According to Intervet, a study undertaken in Germany last summer has proven the efficacy of Butox SWISH at killing the midges responsible for carrying the bluetongue virus, when applied monthly to cattle. The study showed that even brief contact between a midge and hair from a treated animal killed midges rapidly for up to four weeks post-treatment.

The standard dose, applied in the usual way (on the neck and topline of the animal) delivers full-body coverage of Butox SWISH’s deltamethrin, helped partly by its unique micronised formulation. The product is also highly lipophilic which means it binds onto the natural oil secretions of the coat helping to improve coverage.

The trial used six heifers (each weighing around 400kg) treated with 30ml Butox SWISH (the standard fly dose and method of application). Two un-treated heifers were also studied for comparison.

During the five week period, contact between midges and treated hair caused immediate paralysis, and the midges then died at varying intervals depending on contact time and the number of days post-treatment with Butox SWISH. The trial verified the application of Butox SWISH monthly at the standard dose for cattle.

Trial director, Professor Mehlhorn suggested that producers should be prepared to reduce vector contact by removing their breeding habitats and combining this with the use of a knock-down treatment like Butox SWISH, which is the only product of its type which has proven efficacy against midges. Used in conjunction with vaccination, these measures may not stop the disease entering the herd, but will help reduce the spread of disease.

Vets Now has this month launched a new fast track programme called 'Cutting Edge', which the company says is aimed at young, dynamic vets.

The 'Cutting Edge' initiative is apparently the first training programme of its kind in the UK and will see 40 graduates who graduated between 2006 and 2009 recruited into a 10 week fast track training programme, before they take up permanent positions in Vets Now clinics. Each recruit will get a salary package which will put them on £40k within 24 months.

Interviews and selection will be held mid-late August at a number of selection centres across the UK, with the first intake of 20 recruits commencing their fast track training programme on 4 October and taking up their positions in a Vets Now clinic in December.

A second intake of recruits to the programme will be selected during November, with these recruits taking up their positions on the fast track training late in January.

The programme is being spearheaded by Vets Now Clinical Director and experienced clinician and teacher in Emergency and Critical Care, Amanda Boag, MA VETMB DipACVIM DACVECC FHEA MRCVS who said: "This is a unique and hugely exciting opportunity for recently qualified vets to enter the field of Emergency and Critical Care. We're looking for dynamic and energetic young vets with a real passion for continuing their clinical development who feel they have what it takes to succeed in this exciting, and growing sector of veterinary medicine."

She added: "The recruits who we select will embark upon an intensive period of training over the 10 week period which will give them the necessary skills and knowledge to launch their career in ECC. They will also receive ongoing support during their first two years as a veterinary surgeon in a Vets Now clinic with a very generous CPD allowance. The initial 10 week period will be a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, practical training in our clinical skills laboratory and mentored work in our clinics. Developing clinical expertise and problem solving skills will clearly be the most significant component of the training but there will also be support and training in other vital skills including communication."

Until now, Vets Now would only employ veterinary surgeons with at least two years post-qualified small animal experience or who have completed their PDP. This new programme has been launched to attract and support young talent in making the move to this growing sector of veterinary medicine. 

Recent graduates who are interested in developing a career in ECC are invited to apply in the first instance by contacting the Vets Now recruitment team on 01383 841181 or by emailing cuttingedge@vets-now.com. 

The new initiative also has a Facebook page - www.facebook.com/vetsnowcutting edge and you can follow news and updates on the 'Cutting Edge' Twitter page at www.twitter.com/vncuttingedge.

Graham Gardner has launched its summer collection of scrubwear in the form updated versions of its Urbane and Easiphit Collections, with new colour combinations added to the range.

The Urbane Collection, pictured right, is designed specifically for the female form. Easiephit is a contempary unisex collection.

Simon Ward, Sales Director said: "Scrubwear is becoming a firm favourite with veterinary staff in the UK. The relaxed comfort offered by scrubs is very attractive to staff, and the smart image of colour coded garments is very well received by managers seeking a unified department look. With the increased stocks and increased colour combinations, customers can now get their hands on the new uniforms more quickly than ever before!"

