Here’s a gadget I’d love to get my hands on: the Zoombak advanced GPS pet locator, launched in the UK today.

The locator attaches to any dog collar, or indeed your car, husband, wife or teenager, and allows you to get a real time fix of their location by telephone, or on your computer. It costs £99.99 from pet retailers, with an additional £9.99 per month service subscription (£99.99 if paid annually upfront), which allows for an unlimited number of ‘locates’.
Hot on its heels comes the Pawtrack, which will also cost £99.99 with a similar monthly subscription which allows for 1200 locates per month.

Pawtrack is being aimed at both cats and dogs, and whilst it is marginally smaller and lighter than the Zoombak, there isn’t a lot in it. Both are still probably too cumbersome for a cat, which is why Zoombak more pragmatically recommends its product for dogs over 7 kg.

Doubtless it won’t be long before they miniaturise the technology so that it’ll be the width of a nostril hair, thereby solving the problem of pet theft and loss completely. Meantime, these look like a practical and fun gadget for the owners of larger breeds that regularly go AWOL.

For more information on stocking Zoombak please contact Zoombak on 08708 033095.

The BVA has opened nominations for this year's Young Vet of the Year Award and is encouraging veterinary professionals to nominate exceptional candidates.

The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, celebrates vets in the first eight years of their career who have shown outstanding care, dedication or success.

Nominees may have delivered exceptional care to a patient, made a positive contribution to their community or the wider veterinary profession, or shown their dedication to a cause.

Early career vets who are keen to demonstrate their ambition and dedication to the profession can also self-nominate for the award.  

British Veterinary Association President Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “We know how hard all vets work to care for the UK’s animals and to protect both human and animal health and welfare.

"Our young and early career vets deserve to have their incredible work recognised and this award is an opportunity to highlight their compassion, skills and positive contribution to the profession.” 

The winner will be announced on Thursday 16th October 2025 at the BVA Awards in London, where they will be awarded a prize package which includes £1,000, a year of free BVA membership and mentoring/engagement opportunity with Zoetis.  

The deadline for entries is 9am on Monday 4th August 2025.

www.bva.co.uk/YVOTY  

Photo: Last year's winner, David Charles.

The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has inaugurated its new President Iain Richards BVSc CertVA Cert SHP MRCVS, who has outlined the key issues he would like to address during his presidency: 

"The reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act will be a big part of the SPVS year. Any changes of the VSA are likely to hit practitioners hardest of all. It was to ensure public confidence that the RCVS was formed, and it is with the public that we have our daily interactions. It is satisfying to note, despite what some of the EFRACOM committee felt, that the proportion of actual complaints in comparison to public interactions is very small indeed. This point must not be lost on the RCVS or government. The profession is already held in high esteem by the public and any new act has to reinforce that.

Alongside the VSA are the closely related aspects of 24hr cover and the Working Time Regulations. Indeed, it is no coincidence that our high public esteem is in part due to the willingness of the practicing arm of the profession to make itself available at all times. The WTR has a long way to go, but has the potential to make this aspect of our work untenable.

Farm practice continues to have its own challenges. Despite opinion suggesting that farms do well in a recession, the challenges are still out there. It is a rapidly changing field with issues of medicines supply still causing problems. TB will spread and more practices will have to look hard at the return LVI work provides. By adopting SPVS advice on fee construction and cost centre analysis, practices can accurately assess the true impact of this and any other revenue stream.               

Small animal and many equine practices will potentially feel the recession the most, as both operate in a luxury market. The 2009 Congress theme, and that of the SPVS stream at the BVA Congress in Cardiff, is "Surviving the Recession".

The Society will be at the forefront in providing solid advice to practices to enable them to thrive in such circumstances. Recessions have come and gone and we have a wealth of experience from previous SPVS members to draw upon. One thing is clear, providing a quality service is vital. To the client, this has to be a value for money service as well. Marrying these two is key to business success and SPVS council will be working towards these objectives. It is likely that those practices that adapt and survive a recession will be in a strong position in the future.

