating.
Zulvac SBV is licensed for use in cattle and sheep in two doses at a three week interval, the second at least two weeks before mating.
Duration of immunity is six months in cattle and seven in sheep. At the recommended vaccination timing, this covers the window of susceptibility during pregnancy; in sheep from day 28 to 56, and days 70 to 150 in cattle. Animals infected during these periods are at risk of malformed offspring and subsequent stillbirth.
The company says vaccination combined with insecticidal measures to control the midge vector remains the most effective way of protecting the population1 and ensuring a more unified level of immunity.
Zoetis vet Carolyn Hogan said: "Although SBV is now considered to be an enzootic pathogen in England and Wales, there is plenty of evidence that seroprevalence at farm level – particularly on sheep farms - varies. As immunity wanes, the proportion of herds and flocks naïve to SBV and at risk via introduction of naïve replacements increases. So the risk of reinfection in assumed enzootic areas is potentially underestimated2.
"Culicoides midges, the SBV vector, are widespread in Europe and move easily between farms and regions, allowing rapid spread of infection."
Carolyn says that whilst there have been no confirmed diagnoses of congenital abnormalities in calves or lambs from APHA in 2014 or 2015, unconfirmed anecdotal cases have been reported.
"We do not know whether our ruminant population is immune or susceptible and neither do we know if another SBV challenge will appear. Vaccination remains the most effective way of ensuring valuable livestock are protected."
Supplies are available immediately.
References
The RCVS has launched an online petition calling on Parliament to protect the title ‘veterinary nurse’ in law.
The petition follows on from the work done by the College earlier in the year, drawing up the ‘Veterinary Nurse (Protection of Title) Bill’ which was submitted to a ballot of the House of Lords in May by former RCVS President and Council member Professor the Lord Trees and received its first reading on 10 June.
Unfortunately, Lord Trees' Bill was drawn low in the ballot, so it is now thought unlikely - though not impossible - that it will be given time for a second reading in this parliament.
Nevertheless, the College is continuing to try and raise awareness of the issue, both amongst the public and parliamentarians. If the petition gains enough signatures, it should maximise the chances of the Bill being given a proper airing in parliament, this year or in the future.
Liz Cox, the Chair of VN Council, said: “We believe that the fact that anybody can call themselves a veterinary nurse is unacceptable. It means that there is potential for the public to be misled and for animal health and welfare to be compromised. Therefore we would urge veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and animal owners to sign this petition. With 10,000 signatures the Government is obliged to respond formally and take a stance on the issue; with 100,000 signatures the issue would be considered for a formal parliamentary debate.
“If we are successful with this campaign, the public will be assured that they are receiving the highest standard of nursing care for their animals from a genuine professional and by protecting the title we can remove any doubt about who is a veterinary nurse.”
In conjunction with the petition, the RCVS has also produced a template letter which the profession and public can use to write to their local Member of Parliament asking them to support the campaign. For example, the letter asks the MP to adopt the Veterinary Nurse (Protection of Title) Bill and enter it into a Private Members’ Bill ballot or introduce it as a 10-Minute Rule Bill.
The petition, and the campaign in general, has received support from the BVNA and the British Veterinary Association BVA.
Fiona Andrew, President of the BVNA, said: “BVNA has campaigned for the protection of the title of 'Veterinary Nurse' for many years. We are delighted that the RCVS is continuing the campaign with the addition of the online petition and letter template.
“We would ask all out members to sign the petition and write to their MP. We believe that this is an important step towards giving clarity and reassurance to the public, strengthening the profession and raising awareness of what veterinary nurses can do and enhancing animal welfare.”
John Blackwell, President of the BVA, added: “BVA is delighted to support the campaign to protect the title, as veterinary nurses are an essential part of the veterinary team and deserve full recognition for their roles. By protecting the title it not only recognises the skills of qualified veterinary nurses, but also gives clients confidence that their animals are receiving the highest standard of care possible.” Those who wish to sign the petition can do so on the UK Government and Parliament petition website https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/106153 To find out more about the campaign, download a template letter to an MP and view the College's animated video about protecting the title, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/vntitle
Elanco Animal Health has announced the launch of a Milbemax television advertising campaign to educate pet owners about the importance and ease of worming.