Other colour combinations are still available as special imports. Non-stocked colour requests will be directed to Grahame Gardner's USA Partners and the sales team will ensure that customers are kept updated as to delivery times.

Both Easiephitt and Urbane have also increased their stocked size range. Grahame Gardner now aim to hold sizes from extra, extra small to extra, extra large.

For further information on Urbane, Easiephitt or Grahame Gardner Ltd, please call 0116 255 6326, or visit http://www.grahamegardner.co.uk/.

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has produced a new Orf Vaccination Starter Pack to help vets better inform their sheep farmer clients about the disease.

The new campaign Vaccination Starter Pack includes a practical guide to Orf and its control in UK sheep flocks, a DVD profiling vet and farmer experiences of managing the disease, an 'Orf questions answered' handout and a best practice vaccination protocol. Additional practice support materials highlighting the problems caused by Orf and its control with Scabivax Forte are also available.

The Starter Pack and full range of promotional materials are available from local Intervet/Schering-Plough Account Managers or by contacting the Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.

The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF), a group of 26 veterinary practitioner, neuropharmacology, neuropathology and neurology experts led by Holger Volk, Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at the RVC, has issued new guidelines for treating and caring for dogs with epilepsy.

The guidelines have been adopted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and published in the form of a ‘consensus statement’ in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM).

Professor Volk, who co-chaired the consensus statement process, said: "I was honoured to have been asked to co-chair such an important forum in American veterinary practice. This will be another landmark paper to help improve the care vets deliver for the patients with epilepsy, both in America and beyond.

"Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases encountered by veterinary surgeons and practitioners around the world. The prevalence of the condition means there have been numerous research studies carried out over the years. But, despite such frequent research, there has been a lack of consistency when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

"This lack of cohesion and collaboration made it difficult for owners and veterinary professionals to communicate effectively on the issue of pet epilepsy. This has led to the global veterinary community changing its approach and, in recent years, working more closely together."

Professor Volk says the aim of these latest guidelines is to provide joined up and collaborative thinking, teaching and learning on various different aspects of the condition that specifically affect America. These include the development of treatment strategies and any potential issues with chronic anti-epileptic drug treatment.

The ACVIM guidelines follow on from seven in-depth consensus statements produced by the IVETF and published open access in BMC Veterinary Research last year, outlining recommendations and classifications on all aspects of canine epilepsy. It was the first time this many veterinary neurology clinicians and neuroscientists formally agreed on the key aspects of the condition.

Professor Volk, who is also the Clinical Director of the RVC’s Small Animal Referral Hospital, added: "There is a real exciting buzz around canine and feline Epilepsy currently. Finally getting to global consensus from the international veterinary community will accelerate research and lead to improved patient care and quality of life for owners and patients alike."

Defra has announced that bluetongue (BTV-8) vaccine is now available from two pharmaceutical retailers to manage the risk of a BTV incursion.

At the start of June, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), Goat Veterinary Society (GVS), and Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) welcomed the announcement that bluetongue (BTV-8) vaccine would be available by mid-July to support farmers and smallholders in managing the risk of a bluetongue outbreak predicted to reach mainland UK by late summer.

Since the Defra risk assessment indicates a high risk by late summer of a BTV incursion from France, veterinary associations have been involved in discussions with government, farmers’ representatives and manufacturers to ensure vaccine is available to meet potential demand particularly in the south of England where risk is highest. The situation remains under constant review by Defra as the disease develops and the weather warms up, promoting midge activity.

Pharmaceutical companies MSD and Zoetis announced that batches of vaccine would be available from mid-July, which Defra has just confirmed.

Vets across the UK are also contributing to the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB), helping to make farmers aware of the risk, clinical signs and what action to take, through speaking at local JAB information events and displaying posters and leaflets in practices.

While welcoming the announcement of vaccine availability in June, veterinary organisations also sought clarification about the cost and the amount of vaccine likely to be available in July and thereafter. This information is now available.

BVA President Sean Wensley said: "We welcome the announcement that vaccine will be available in time to meet potential demand. This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control."

Photo by Fourrure (http://www.boulesdefourrure.fr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Petplan has been named the UK's Best Pet Insurance Provider at the Consumer Moneyfacts awards.

