Animus Surgical has launched Vetlog, a new temperature data logger designed to be used by the veterinary market. Vetlog will enable practices to prove their temperature compliance to the VMD and RCVS Practice Standards Scheme. Steve Beddall of Animus Surgical said: "data loggers can be easily placed in a fridge and then simply attached to a PC to download data in report or chart format". The company claims that the product is easy-to-use, cost-effective and will provide practices with a permanent record of temperature readings from the day practices start using them.For more information visit http://www.animussurgical.com/ or telephone 01449 775330.
The RSPCA has announced that it will continue its fight to stop the Government's planned cull of badgers after MPs voted against an opposition motion to reverse the Government's strategy aimed at combating bovine TB.
MPs voted 299 to 250 against proposals to stop the cull going ahead in two pilot areas in Somerset and Gloucestershire - a narrower margin than the Government has in the House of Commons despite the three-line whip enforced.
RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said: "We fight on. This vote flies in the face of scientific and public opinion. We are grateful to those MPs who spoke out against the cull and particularly those who defied the Government's three line whip.
"There can be little doubt that had MPs been free to express their views through a free vote there would have been a large majority against the cull as there was last October.
"The only real way forward is the vaccination of both cattle and badgers, better biosecurity and control of cattle movements."
The debate follows a report issued by the EFRA select committee which said more investment is urgently needed into vaccination as a solution for bovine TB.
One of the earliest decisions of this government was to cancel five of the six badger vaccination projects planned - a policy the RSPCA believes was short-sighted.
RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said: "Much more needs to be done to bring forward the timetable for the development of effective oral vaccination programmes for both cattle and badgers as the EFRA report says.
"Meanwhile we stand ready to work with those who want to vaccinate and save lives rather than cull and kill."
Based on a survey of 1,000 rabbit and guinea pig owners, the report found that amongst other things, 80% of these animals are cared for by women, that there has been an 8% increase in the number of rabbits being kept indoors and that dental disease is the main reason for seeking veterinary advice, followed by gastro-intestinal stasis.
https://supremepetfoods.com/blog/uk-small-pet-market-report-2024/
The BVA is calling on Defra and the APHA to take an innovative approach to capturing farm animal post-mortem data, after its Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that 90% of production animal vets now conduct their own PMs.
In 2014, there was a 31% increase in production animal vets carrying out their own PMs following post mortem laboratory closures, yet most vets keep this PM data at their practice, with less than 5% inputting it into a national system such as NADIS, AHT or APHA and less than 1% to a benchmarking group.
Sean Wensley BVA President said: "We have heard a lot about big data and its positive uses economically and socially. Disease surveillance could be a shining example of where big data and innovative data capture comes into its own. In a global world, where diseases such as Schmallenberg and bluetongue can emerge in our livestock without having previously been seen on these shores, being able to quickly join up the dots of disparate disease data is vital.
"We understand that Defra and APHA must make difficult choices due to economic pressures and we very much welcome research already utilising post mortem data such as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s Fallen Stock Project. What we now need is clear communications and guidance on carcase collection and access to PM examination arrangements together with a determination to see this as an opportunity to innovate, exploring how digital technology can help vets in the field record and capture data that feed into national databases and help us to see the bigger picture."
BVA is asking that all vets affected by laboratory closures are clearly informed about alternative arrangements for carcase collection and PMs, with 63% of vets affected by laboratory closures reporting that carcase collection in their local area was not working well.
BVA is calling on government and industry to lead in developing new and cost efficient ways to capture and analyse disease and surveillance data, drawing on innovations in digital technology and big data analysis.
Photograph courtesy BVA
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.
Vet Stuart Thorne from Fellowes Farm Equine Clinic in Abbots Ripton has praised the work of the charity-run National Foaling Bank after it helped save the life of an orphan three day old filly foal.
Janssen Animal Health is advising vets to be on the look out for coccidiosis as the spring lambing season approaches: cases usually rise in March and peak in April and May.
According to the company, some reports also suggest that the incidence of coccidiosis in calves may apparently increase during the grazing months. However, vets are reporting that interpretation of laboratory tests used to confirm diagnosis, such as oocyst count, can be problematic due to the ubiquitous nature of the Eimeria parasite in the UK.
Young animals may be infected by oocysts shed by asymptomatic carriers or infected older cohort animals. Low levels of challenge can help young animals develop immunity but exposure to high oocyst numbers, particularly in combination with stress can lead to clinical and subclinical forms of the disease. Diagnosis can be problematic, particularly in subclinical cases of disease where failure to gain weight is the main presenting sign and in clinical cases the differential diagnoses include all causes of scour in young animals.
