As yet another Chancellor of the Exchequer bites the dust and the economic turmoil highlights the gulf between rich and poor, VetSurgeon.org is offering vets a chance to find out about the causes of inequality in special forum discussion with Sebastian Chambers, author of 'The A-Z of Inequality - How Governments help the rich and how to reverse it'.

Providing a service for everyone from the richest to the poorest, veterinary surgeons probably have a better insight than most to the effects of inequality in society.

Whilst most people can probably think of one or two government policies which contribute to inequality, Sebastian's fully-referenced book is perhaps the first to identify the entire alphabet's worth, and collate them in an easily digestible format (it's only a 45 minute read).

The book is available in hardback on Amazon for £10, or as an e-book for £5.99

Sebastian is on VetSurgeon.org to answer your questions about and discuss how government policies create inequality in society, here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/001/nonclinical/f/off-duty-discussions/30455/the-a-z-of-inequality 

Although you certainly don't have to have bought or read his book to take part in the discussion, you should find it £5.99 well spent.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Z-Inequality-Sebastian-Chambers-ebook/dp/B09ZVN1HDW 

Scientists at the Royal Veterinary College, contributing to a programme to tackle some of the most harmful and widespread endemic diseases that commonly affect farmed animals in the UK, have developed a severity estimation calculator for post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS).

Post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is a common disease of young pigs in the U.K. It is extremely debilitating, causes considerable suffering and poor welfare, and has a high mortality of up to 30%. It is estimated that the disease costs the UK farming industry £30m per year.

The £2.4m project - headed by Professor Dirk Werling from the Royal Veterinary College and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through its "Combating Endemic Diseases For Farm-Animal Sustainability" programme (CEDFAS), the British Pig Executive (BPEX), and two industrial partners, Pfizer Ltd (UK) and BioBest - aims to identify why PMWS occurs and to develop new methods of controlling the disease.

One key-component of the project is the direct involvement of British pig farmers, thereby guaranteeing that pigs in Britain will be the first to benefit from this research, while collaboration with a major international pharmaceutical company will ensure that new veterinary products will be made available to pig farmers worldwide.

Now, two members of the team, Dr. Barbara Wieland and Pablo Alarcon-Lopez, a second year PhD student, have developed a novel approach to quantify severity of PMWS based on morbidity and mortality data and presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). They applied factorial analyses, using data collected from 147 pig farms in England to identify variables contributing to variation in PMWS severity in a biologically meaningful way.

Together with other known variables linked to PMWS, the resulting factors were used to derive an algorithm for PMWS severity. The derived algorithm was used to develop a PMWS severity calculator, which now can be used by farmers directly to assess the PMWS severity on their own farm (http://www.bpex.org.uk/articles/300874).

The levels of PMWS severities identified on farm level can now be used to identify risk factors related to the different severity-categories, to assess the efficacy of PCV2 vaccination and to investigate the economic impact of potential control measures on a farm.

A new study, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), has found that key surfaces in the small animal veterinary hospital setting are unlikely to be cleaned satisfactorily, potentially posing a risk to both animal and human health.

In the study, Fluorescent tagging for environmental surface cleaning surveillance in a veterinary hospital ¹, researchers at Ohio State University used a fluorescent dye to tag pre-determined surfaces in a large veterinary teaching hospital.

The dye was invisible to the naked eye, but fluoresced under a blacklight (UV-A source). It could be easily removed by regular cleaning.

Surfaces were tagged and then assessed 24 hours after tag placement to determine whether they had been cleaned. Tagging and assessment took place during non-peak hours in an attempt to eliminate observer bias. The study ran for a period of 5.5 weeks between June and July 2014 and a total of 4984 surfaces were tagged and assessed.

Jason Stull, corresponding author of the paper said: "Overall, 50% of surfaces were adequately cleaned so that the tag was completely removed. Cleaning varied widely by surface/object and hospital location. Of the surfaces designated as having primarily human contact, the equipment cart and door handle to the dog walking area were most frequently cleaned (100%), whilst examination equipment including the otoscope, ophthalmoscope and swivel light handle were the least frequently cleaned (2.3%).

"Of the surfaces designated as having primarily animal contact, the ward cage interior was the most frequently cleaned (89.0%) whilst the dog run interior was the least frequently cleaned (23.1%). In terms of hospital location, the most frequently cleaned area was radiology (77.5%) and the least frequently cleaned area was the small animal treatment area (4.2%)."

The overall proportion of surfaces satisfactorily cleaned was similar to that reported in previous studies, however, the findings for some surfaces and hospital areas differed.² This demonstrates the importance of veterinary cleaning surveillance in individual practices so that targeted interventions can be implemented.