Voted for by over 17,000 consumers, the awards recognise the best financial products available to consumers in the UK.

Petplan, which says it has recently strengthened its policies to provide pet owners with more comprehensive cover, was chosen by consumers for its market leading policies and outstanding customer service.

Petplan Director Neil Brettell said: "The award is great recognition for the fantastic job that our team at Petplan does to keep pets healthy and owners happy.

"Our Covered for Life policies truly do what they say, they ensure that a pet can get the best possible treatment throughout its life without the owner having to worry about the cost. It's great to be recognised for the service that we've been providing to the nation's pets for over 35 years."

For information about how working with Petplan can help your practice call Vetline on 0800 316 8800 or visit www.petplanvet.co.uk

Ceva Animal Health has announced that Bluevac-3, its new bluetongue (BTV-3) vaccine, will be available from mid-October.

Bluevac-3 is an inactivated injectable vaccine indicated for the active immunisation against BTV-3 for use in sheep and cattle. 

Ceva says it reduces viraemia, prevents mortality and reduces the clinical signs of BTV-3 in sheep and reduces viraemia in cattle.

In sheep, Bluevac-3 can be administered from two months of age and two doses of 2ml should be administered subcutaneously three weeks apart.

In cattle, the vaccine can be administered from two months of age and two doses of 4ml should be administered three weeks apart.

Onset of immunity occurs 21 days/three weeks after completion of primary vaccination in cattle and sheep.

The vaccine can be used in pregnancy in cows and ewes.

No negative impact on milk-yield after using the vaccine in lactating ewes and cows is expected.

Ceva developed the new vaccine in partnership with vaccine manufacturer CZV Vaccines and launched it in Europe early in the summer, to mitigate the impact of the disease already experienced in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Craig Wright, ruminant business unit director at Ceva Animal Health, said: “In co-operation with our partner, CZV Vaccines, we have worked tirelessly to bring Bluevac-3 to the UK to help fight bluetongue which has the potential to cause severe financial loss to farmers. 

"The availability of an effective vaccine is an essential tool to help suppress future outbreaks by reducing viraemia, preventing mortality and reducing the clinical signs of BTV-3.”

Licences to allow the use of the new vaccine will either be geographically targeted general licences, initially in high risk counties as part of a phased approach, or specific licences which can be applied for through APHA.

General licencing will be subject to risk assessment.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-of-product-characteristics-for-bluevac-3-btv-3-vaccine-in-the-uk. 

The Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) has published the first study to document the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary diseases in a large cohort of dogs in the United Kingdom.

The researchers hope that the study will help to increase a veterinary surgeon’s index of suspicion of a particular liver disease, particularly if a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis is not possible.

In the study titled “Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom”, histopathology reports from canine liver tissues submitted to a commercial veterinary laboratory by UK first and second opinion practices were retrospectively reviewed.

Data collected included breed, age, sex, gross and histological descriptions, diagnosis and additional comments.

Data were then grouped into 23 categories according to WSAVA histological criteria for canine hepatobiliary diseases using the four main morphological groups of vascular, biliary, parenchymal and neoplastic disorders. Breed analysis was then performed on the top five ranking breeds within each individual category.

A total of 4584 histopathology reports of canine liver tissue were included in the analysis.

The most common histopathological diagnoses were reactive hepatitis (16.8%), chronic hepatitis (16.0%) and reversible hepatocellular injury (RHI) (12.9%).

Labrador retrievers were found to have increased odds for reactive hepatitis (OR 1.57, 95%CI 1.23-1.99), whilst crossbreeds demonstrated reduced odds (OR 0.65, 95%CI 0.54-0.79).

Breeds with increased odds of chronic hepatitis included the Labrador retriever (OR 4.14, 95%CI 3.47-4.93), springer spaniel (OR 6.30, 95%CI 5.10-7.79), cocker spaniel (OR 2.78 95%CI 2.20-3.53) and West Highland White Terrier (OR 3.23, 95%CI 2.24-4.65).

Within the RHI group, the schnauzer (OR 8.06, 95%CI 5.77-11.26) and Bichon Frise (OR 5.19, 95%CI 3.63-7.42) had increased odds of disease.