The 30-second advertisement will appear as pre-roll to video content on a number of websites from the end of August, and will broadcast on mainstream TV channels including ITV1, Channel 4, Channel Five, Sky, ITV2, ITV3, E4, More4, Film4, UKTV and Five Digital in mid-September to reach an estimated nine million people – of which nearly three million will be identified/targeted pet owners.
Elanco says the advert is designed to target female pet owners between the ages of 25 and 49 and drive them to seek further information and buy pet wormers from their local veterinary surgeon with the call to action: ‘Make an appointment with your vet to find out how easy worming your pet can be.’
Viewers watching the online advertisement will be able to click through to campaign specific pages on Elanco’s WormPatrol website - www.wormpatrol.co.uk/easyworming - where they can use 'Find a Vet', a worm risk checker and worming reminders to connect them with veterinary practices. The advertisement will also be available to view on the WormPatrol website.
The campaign is supported by a range of educational marketing materials and initiatives which are available to Milbemax customers from the vet section of the WormPatrol website or from their local Elanco companion animal territory manager.
The materials include a video to embed in practice websites and to use on social media, a subtitled version of the video for waiting rooms, a range of pet owner worm education materials, social media resources and SMS text message broadcasts.
Matthew Rowe, marketing manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: “Elanco is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership; the new Milbemax advertising campaign will educate pet owners about the importance and ease of regular worming while driving them to veterinary practices for further information and to purchase pet wormers.”
For further information please contact your local Elanco Animal Health territory manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com.
Ceva Animal Health has extended its Logic range of supplements with the launch of Logic Ease for dogs and cats.
Ceva says the new ‘soft chew’ supplements contain high quality active ingredients which have been developed to ensure the high standards that owners expect for their pets, adding that they allow owners to ‘treat’ their pets, knowing they are contributing to the health of their animal and reducing the desire to give unhealthy snacks.
The range for dogs comprises Logic EaseFlex, designed to help soothe active joints and support long-term mobility; Logic EaseLife for senior dogs, designed to help support mobility, coat condition, mind vitality and alertness; Logic EaseDerm to add moisture to dry, irritated skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
The range for cats comprises Logic Easeflex and Logic EaseBall to lubricate the digestive tract and enhance the passage of fur through the gut.
Abi Busk, retail business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health said: “The new Logic supplements will provide veterinary clinics with an extensive range of veterinary strength supplements that are so tasty that they can be given as treats.”
For further information on the Logic range, contact your wholesaler, call Ceva on 01494 781510, email cevauk@ceva.com or visit http://www.logicforpets.co.uk.
Merial Animal Health has revealed the latest MOO test figures which suggest that the productivity of four out of five UK dairy herds is compromised by high levels of gutworm.
The company says it has been helping dairy farmers to assess the level of gutworm challenge in their herds since 2009 by supporting and promoting MOO tests. The test measures the level of antibody to gutworm (Ostertagia ostertagii) that is present in a bulk milk sample and can determine if the herd has been exposed to low, medium or high challenge.
Data from five years of MOO tests shows that whilst there was a steady reduction in the number of herds with a high challenge between 2009 and 2013, the figure rose in 2014. In 2009, 93% of herds tested high and by 2013 this had fallen to 71% but this rose again to 88% last year.
Merial says that whilst these figures show an overall reduction in challenge since 2009, levels of gutworm across the UK dairy herd are still very high. Those animals affected will suffer from the negative impact of a parasite burden on productivity and fertility.
Between 2009 and 2014 nearly 900 dairy herds across the UK have been tested. During that time several counties had significant numbers of herds with high gutworm challenge results. This included Cheshire (85%), Cornwall (93%), Cumbria (91%), Dyfed (92%), Lancashire (90%), North Yorkshire (83%), Shropshire (86%), Somerset (86%), and Staffordshire (83%).
Sioned Timothy, veterinary adviser for Merial Animal Health, said: “Gutworm can significantly reduce the productivity of the herd. Although adult dairy cows develop immunity to gutworm that makes them resilient to outward clinical signs of infection, it does not prevent them from becoming infected with Ostertagia ostertagi. This parasite burden can reduce milk yield by as much as 2.6 litres per cow per day1”
She continued: “Gutworm may also have a negative impact on fertility. Removing damaging gutworms from dairy cows may improve their fertility and has been linked to reduced calving to conception intervals and improved conception rates2 to levels comparable with animals without a gutworm burden.