Nicholas Jeffery, editor of JSAP said: "With health-care associated infections being a persistent problem in human and veterinary medicine, it is important that surfaces and equipment within the veterinary practice are adequately cleaned. This research demonstrates the potential use of a commercial fluorescent dye for veterinary cleaning surveillance to inform hospital cleaning practices."

The full article can be found in the February issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice which is free for BSAVA members. It can also be read online here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13090 

References

1. G. Langdon, A. E. Hoet, J. W. Stull (2020) Fluorescent tagging for environmental surface cleaning surveillance in a veterinary hospital. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 61 (2). Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13090
2. J. S. Weese, T. Lowe, M. Walker. (2012) Use of fluorescent tagging for assessment of environmental cleaning and disinfection in a veterinary hospital. Veterinary Record, 171. Available at: https://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/171/9/217.info

Veterinary CPD provider, Improve International has announced that its Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Small Animal Dermatology has been recognised by the RCVS as an eligible entry qualification for Advanced Practitioner status.

The company says it aims to provide an updated and practical approach to this area of practice, using a combination of review lectures, case-based discussions and practical sessions. 

David Babington, Managing Director of Improve said: "We’re delighted that, once our delegates have successfully completed all the requirements of the PgC Small Animal Dermatology, awarded by Harper Adams University, they will be able to use this as evidence of their achievement in an application to the RCVS for Advanced Practitioner status."

FMD
Most of you will be aware that IP8 was declared yesterday. This is a farm in the POZ that was slaughtered on suspicion after detection during surveillance visits. This has lead to further slight changes in the boundaries of the PZ and SZ. These were early lesions and initial laboratory results confirm this.

The epidemiology of the spread of FMD in the area north of Egham suggests that cattle on 4 premises in the vicinity of IP8 have been exposed to infection either via possible aerosol or fomite spread and are likely to develop disease. These premises will be culled as dangerous contacts.

BLUETONGUE
The various zones for controlling Bluetongue have now been defined. These are difficult to describe because they use roads etc. as boundaries but detailed maps and description of the boundaries are available at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/pdf/declaration-bt-pzcz290907.pdf

When farms straddle a road that is a boundary the whole of the farm is classed as being in the zone. It may be possible to put parts of a holding that is outside the zone as a separate unit with consultation with local Animal Health office.

The movement restrictions between the various FMD and BT zones are available at

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm

Defra are worried that farmers are not reporting cases of BT because they feel there is nothing that can be done so why bother. It is still a notifiable disease and there is a need to monitor spread for various trade implications. There are, of course, likely to be welfare considerations with clinically affected cases. These will need to be addressed with veterinary consultation and may involve symptomatic treatment or euthanasia.

The prevalence of the disease in infected herds/flocks is still low with 1:53 and 1:190 being affected on surveillance.

Bayer Animal Health, manufacturer of Advocate, is launching an advertising campaign to support its 'Be Lungworm Aware' initiative, which aims to educate pet owners on the spread of Angiostrongylus vasorum and encourage them to seek advice from their local veterinary practice.

The campaign will see a new TV 'public information' style advertisement targeting dog owners.  It will air on 20 national TV channels during April including ITV1, 2 and 3, Sky 1, 2 and 3, More 4 and Film4, with air time dedicated to GMTV and daytime ITV.

The TV advertising campaign will focus on the parasite's intermediate hosts - slugs and snails - and the ease in which dogs can become infected with the parasite by picking up something as simple as a toy with a slug attached to it.

Print advertisements will also be running in national newspapers and women's consumer magazines with a focus on publications read by pet owners.

Marketing support material is available for veterinary practices wishing to participate in the 'Be Lungworm Aware' initiative.  For further details, or to order the new practice materials, please contact your Bayer representative or ring 0845 2574798 quoting 'Be Lungworm Aware'.

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.”

Virbac has announced the launch of My Virbac, a new website offering a range of business, marketing and technical services for veterinary professionals.

The main elements of My Virbac are:

• Business support tools to help enhance business processes and overall productivity and profitability. This section includes access to a mystery shopping service and staff training, as well as business auditing service. In its entry-level form, this is provided as an online audit. It can be upgraded to involve a bespoke report from a business consultant on request
• Marketing support including Virbac's 'Comms Manager' which guides practices aiming to build their profile through PR and social media. The marketing support section also offers tools to enable practices to print promotional materials
• Client-facing tools to help vets build stronger, long-term relationships. This section includes a 'Total Compliance' toolkit and online client satisfaction training
• Resource Library containing webinars, technical and business related articles and a stock of educational articles for websites and client newsletters

Virbac Product Manager, Ms Victoria Hudson said: "Virbac was one of the pioneers of the concept of practice support and the services we already offer are highly valued by our customers. In developing My Virbac, we're taking things to a new level. We've worked with business and veterinary experts to develop a practical and helpful range of services which will make a real difference to practices that use them. We plan to add additional services and tools on a regular basis.