Dr Yuvani Bandara, corresponding author for the paper, said: “This is the first study to report the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary diseases and to identify possible breed predispositions in a large cohort of dogs in the UK.

“Despite multivariable analysis not being performed to account for confounding factors, we hope that this information informs and supports future investigations for hepatic disease in particular breeds and potential predispositions.”

The full article can be found in the September issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice and can be read online here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13354.

Reference

1. Y Bandara, WA Bayton, TL Williams, T Scase and NH Bexfield (2021) Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 62 (9). Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13354 

The International Federation on Ageing has published Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons, a report described as the most extensive literature review to date of research undertaken in the field of companion animals and the health of older people, made possible through an educational sponsorship from Bayer Healthcare.

The report provides a comprehensive literature review into the ways pets contribute to the physical and mental health of individuals and the well-being of our broader society, citing studies which found:

• companion animals are associated with increased self-esteem, life satisfaction, positive moods and lower levels of loneliness (El-Alayli et al, 2006). 
• quiet company between humans and pet dogs has been observed to lower the person's blood pressure and increase the levels of neurochemicals linked to relaxation and bonding (Filan and Llewelyn-Jones, 2006). 
• pets can ameliorate bereavement for older people (Raina et al, 1999; Garrity et al, 1989; Bolin, 1987). 
• half of all dog owners (and just under half of pet owners in general) confirm that they meet people in their neighbourhood as a result of their pet and more than 80 percent of dog owners talk to other people when out walking their dogs (Wood et al,2005) 
• a marked reduction in agitation and aggression in human dementia patients treated with Animal-Assisted Therapy (various studies).
• an increase in pro-social behaviour such as alertness, increased frequency of touch, verbalisation and smiles amongst dementia patients in residential programs. Each of these behaviours was observed to improve over time (Perkins et al, 2008). 
• pet owners access health services via their GP approximately 10% less than non-pet owners (Headey and Grabka, 2003) 
• estimated cost savings to the health care system attributed to companion animals in 2000 of 5.59 billion Euros in Germany and $3.86 billion in Australia. 

Dr Jane Barratt from the International Federation on Ageing said: "This field of research has important implications across generations and also for the future of our broader society. Many studies have broadly discussed how pets, such as dogs and cats, contribute to health by reducing anxiety, loneliness and depression, but until today, have not yet been published in a single resource. This new report advances our understanding of the value of companion animals in the framework of human health and the broader society."

In the report, investigators acknowledge that the current data on human-companion animal interactions are often predicated on anecdotal evidence and scant qualitative and quantitative data, with poorly-constructed and poorly-controlled study design. This may account in part for the conflicting results found in a number of different studies. Nonetheless, they argue that based on current evidence of considerable positive potential for the health of older individuals, and the associated health and welfare benefits for local communities and societies, more research time and energy should be directed towards this area of research. In particular, they say, there should be much greater involvement from veterinary surgeons, who are well placed to be consulted in studies of companion animals and older people’s attachment, affection and bonding capacities, well-being and social capital.

Ferenc Polz, Head of Bayer Animal Health said: "The therapeutic benefit of companion animals is an area of study attracting increasing interest among health and social science professionals and this sponsored report is yet another example of the life changing potential of human and animal relationships."

Siemens will be showcasing its range of technology for veterinary care, from advanced ultrasound, CT and MRI systems to haematological and immunological diagnostics at BSAVA Congress. 

The company says MRI and CT are starting to become more influential in the veterinary field. MRI provides a reliable veterinary imaging method when traditional procedures such as X-ray and ultrasound are not able to convey the detail needed. They display small changes in bone and soft tissue and can be complemented with special adjustments such as mini coils for dog and cat paws to make them suitable for application with animals.  This allows vets to diagnose more accurately and treat specific complaints.  The images produced by MRI systems can be used for tumour diagnosis, nervous complaints or orthopaedic problems as well as intestinal, respiratory or cardiovascular disorders. 

Siemens will also be presenting its in vitro range of solutions and assays in chemistry, haematology and immunology.