"Calving is another key period in the production cycle. Optimising cow and heifer management during this period is critical to the animal’s health and productivity throughout the subsequent lactation. Cows treated for gutworms around the time of calving have been shown to increase their grazing time by almost an hour compared to untreated cows3. Improved appetite and higher dry matter intake helps cows to bridge the energy gap; maximising their production, and reducing the time it takes to get them back into calf4.”
The MOO test figures show that the UK dairy herd continues to be affected by high levels of gutworm challenge. At a time when maximising productivity is vital to dairy business success, farmers should seriously consider testing their herd this autumn and develop a treatment plan with their vet or animal health adviser based on the result.”
MOO tests will be available in autumn 2015. The results of MOO tests are sent to both the farmer and their vet or animal health advisor, to enable them to determine the best course of action and treatment.References1 Reist et al, Effect of eprinomectin treatment on milk yield and quality in dairy cows in South Tyrol, Italy. Veterinary Record 2011 168, 484-487 Vet Rec 2002151:377-3802 McPherson et al. Proceedings of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. 44th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 1999 Abstr. 28.3 Forbes et al. Behavioural mechanisms underlying production responses in dairy cows treated with eprinomectin. 19th WAAVP Congress 2003, New Orleans4 Sanchez et al. The effect of eprinomectin treatment at calving on reproduction parameters in adult dairy cows in Canada. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 2002 56:165-177
Blue Cross has announced the results from its National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) which show that lameness is three times more likely to be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis in the limb rather than problems in the foot.
Blue Cross runs NEHS in May each year, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). It is sponsored by SPILLERS and Zoetis and supported by the UK’s leading equestrian organisations and charities. This year saw a 35% increase in participation compared to 2014, with survey records returned for almost 15,000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
The charity says that whilst of course the horse’s foot is fundamental to soundness and performance, NEHS results have shown consistently that limb lameness, as opposed to foot lameness, is in fact the biggest syndrome affecting horses.
In the latest survey, conducted in May, a total of 18% were recorded as lame. 13.5% of these were recorded as suffering with lameness such as osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (13.9% in 2014 and 14.8% in 2013).
Meanwhile foot lameness was recorded in 4.5% of returns, a similar figure to previous years.
Josh Slater from the Royal Veterinary College, who is member of BEVA’s Health & Medicines Committee and analysed the NEHS data, said: “NEHS is now producing important evidence that is replacing subjective opinion. While the lameness figures were initially surprising, given that the foot has been generally regarded as the main problem area, the fact that these figures have remained consistent over the past three years gives constructive credibility to the data. Our findings will help owner vigilance with day-to-day healthcare as well as help prioritise on areas for future veterinary education and research.”
The six most notable disease syndromes identified in the 2015 National Equine Health Survey were:
23.2% of horses were reported as being overweight with a Body Condition Score of 3.5-5, continuing the upward trend seen in previous years (16.9% in 2014 and 7.8% in 2013). Next year’s survey will explore links between obesity and the possible associated rise of obesity-related diseases such as equine metabolic syndrome (which was reported in 2.4% of 2015 returns) and laminitis.
The survey also enables participants to report on any health problems not covered in the survey questions, giving them a chance to shape future survey subjects.
Gemma Taylor, Education Officer at Blue Cross explains: “This year 11% of our free text answers mentioned gastric ulcers giving a valuable insight into the prevalence gastric ulcer syndrome in the principally leisure horse NEHS population. As a result we will be adding new questions to the 2016 survey to help us find out more.”
The 2015 NEHS survey results are now available from http://www.bluecross.org.uk/nehs2015results. To register for next year’s survey, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/nehs
Ricochet, one of the UK's leading TV production companies, is on the hunt for dogs with unique personality traits or unusual talents for a forthcoming ITV television documentary.
The hour long programme will look into the characteristics, heritage and personality traits of the most popular dogs in the UK. It'll revolve around dog owners and the extraordinary stories they have about their pets.
Ricochet says it is looking in particular for funny, heart-warming or poignant tales highlighting the bond between dogs and their owners - dogs with unique personality traits or unusual talents, and dogs which have performed amazing feats or changed lives.
If you have an extraordinary dog, or think a client might like to take part, call the Assistant Producer, Beth, on 01273 224800 or email: dogbreeds@ricochet.co.uk
Merial is asking veterinary surgeons to take part in a survey about current understanding of and attitudes to feline vaccination, to be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y5BFY96.