"As the veterinary sector becomes increasingly competitive, providing an outstanding clinical service is no longer enough. Practices must also be well-run businesses, with a strong focus on marketing and client retention. Taking advantage of the services and tools available on My Virbac will help practices to ensure they are well placed to succeed even in difficult times."

To access Virbac's services platform, practices and individuals can register at www.my-virbac.co.uk.

Purina is inviting practices to participate in its inaugural UK Feline Dental Health Month, which starts on 1st July 2014.

As part of the initiative, participating practices are being asked to give their cat-owning clients free dental health checks throughout July to help improve the health of feline patients, build client loyalty and boost revenue.

Purina says Feline Dental Health Month has been created to help practices educate cat-owning clients about the importance of dental health. As many cat owners are unable or unwilling to check their cat's mouth and teeth due to the discreet nature of their pet, they rely on their vet to highlight potential problems. Feline dental disease is estimated to affect around three quarters of cats over the age of three, making it the most prevalent health condition seen amongst pet cats. Often painful and with the capability to cause systemic problems, dental problems in cats can represent a serious welfare problem if left untreated.

To help practices promote Feline Dental Health Month to their clients, Purina has prepared a support pack which includes waiting room promotional materials and client care leaflets with money off coupons. Practices will also be given a step-by-step publicity plan so they can promote the month in their local media and via their existing communications channels.

Purina says that signing up to the Feline Dental Health Month will mean that practices benefit from more contact with a client group that is potentially less engaged with their pet's health and also attract new clients via the promotional activity. This will provide an increase in opportunities to discuss other common health concerns with their clients and offer the potential to boost sales of products and services.

Chris Nickson, Senior Brand Manager, Purina Vet Channel said: "Feline Dental Health Month promotes the idea that prevention is better than cure. To avoid more serious procedures that can put stress on the owner and cat, Purina advocates ongoing management of dental hygiene. Our veterinary support packs provide everything a practice will need to have a very successful Feline Health Month."

Purina has also developed Pro Plan Cat Dental Plus, a diet designed to maintain healthy teeth and gums in cats. As part of Feline Dental Health Month, Purina is offering owners £5 off their first bag.*

To sign up for Feline Dental Health Month, speak to your Purina representative or call the Pro Plan Vet helpline on 0800 032 6418.

Hill's has added to its range of Science Plan Snacks with a large biscuit size, big bag version for large breed dogs. The 400 gram packs are available as Large Breed Light and Large Breed Healthy Mobility Snacks at a launch price of £2.49 (normal recommended retail price £4.99).

The company says that this follows fantastic feedback from veterinary practices about Science Plan Snacks, and requests for more variants tailored to fit the needs of their client's pets.

The Science Plan snack range offers products across five areas of functionality which, according to Hill's, have proven to be highly motivating for clients: light, immunity support, healthy mobility, oral care and skin & coat. There are adult variants across the range and puppy variants in immunity support and skin & coat.

For further information, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or Hill's customer service on 0800 282438.

Insulation manufacturer Saint-Gobain Isover has published the results of a survey of 2000 homeowners which found that 36% are annoyed by noise made by neighbours' pets.

The Noise Report was commissioned to discover how many homeowners suffered with noisy next-door neighbours, to which the answer proved to be one in four. 

According to the survey, which was carried out by Onepoll, Newcastle has the greatest percentage of owners who are disturbed by noise several times per day: 29.76% (click to enlarge infographic right).

In addition to noisy neighbours, 27% of homeowners said they are also disturbed by passing street traffic, while almost a third suffer from the sound of car and burglar alarms, and 36% are annoyed by noise from neighbours' pets.

The findings also suggested that external noise was more than just an irritation for homeowners. Almost a third of respondents said they lose sleep at night due to noise, while 15% claimed it causes them stress and anxiety. More than a fifth reported that they are unable to relax in their own home.

However, despite the impact of external noise on their quality of life, 45% of homeowners say they have not done anything about it. Only 6% report addressing the issue by installing insulation solutions in their homes.

Helen Tunnicliffe, head of marketing at Isover, said: "It is clear that noise from neighbours, traffic and other sources is a big problem for many homeowners. Not only is it irritating, it can have a major impact on people's emotional wellbeing.

"However, in spite of the seriousness of the issue, far too few people are taking measures to address it. There are many simple, easy-to-install solutions that prevent external noise in the home, such as insulation systems, which not only make the house warmer, but offer high acoustic performance too."

Alternatively, I suppose, move to Aberystwyth.