Janssen Animal Health has suggested a few indicators that may be useful in identifying cases of coccidiosis. The Vecoxan Coccidiosis Survey in 2008 and 2009 asked farmers about their experiences of coccidiosis and identified that bad weather was a major trigger particularly in lambs; while castration and weaning were also factors in calves. As the parasite life cycle is 21 days, vets should be alert to disease 2-3 weeks after a stressor event.
The company has also suggested a few guidelines to aid interpretation of laboratory results:
Janssen says Vecoxan (diclazuril) does not interfere with the development of immunity and kills all stages of the parasite in the host.
The National Office of Animal Health has released two films to help industry and consumers understand issues surrounding the use of animal medicines in the food chain.
A film made for the food chain industry titled "Animal Medicines in Food Production - The Food Industry Perspective" has been produced to help industry understand the levels of awareness and concerns that consumers have.
A second film, "Animal Medicines in Food Production - Challenging the Myths" is aimed at consumers and looks at some of the myths surrounding the use of animal medicines in livestock production.
Phil Sketchley, Chief Executive of NOAH, said that while the public was generally supportive of the use of animal medicines in farm production, there was a knowledge gap among consumers about the way that medicines were used: "It was interesting to discover how much people knew about medicines in food production. There were some very positive attitudes among consumers, particularly towards the way British farmers care for their animals. But there were still some areas of concern, for example with the belief among a large number of people that growth hormones were still being used on UK farms, despite the fact they have been banned since 1988.
"The industry film should help people involved in food production understand what consumers are thinking when it comes to animal medicines. Animal health and welfare and ensuring sick animals are treated is a big issue, and food producers and retailers need to be able to communicate clearly with consumers on the subject of animal medicines.
"It is important there is transparency on all issues of animal health and welfare."
The Kennel Club is hosting its second Puppy Awareness Week to help improve the health and lives of dogs around the UK, and is seeking assistance from the veterinary profession.
Puppy Awareness Week is taking place from 8th - 14th September and aims to help people find a healthy, happy puppy that is right for their lifestyle, whilst raising awareness about the plight of puppies and breeding bitches born into cruel puppy farms.
To help, veterinary surgeons and nurses are being asked to join in the week, putting up posters and literature in client waiting areas, and selling Puppy Awareness Week badges for £2, which will go to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "It is vitally important that we spread the word about buying puppies responsibly. At veterinary surgeries there is a captive audience of animal lovers and we can't think of anyone better to communicate with. Not only are a vet's clients animal lovers and as such, potential new dog owners, but they may also make great champions of the cause, spreading the message about buying a puppy responsibly further afield.
"Sadly, we are seeing tens of thousands of puppies born each year suffer as puppy farms churn out litter after litter of undernourished and badly cared for puppies, and then selling them on to unsuspecting owners through pet shops, newspaper ads, online adverts and various other means. With help from veterinary practices we want to provide information throughout Puppy Awareness Week to help people understand how to buy a healthy, happy puppy, and to raise money for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which supports charities and organisations that are making dogs' lives better."
To get involved in Puppy Awareness Week and receive literature and Puppy Awareness badges, contact the Kennel Club press office at press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk.
Puppy Awareness Week will kick off at Pup Aid on September 8th in Primrose Hill, London and will run until 14th September. To find out more, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/paw.
Woodley Equipment Co Ltd has announced the arrival of its new (ABG) arterial blood gas syringes – featuring the Crickett™ Needle Protection System designed to provide for ultra safe collection. The company says that the new Pulset ABG syringe is a perfect example of product engineering, with its triple function system built in to the syringe it allows the user to sample in a choice of 3 modes, Pre-set, Pulsating and Aspirating. The needle protection system is designed to minimize the risk of needle stick injuries. The safety shield extends quickly and locks over the used needle to prevent accidents. Woodley claims that combining enhanced features from current venting and pulsating devices, the superior design of the Pulset ABG Syringe offers the most complete and accurate arterial blood gas and electrolyte sampling available today:
Academics from the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences have been awarded a grant from RCVS Knowledge to create a free online teaching and learning resource for evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM).
The project will produce an open access series of online, re-usable learning tools presented as a web tutorial. The tutorial will have a number of modules teaching the fundamental concepts of evidence-based veterinary medicine such as finding evidence, creating patient questions, evaluating evidence, critically appraising the literature and designing knowledge summaries with clinical bottom lines for clinicians.
Brief tasks will allow users to apply and test their knowledge in bite-sized ways, for example by answering multiple choice questions, identifying appropriate clinical questions and designing search strategies to answer those questions, completing a literature search and filling in a template for a knowledge summary.