This will include the IMMULITE® range, a blood testing platform which the company says has an unrivalled immunoassay portfolio, allowing the rapid diagnosis of a broad spectrum of small animal conditions. 

Information on the ADVIA® 2120i Haematology System with specific animal software and Dimension® Xpand® Plus integrated chemistry and immunoassay system will also be available.  

Product literature and in-depth discussions with Siemens specialists will be available from the stand during the event.

Two award-winning independent practices, Glasgow-based Pets’n’Vets and Fife-based Inglis Vets, have joined forces to launch what they describe as a pioneering new graduate training programme.

The new.graduatevet programme (or ‘Dot’ programme) provides hands-on surgical training at Inglis Vets' in Cowdenbeath, seminars from Advanced Veterinary Practitioners at the Pets'n'Vets’ Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Glasgow and a new website accessible to all new and recent graduates: www.new.graduatevet.co.uk

Inglis Vets senior vet Graeme Eckford (pictured left, above), said: "This innovation has seen Scotland’s two leading independent vets, Inglis and The Pets’n’Vets Family, bring our considerable combined expertise and facilities together to create what we believe to be the best well-rounded, supported and unique new graduate training programme available in Scotland.

"Support is delivered through an integrated mentor system, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and regular case reviews, with the Dot programme designed to integrate with, and augment, the PDP requirements."

Ross Allan, a partner in The Pets‘n’Vets Family (pictured right, above), said: "The Dot programme will see the new graduates undertake advanced training and extra practice on surgery, consultations and general practice to accelerate their surgical skills and confidence at Inglis Vets ‘Care and Save’– Cowdenbeath before attending the Pets'n'Vets Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Glasgow’s Southside for a digest of seminars.

"We are proud to work with Inglis Vets to develop the programme which we believe will provide a platform for new graduates to apply the skills they’ve learned at university throughout the previous five years, and allow them to excel in their careers.

"We believe this exciting new venture demonstrates the willingness of progressive independent veterinary practices to work constructively together to allow both our new graduate vets, and in turn our practices, to thrive. There will be considerable opportunities for the new graduate vets when they have completed their training in the 16 practices which comprise our two ground-breaking vet practices."

The new.graduatevet website has been established to run alongside the new.graduatevet programme as an online mentor and with the aim of providing a community and learning space for all new and recent graduate vets; a much-needed resource for the next generation of vet graduates. Its range of blogs, news and advice on a range of relevant topics are available to all.

New veterinary graduates can apply for a place on the Dot programme by logging onto www.new.graduatevet.co.uk

Hysolv Animal Health has announced that it is offering a free swine flu laboratory diagnostic service to veterinary surgeons in the UK and Ireland.

The company will supply kits to veterinary surgeons with which to take samples from pig herds they suspect are infected with swine flu. The samples, nasal swabs or blood, will be sent direct to Germany where vaccine and biological company IDT Biologika is using a special facility to detect which viruses or antibodies against certain serotypes are present. 

The virological tests will be conducted by the Institute for Virus Diagnostics, part of the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health. Antibody titres against H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, panH1N1 and panH1N2 will be looked for. Hysolv says these tests, including histopathology, can provide the only conclusive proof of influenza infection.

Results from the test — which would normally cost 230 Euros (about £185) to conduct — will be available within a week.  IDT is believed to be the first company offering this type of test.

According to the company, the PCR test — from nasal swabs — is much more precise than previous testing regimes and will identify and type circulating strains as well as emerging strains.

Hysolv says that when swine flu strikes a farm, the signs seen are no longer just typically flu-like but a show whole range including fever, coughing, dyspnoea as well as returns to oestrus and abortions in sows. These may be in combination and concurrent with other diseases which makes accurate diagnosis difficult.

IDT will be offering the newly-branded vaccine Respiporc Flu 3 where the veterinary surgeon feels vaccination in indicated.

Hysolv director Richard Brealey said: “IDT is raising the bar in flu testing and this is a significant advance on what has been done in the past. In 2014 one-third of 1353 nasal swabs sent for testing proved positive for swine flu in Germany. In the UK the samples will help give an insight into the epidemiological status quo of the national pig herd.”