Quality and value apply to practices, regardless of their species grouping. At home in Kendal, my practice is pushing standards forwards in equine, farm and small animal work. Because of this I am lucky to be able to indulge in being a mixed practitioner who has a keen interest in all aspects of veterinary work. This places me in a good position to represent the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons at all levels and to all bodies. SPVS is a great society; it is a pleasure to be picked for the team.

My vision goes beyond the year, however, and would encapsulate a desire that SPVS works with the other divisions of BVA to ensure that the veterinary profession provides the foremost view of all aspects of animal welfare and disease."

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:

• Identification of pathogenic Eimeria species can be suggestive but does not provide conclusive evidence of a causative effect.
• Speciation of Eimeria is useful (not easy in lambs) as there are several non-pathogenic strains which can give high counts without clinical effect
• The number of oocysts will not always correlate with clinical signs
• Low levels of oocysts in faeces are less likely to be significant but some animals can die even while excreting at a low level because shedding occurs after the gut damage has already occurred.
• There is extensive replication and multiplication through the parasite lifecycle - susceptible infected animals will usually shed millions or even billions of oocysts.
• Adult animals that are infected but immune tend to excrete oocysts at a regular low level.
• A pooled sample from at least 10 lambs or calves may give a better indication of the level of infection.
• The history of the farm, the individual patient and the presence of risk factors should be taken into account when interpreting results.

Janssen says Vecoxan (diclazuril) does not interfere with the development of immunity and kills all stages of the parasite in the host.

The Kennel Club has called for greater awareness about child safety around dogs following the release of figures showing that 16% of incidents involving dogs happen to under 10 year olds.

The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) has revealed that under 10's accounted for the highest rate of admissions per age group for bites and strikes from dogs. The Kennel Club is urging people to communicate with their children about safety around dogs with help from the Kennel Club's Safe And Sound scheme.

The Safe And Sound scheme has been specially created by the Kennel Club to educate children about the correct behaviour around dogs. As well as teacher's notes and literature, the scheme includes an online game called the Safety Factor Challenge.

The Safety Factor Challenge takes children through a number of scenarios and asks what they would do in each - such as if a dog is in a child's way and eating its dinner, the game then asks the child what they should do. The Kennel Club says it is not unusual for children to think that moving the dog is a good idea; however the game shows the possible negative reaction a child could get if they chose this option and instead are advised to wait for the dog to finish.

Elaine Quickfall, a home tutor with Gateshead Behaviour Support Service said: "We take it for granted that our children should know how to behave, but if they have no prior knowledge why would they? Games like this are great as they provide a visual example of the consequences of choosing different actions."

HSCIC has revealed that of the 6,450 admissions to hospital for dog bite and strike injuries, 1,040 involved a child under the age of 10. The Kennel Club believes that with better communication with children about appropriate behaviour around dogs could dramatically reduce this figure and is calling on all parents to ensure that their children know how to behave around dogs.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "Dogs are a big part of our lives and it is likely that every child will come across a dog at some point this year, at home, at a friend's or just out on the street. During the summer holidays is a great time to sit down with your child and speak to them about dog safety, and using the tips and game available through the Kennel Club's Safe and Sound Scheme is a great way to clearly illustrate to your children the best way for them to behave around dogs."

The Safe And Sound Scheme is available online by visiting: http://www.safetyarounddogs.org.uk/.

Animalcare has announced that it will be hosting three more osteoarthritis (OA) evening CPD workshops in Darlington (11th June), Edinburgh (12th June) and Bournemouth (26th June).

Each event is designed to help attendees with:

• Insights into canine osteoarthritis and the various treatment modalities
• Insights into pet owner motivations and effective strategies to bolster adherence to treatment plans
• Maximising the effectiveness of practice teams to deliver tailored care for each patient

Each attendee will be given a complimentary annual Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA) membership.