The results will complement Give Them Just What They Need, a new report being produced by the company which will contain relevant published data, owner insight, details of the latest vaccination guidelines and expert commentary.
Vets who complete the survey will be entered into a draw for a £250 Red Letter Day voucher.
Claire Edmunds, product manager at Merial, said: "Our preliminary research has identified that many vets are unaware of the latest developments in feline vaccine technology and the benefits that these developments can offer in terms of important factors such as client compliance.
"This new campaign will gain insight from vets, cat owners and other key opinion leaders to create a report that will ultimately enable practice owners to make better informed decisions about feline vaccinations, communicate more successfully with clients and in turn grow their business.”
The survey will be live until the 13th September.
Animalcare has announced the launch of Identichip Ultra, a new slimline microchip with enhanced read range for smaller species
The new microchip is 1.4mm wide and is inserted with a 15 gauge needle which is 50% slimmer than the needle used with standard microchips. The length of the mini microchip has been increased to 10.3mm to accommodate a longer ferrite rod which boosts the signal to the microchip scanner.
Animalcare says Identichip Ultra has been designed to offer a slimline microchipping solution for small species and breeds with a reduced compromise on read range.
Beverley Campbell, Identichip and Anibase Product Manager said: “We recognised the increasing trend for slimmer microchips and the benefit this offers for small species and breeds. We also know that mini microchips have a reduced read range which could ultimately lead to a microchip not being detected so we wanted to challenge this and bring a solution to the market.
"Identichip Ultra is as slim as the other mini microchips currently being offered but the increased length gives us a read range up to 24% further1. We firmly believe that there is a place for mini microchips in the market and while we have enhanced the read range versus other mini brands we still believe that standard size microchips should be used in larger animals. We would encourage implanters to always choose a microchip size suitable for that particular animal in relation to its size now and when fully grown.”
With compulsory microchipping of dogs due to be introduced in England, Scotland and Wales from April 2016 awareness of microchipping is increasing. However, Animalcare says it still feels there is a lot of education needed to ensure dog owners are prepared for the legislation. For this reason, it has produced a range of promotional materials including leaflets, posters, letter templates and digital stickers.
Identichip Ultra is available in a sterile packed syringe style implanter with a detachable needle for sharps disposal.
For further information speak to your Animalcare Representative.
1Based on a laboratory trial comparing mini microchips (1.4mm x 8.5mm), standard microchips (2.1mm x 12.5mm) and idENTICHIP Ultra (1.4mm x 10.3mm) using three different microchips scanners (RT100-V5, Halo Scanner and idENTICHIP Pocket Reader)
Vetswest, the veterinary support services company, has been acquired by MWI Veterinary Supply, a subsidiary of the US multinational, AmerisourceBergen.
MWI already owns Centaur and VetSpace, and the agreement will allow it to further expand the range of services it offers the animal health profession in the UK.
Jim Cleary, Executive Vice President of AmerisourceBergen and President of MWI Veterinary Supply said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to the success of veterinary practices across the globe. We’re proud to welcome Vetswest to the MWI family as we continue to expand our services in our mission to be the best resource to the animal health profession.”
Vetswest offers group business support services for its 235 member veterinary practices including negotiating manufacturer terms and a proprietary IT system that supports pricing intelligence, inventory information and reporting on purchasing activity. The company also provides access to ancillary services for veterinary surgeons to help manage human resources, continuing professional development, insurance offerings, pension services and other areas which support the growth of member practices.
Vetswest's retiring managing director David Buckley said: “The resources of MWI and AmerisourceBergen will allow us to bring new innovation to the market and additional benefits to Vetswest members. I’m excited about Vetswest’s future under the leadership of Chris Sobey and as part of the MWI and AmerisourceBergen family.”
Chris Sobey, who will become the new managing director of Vetswest following his tenure as Vetswest’s business development director said: “Our goal has always been to improve efficiencies and services for our members through scale and with our new relationship with MWI and AmerisourceBergen, we will be well positioned to further this core mission of our organisation.’’
Zoetis has announced the launch of Versican Plus, a vaccine range for dogs in the UK and throughout Europe.
Versican Plus is the only vaccine to combine DHPPi + L4 in a single injection1, something which Zoetis says is the fruit of several years research and development.