Dr Kristen Reyher, Senior Lecturer in Farm Animal Science in the School of Veterinary Sciences (pictured right), who is leading the project team, said: "This project is the largest RCVS Knowledge award to date. It is a significant step forward and will establish Bristol as a leader in this essential area. Our approach will increase the opportunities for students and members of the profession to engage in this exciting field, and the online resource will offer the flexibility to be re-used not only in independent learning, but also in a variety of teaching and learning scenarios across the sector.
"As a global group, we are passionate about being involved in larger, long-term projects to push EBVM further into the consciousness of the profession, and believe this project moves us one step further along in bringing together key stakeholders and creating an excellent online re-usable resource."
The project team represents a variety of diverse backgrounds including clinicians, scientists, researchers and other areas of the veterinary profession. The team says it believes that collaboration, sharing and adaptation of the many resources that have already been developed individually is the most powerful way to meet stakeholder needs and make a significant contribution to EBVM.
It is hoped the team's approach will increase the opportunities for students and members of the profession to engage in this exciting field and, by using best practice in pedagogy, help ensure the topic is introduced well and adopted wholeheartedly by the veterinary profession.
The resource will be available as a stand-alone tutorial for independent learning and will also have the flexibility for institutions to re-use and re-purpose individual parts to meet their own training needs. The resource will be showcased at RCVS Knowledge's EBVM Skills Day 2015 in London this autumn [Friday 30 October].
The new resources include:
Celia Marr, chair of BEVA’s infectious disease working group, said: “Equine disease prevention and management are fundamental for responsible equine health, welfare and performance.
“These resources cover the need-to-know information and are all in one easy reverence location on the newly designed infection control page on the BEVA website.”
https://www.beva.org.uk/Resources/Equine-infectious-diseases
UK Pet Food says that with pet owners increasingly turning to their vets for nutrition guidance, this course is designed to equip veterinary teams with the knowledge and confidence to offer clear, evidence-based advice.
The course offers 20 hours of CPD comprised of on-demand modules and live Q&A sessions covering pet food formats, clinical nutrition, pet obesity, regulatory frameworks, sustainability, and client communication.
There'll be contributions from independent speakers and chairs from leading academics, veterinary nutritionists, and industry experts
Sarah Hormozi, Head of Science & Education at UK Pet Food, said: “This course is about helping veterinary professionals critically evaluate the science behind pet nutrition.
“We’ve worked with board-certified veterinary nutritionists, academics, industry experts, and veterinary associations to develop a resource that supports everyday clinical conversation - giving the veterinary community practical tools and confidence to talk about pet food and nutrition with clarity and credibility.”
There are early bird tickets for £90 if you book by 15th August 2025.
https://thewebinarvet.com/events/uk-pet-food-2025
https://www.ukpetfood.org
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
Initial laboratory tests on the samples taken this morning from the cattle on the holding in Surrey where disease was suspected have indicated the presence of Foot and Mouth Disease. On the basis of these initial laboratory results and clinical symptoms Debby Reynolds, UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), has confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease. The farm comprises a number of separate parcels of land and a single Protection Zone will be put in place which extends a 3 kilometres radius from each of them, and a Surveillance Zone of 10 kilometres radius beyond that. Footpaths will be closed in the Protection Zone.
What does a well-known flea & tick collar have in common with the World Cup?
It transpires that the same Bayer MaterialScience technology which is being used by Adidas to make the 'Brazuca' - the new official match ball - more stable, elastic and hardwearing, is also used to allow imidacloprid and flumethrin to diffuse consistently through Seresto flea and tick collars for up to 8 months.
There you go. Bet you didn't know that.
The Nutraotic range includes ear wipes and an ear cleaner, both formulated to provide anti-fungal and anti-bacterial support while moisturising, soothing, and hydrating the skin.
The products are scented with fresh cucumber and melon.
Chris Jones, Managing Director of Nutravet, said: "Our goal at Nutravet has always been to develop the best veterinary strength, healthcare products to aid and support a pet's wellbeing.
"Ear health in dogs and cats is a common concern for many pet owners, and these products give practices high-strength solutions to offer their clients."
www.nutravet.com
It will compare current prescription levels with two-year retrospective data to gain an understanding of prescribing behaviour.
It will also look at the proportion of prescriptions that are Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs).
Individual practice data will then be given to a dedicated AMS representative at each surgery who will be responsible for sharing it with their team - to gain an understanding of their prescribing for these conditions and to review actions which can be taken at practice level.
CPD on antimicrobial stewardship will be given to all practices to encourage responsible antimicrobial usage.
The research project will then capture ongoing data - from August 2024 until July 2025 - to show changes in antimicrobial prescribing.
The research is expected to provide an opportunity to build upon ongoing veterinary antimicrobial stewardship strategies.
This could include: using diagnostics to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans, informing a change in prescribing behaviour, selecting antimicrobials responsibly, educating pet owners on antimicrobial resistance and using evidence-based guidance.