Kai Crawshaw, Animalcare Brand Manager said: "We had excellent feedback from our first workshops, so we’re pleased to be able to reach veterinary practices in more locations around the UK.

"We also have plans to run more across the rest of the year.

"We hope that these events will lead to veterinary staff becoming more confident in dealing with OA in dogs and helping owners understand the options open to them."

All events start at 7:30pm (arrival from 7pm) and will finish approximately at 9:30pm. 

Hot food and drinks will be provided.

https://www.animalcare.co.uk/oa-workshops

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.

A food ingredient could help prevent bacterial infections and could improve the growth of farm animals, according to new trials.

The Journal of Medical Microbiology reports that Bimuno, a "second generation" galactooligosaccharide, was shown to suppress salmonella colonisation in mice and protect the gut from and reduce all clinical signs, symptoms and severity of salmonella infections.

Researchers at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) showed that feeding mice with Bimuno prior to salmonella infection rapidly reduced the impact of salmonella.

In addition, over a five-day period, fewer salmonella were able to colonise in mice pre-dosed with Bimuno, compared with controls dosed with salmonella alone.

Salmonella can be found in the intestines of farm animals and is transmitted to humans on meat products. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea can be observed and are most severe in the very young or very old - posing a serious public health problem.

The findings are significant, given that the use of antibiotics in animal feed to help control infections has been banned since 2006, although is still commonplace in countries outside the EU.

Bimuno is a powder, and could be added to all livestock feeds.

Dr George Tzortzis, an author of the study from Clasado Ltd, said: "The growing evidence about this specific ingredient shows it has huge potential to protect livestock from salmonella. This is a positive development in the urgent search for antibiotic alternatives to help animals resist infection.

"Bimuno also has 'prebiotic' properties, which mean it is not destroyed, digested or absorbed in the stomach or small intestine. It therefore reaches the colon intact to selectively target and feed the host's immunity boosting bifidobacteria while reducing harmful bacteria.

"This study may have positive implications for both animal and human health, given that this bacterium can be transmitted to humans via the food chain."

Following a new study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's One Health Committee has called for a co-ordinated global infectious disease monitoring system to be established for veterinarians who work in small companion animal practice worldwide.

The study, led by Michael Day, Professor of Veterinary Pathology in the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol and Chair of the WSAVA's One Health Committee, lists the key zoonotic diseases of cats and dogs.

It  recommends that the knowledge gained through surveillance would permit more effective global control of small companion animal zoonoses and reduce the risks associated with the human-animal relationship.

Professor Day said: "It is well recognised that most of the major new diseases of mankind will have an animal origin and that dogs and cats are a potential source of such emerging diseases.

"The number of small companion animals is particularly significant. For example there are an estimated eight to ten million dogs living in up to 31 per cent of UK homes and in the USA, 72 million dogs in 37 per cent of homes. The benefits of pet ownership on human health, well-being and development are unquestionable but, as they have moved from the barn, to the house, to the bedroom, the potential for disease spread to humans increases. Control of diseases among dogs and cats is a good way to prevent spread to humans.

"In human, livestock and wildlife heath there are already programmes of active surveillance for infectious disease underway to monitor the global distribution and movement of key infectious agents. For example, the WHO monitors human influenza virus infection through a network of 111 centres in 83 countries. In contrast, there is no such monitoring for the infections that may be transmitted between small companion animals and man. Meanwhile, canine rabies virus infection, one of the diseases listed in the paper, is estimated to kill a minimum of 55,000 people in Africa and Asia each year. 

"The development of such a scheme would require the significant political will, scientific application and financial support that could be achieved through a public-private partnership. The aim of our position paper in Emerging Infectious Diseases is to initiate stakeholder discussions with that end goal in mind."   

The British Veterinary Association has reacted to the Comprehensive Spending Review announced by the Government.

BVA President, Harvey Locke said: "Clearly this is a substantial hit on Defra's overall budget but there are some elements to welcome.