The leptospirosis components of the vaccine have been designed to meet the challenges of both existing and emerging types.
According to the company, Versican Plus is the only tetravalent leptospirosis vaccine to deliver prevention against clinical signs and urinary excretion of established (Icterohaemorragiae and Canicola) and emerging (Bratislava and Grippotyphosa) canine leptospirosis (except Grippotyphosa where prevention of clinical signs occurs but with a reduction in urinary excretion).
Zoetis also highlights the advantage this vaccine brings is in its viral components. Versican Plus utilises a new CPV-2b strain, the most prevalent strain in the UK2, to prevent clinical signs, leucopoenia and viral excretion caused by Parvovirus.
Practices using Versican Plus will have the ability to provide protection at the earliest opportunity, as it has been proven to be protective against virulent challenge in the presence of maternally derived antibodies to Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus at levels equal or higher to those likely to be encountered under field conditions.
As a result Versican Plus can be used from 6 weeks of age with an early onset of immunity being achieved for Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus at 9 weeks. Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis immunity follow shortly thereafter at 12 and 13 weeks respectively.
Following primary vaccinations three to four weeks apart Versican Plus provides 3 years duration of immunity for Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus.
Ned Flaxman, Zoetis UK Companion Animal director said: “Our research and development team has taken many different aspects of vaccination into account to create Versican Plus. As well as offering comprehensive protection in accordance with the current epidemiological situation, the vaccine is also convenient to use. It offers a flexible primary vaccination course with an early finish option from 9 weeks, important for early socialisation reasons.”
For further information, visit www.zoetis.co.uk/versicanplus, contact your Zoetis Account Manager or telephone 0845 300 8034.
The RCVS has launched a new animated video to help promote Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) accredited practices to the public, and explain the benefits of the scheme.
Launched in 2005, almost 60% of practices are now part of the PSS, which requires them to submit to a rigorous inspection every four years and meet a stringent standards across a wide range of areas including cleanliness and hygiene, facilities and equipment, staff training and development and customer service. Practices may also be subject to spot-checks between inspections.
Jacqui Molyneux, who heads up the RCVS Practice Standards Group said: “Our new video is a light-hearted explanation of the Practice Standards Scheme, how it can help animal owners decide which practice to go to and reassure them about the standards they can expect to find at an RCVS-accredited practice.”
The College says a similar version of the video will soon be available for RCVS-accredited practices to show to their clients, either on their own websites and social media channels, or in the waiting room.
Jacqui said: “Not only do we want to spread the word about the benefits of the Practice Standards Scheme and suggest animal owners look for the RCVS-accredited practice logo, but we also want to give accredited practices an engaging way of telling their clients about their achievement.
“Gaining RCVS accreditation is not easy, so accredited practices deserve every opportunity to demonstrate to their clients their commitment to supporting high standards of veterinary care. This fun two-minute video should help them do just that.”
Animal owners can search for an RCVS-accredited practice in their area, or elsewhere in the UK, using Find A Vet – the College’s online search tool – at www.findavet.org.uk.
The organisers say that the presentations have been designed to be practical in nature and to provide delegates with useful, take-away information they can apply immediately in practice and that isn’t readily available in textbooks.
Forty-eight presentations will be staged over the two-days across four themed lecture strands: three for vets and a dedicated strand for Veterinary Nurses, although delegates are free to attend any lecture they choose.
The core themes for vets include Orthopaedics, Neurology and Oncology and Soft Tissue Surgery. The Veterinary Nursing strand will cover topics such as Anaesthesia, Arthritis, Cancer, Trauma, Spinal Nursing, Pain Management, Rehabilitation and Nutritional Advice.
Presentations include:
An overarching theme for the festival is ‘One Medicine’, the emerging global concept of combined human and animal medical advancement for the good of all species; Noel Fitzpatrick will give a keynote speech on Saturday 5th September on this subject.
On Sunday 6th September, the closing keynote speech will be delivered by Dr Jane Goodall DBE who will talk about her work as a British Ethologist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace and the importance of preserving habitats, species and biodiversity to the continuance of mankind.
A full speaker agenda is available at www.vetfestival.co.uk and attendance at the Festival can be added to delegates’ CPD records.