The clinical research project is being run by Kezia Wareham, Doctor of Philosophy student at Bristol Veterinary School (supervised by Dr Fernando Sanchez-Vizcaino, Dr Emi Barker, Dr Nicola Rooney and Dr Irene Bueno Padilla) and Deb Komianos, Regional Clinical Lead at CVS.
Deb said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top ten global health threats and the figures projected by the WHO for attributable deaths are truly startling.
"To address the development of drug-resistant pathogens requires a One Health approach.
"It is not enough to pay lip service to AMS, we need to be leading the change."
Petplan has issued a last call for entries to the 2009 Petplan Veterinary Awards, and announced that comedian Jason Manford, best known as team captain on Channel 4's 8 out of 10 Cats, will be the compere.
The Veterinary Awards aim to honour the special stars within the veterinary profession and nominations remain open under four different categories:
Petplan says it has already received hundreds of nominations from clients and industry professionals alike. To make sure your colleagues are considered for the accolade log onto www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards to nominate. Entries must be in by 6th February 2009.
The Petplan Veterinary Awards are to be held on Thursday 2nd April on the first evening of BSAVA.
The European Society of Feline Medicine (ESFM) is expanding the scope and reach of its Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) in January 2009 by moving to a monthly schedule and introducing six colourful new clinical issues which will alternate with the now well-established classic issues.
JFMS, the official journal of both ESFM and of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), has an excellent citation index and is ever-growing with record numbers of high quality papers being received. The clinical issues of JFMS will be highly visual and contain commissioned clinical review articles enhanced by case work-ups, self-assessment questions and multimedia online elements to provide practitioners with the latest author guided evidence-based information as a tool for day-to-day feline treatment.
‘As a practitioner-orientated organisation we wanted to do more for the vet in practice. So, for ESFM's 10th anniversary we are again breaking the mould by introducing six new issues a year containing well illustrated clinical reviews, aimed specifically at practice, from the best authors around the world,' said Claire Bessant Chief Executive of the ESFM and its founding organisation the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB).
‘The aim of JFMS ‘clinical' is to turn vision into reality by delivering opinionated reviews, and some ‘outside the box' thinking, from respected clinicians to the front line of veterinary practice,' says JFMS editor Dr Andy Sparkes.
From January, members of ESFM will receive a monthly journal - six classic (the current JFMS) and six JFMS clinical issues - classic and clinical - pure and applied - the best of feline veterinary science.
If you would like a mini-sample of the new journal then contact the FAB/ESFM office Margaret@fabcats.org or go to www.fabcats.org/esfm where you can download a pdf or view it on screen.
Individual membership of ESFM is £110 pa (Euros 145) for UK and overseas. Practice membership is £170 for the UK, £190 overseas (soruE 240). ESFM members are entitled to reduced rates to ESFM congress and gain online access to JFMS papers. Full details are available at www.fabcats.org/esfm.
Intervet has announced that its bluetongue vaccine, Bovilis® BTV8 has been granted a licence by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). The licence, which is the first for a bluetongue vaccine in the UK, sets out dose rates and treatment regimes for the product use.
The recommended dose rates for animal over one month of age are as follows:
Sheep – 1 x 1ml, injected subcutaneously.
Cattle - 2 x 1ml, approximately three weeks apart, injected subcutaneously.
In successive years, re-vaccination should be given two weeks prior to the risk period.
Treated animals should have protective immunity three weeks after the initial course. Bovilis BTV8 should only be administered to healthy animals. Treated stock may have a slight swelling at the site of injection.
The vaccine must be stored at between 2ºC – 8ºC and, once opened, should be used within eight hours. The vaccine is available in 20ml and 50ml bottles. The licence recommends the use of multi injection vaccination systems.
Intervet will be supplying a discounted 1ml vaccination gun into the market.
The BSAVA is calling on veterinary surgeons to vote for colleagues that they feel are deserving of one of the Association's prestigious awards.
The awards are:
All members of BSAVA are eligible to vote - either in just one, or multiple categories. Visit www.bsava.com/awards or call 01452 726705 for details.
The deadline for votes is 14 September. The Awards Ceremony will take place at BSAVA Congress 4-7 April 2013.
In addition, the Association is inviting applications for the Frank Beattie Travel Scholarship. Established in 1988 in memory of Frank Beattie, a well respected veterinary surgeon and a long-standing member of the BSAVA, it is awarded annually from a generous gift given by Frank's widow, Annie. The scholarship, worth £2000, is to help a BSAVA member undertake a trip abroad to study a particular aspect of veterinary practice. To apply for this scholarship email h.field@bsava.com or call 01452 726705. The deadline for application is 28 September.