"We are pleased with the commitment to protecting the science base and Defra's clear focus on tackling TB and we await with interest future announcements on how the Government plans to introduce responsibility and cost sharing.

"However, the Government has put a lot of emphasis on securing flood defences within Defra's budget and we remain concerned that other crucial animal health and welfare issues could be further squeezed in this massively reduced budget.

"The BVA will continue to champion these health and welfare issues to ensure they remain a priority for the Department."

New and recent graduates and recently qualified vets have the opportunity to attend a CPD graduate symposium specifically designed to provide practical surgical and management advice and solutions for those embarking on their professional careers.

ProStart course director Colin Whiting BVSc CertSAS MRCVS explained: "We're aiming to fast-track new graduates by sharing experience and helping them through that tricky first year in practice. However, whilst the course has a total of 11 hours CPD, it also has a packed fun and social element including zip wire and surf lessons."

Sponsored by Merial Animal Health, the inaugural ProStart CPD graduate symposium is to be held at Lusty Glaze beach adventure and lecture centre, Newquay, Cornwall, Friday 10th to Sunday 12th October 2008. 

Mr Whiting said: "The event includes a full-on itinerary of lectures and workshops covering aspects of small animal practice including, practice economics, consultation skills, surgical guides for neutering, maximising therapeutic opportunities, and client and staff interactions - with tips from a head nurse. It's also a great opportunity to network with other new graduates.

"The workshops are run by vets experienced in mentoring new graduates in practice, plus full board & lodging and a vibrant social programme including adventure Zip wire, Surf lesson, and entertainment." 

For Merial's Mark Riggs the symposium will help graduates understand the realities of practice environment more quickly. He said: "This course is a neat combination of practical and business skills. Not only will graduates have the chance to sharpen their neutering techniques but advice will be on hand relating to practice finances, client handling and staff management. Delegates will be encouraged to contribute within workshops tackling thorny issues from general practice, before it's wetsuits on and a surf lesson."

Mr Whiting, a referral surgeon and clinical director based at Penmellyn Vet Group in Cornwall has publications and CPD presentations which focus on surgical and practice management topics, and include Surgical Mentoring of Junior Colleagues for In Practice.

"We have a very experienced lecture team, members of which have worked extensively supporting graduates and junior colleagues. Bearing in mind that CPD has to be affordable for practice owners, thanks to our sponsors, Merial, we're able to provide an entire weekend course, including accommodation, for £240+VAT. The venue's proximity to Newquay airport provides easy accessibility for delegates nation-wide and is a fantastic venue for adventure challenges, surfing and various beach activities."

Other members of the ProStart team include Ian Stroud BVSc MRCVS a Medivet partner and new graduate supervisor, and Gareth Cross BVSc, MRCVS who recently lectured to BSAVA congress. Their focus will be promoting safe clinical excellence; illustrating the finances behind a small animal practice; and how graduates can add to a practice in these areas.

If you would like more information on the course or would like to book a place please contact Beverley Archer; beverly.archer@merial.com, or contact your local Merial Territory Manager.

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:

• Amoroso Award  - Instituted in memory of the late Professor E.C. Amoroso for outstanding contributions to small animal studies by a non-clinical member of university staff.
• Melton Award - Presented for meritorious contributions by veterinary surgeons to small animal veterinary practice.
• Simon Award - The Simon Award is presented a member of the BSAVA for outstanding contributions in the field of veterinary surgery.
• Woodrow Award - A member of the BSAVA gets this award for outstanding contributions in the field of small animal veterinary medicine.
• J.A. Wight Memorial Award - This Award is presented by the Blue Cross animal welfare charity to celebrate the memory of Alf Wight, otherwise known to millions as the fictitious James Herriot. All RCVS registered vets are eligible as recipients of the Award, which is presented to recognise outstanding contributions to the welfare of companion animals.
• Blaine Award - This Award is presented for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary medicine or surgery.
• Bourgelat Award - This Award is presented by the BSAVA as the primary international recognition for really outstanding contributions to the field of small animal practice.

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.