On Saturday evening, the Festival will host ONE LIVE, a music festival open to delegates, their families and the general public in aid of The Humanimal Trust, a charity inspiring advancement of healthcare initiatives in animals at the same time as humans. Headlining the concert will be Mike and The Mechanics with support from The Hoosiers and Hunter and The Bear.
Tickets for VET Festival cost from £99. There are discounted rates available for Veterinary Nurses and Students and groups of five or more vets or vet nurses can receive a group discount. For more information and to book tickets visit www.vetfestival.co.uk
VetSurgeon.org has 4 free tickets for the full 2 day festival to give away, and a further 12 tickets to the evening concert. We'll be dishing them out randomly amongst those VetSurgeon members who indicate their interest in attending the event by clicking the RSVP button on the entry in the VetSurgeon CPD & Events Diary, here: http://www.vetsurgeon.org/c/veterinary-cpd/events/5.aspx
Animalcare has announced the launch of Clavubactin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) for dogs and cats, presented as 4-way split tablets in three strengths to ensure optimum dosing. The three strengths (Clavubactin 50, 250 and 500) contain 50/12.5, 250/62.5 and 500/125mg of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid respectively. Clavubactin 50mg is licensed for cats and dogs. The 250 and 500mg formulation is licensed for dogs only.
According to the company, the increased combined level of active ingredients, compared to some other clavulanate-amoxicillin products on the market, achieves recommended target weight dosing (doses always kept at 12.5mg/kg), even with animals of greater weight, minimising the risk of underdosing.
The 4-way split tablets are designed to facilitate easy and accurate dosing of all sizes of dogs and cats, from 1kg bodyweight (¼ tablet Clavubactin 50) to 50kg (1 tablet Clavubactin 500) and above.
The tablets come in aluminium blister strips of ten tablets in five packaging presentations (Clavubactin 50 and 250 are available in 100 and 250 tablet packs and Clavubactin 500 in 100 tablets).
Animalcare Product Manager Tony Liepman said "Clavubactin allows for optimum target weight dosing and together with the accuracy enabled by SmartTabs easy 4-way split, this gives peace of mind to both vet and client."
The product is supported by dosage charts and dispensing envelopes (the latter is available on request).
For further information contact Animalcare on 01904 487687, speak to your regional Animalcare representative or visit www.animalcare.co.uk/contact-us.
Virbac has launched Nutribound, a complementary feed to help stimulate eating and drinking in inappetent cats and dogs.
The company says the product has been designed to help animals recovering from surgery or illness and those that are just experiencing a general lack of interest in food or water.
Nutribound is given alongside the pet’s diet but can also be given by tube or syringe if needed.
Claire Lewis, Product Manager, said: "Pets that lose interest in their food can be challenging for owners to deal with - and a pet that is struggling to eat or drink what it needs, especially after illness or surgery is more likely to have a prolonged recovery.
"Nutribound's palatable formulation aims to 'jump-start' normal eating behaviour by stimulating the animal's appetite and increasing its interest in eating and drinking again.
"Nutribound is presented in a handy-sized, take-home bottle and is easy for pet owners to administer. It can be given for up to 14 days or until a return to normal eating and drinking behaviour is observed. We are delighted to add it to our nutritional support range, alongside Nutri-Plus gel, our high energy, nutritional supplement for cats and dogs."
The London Vet Show has announced it will be offering delegates the chance to win a £12,000 trip to Thailand with Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) at this year’s event (Olympia Grand, 19th & 20th November).
Delegates will be able to enter the competition by collecting a stamp in their LVS passport from each of the participating sponsors’ stands in the exhibition.
The 13-day working holiday kicks off by flying to Chang Mai in Thailand via Bangkok. The winners will then travel to the Narittaya Resort and Spa where they'll be staying in a private villa with its own pool. Working over the next six days with the WVS team in Chang Mai, they will be supporting an ongoing neutering and vaccination campaign while also training local vets in best practice surgical techniques.
The winners will get the opportunity to explore the temples in the ancient city of Chang Mai and a highlight of the trip will be an overnight visit to the Elephant Nature Park, which is dedicated to providing care and assistance to Thailand’s captive elephant population. The overnight stay will include a full orientation of the park and the elephants and a chance to bathe and swim with the herd in the river and communicate with them.
The winners will also have a chance to go either white water rafting or bamboo rafting.
For further information on the London Vet Show or to register to attend the event visit londonvetshow.co.uk.