Novartis Animal Health has launched a chewable formulation of Milbemax wormer, for dogs.

According to the company, clinical studies have shown that the chicken-flavoured formulation and chewy texture of Milbemax Chewable Tablets is highly palatable, with more than 94% of dogs showing spontaneous acceptance from hand. Novartis says this should help make worming simpler and improve compliance, something which is particularly important given market research which shows that difficulties in administering medications often leads to missed treatments.

Containing milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, the new tablets deliver the same broad spectrum efficacy as existing Milbemax formulations, effective for the treatment of roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, lungworm and tapeworm, and for the prevention of heartworm.

Folkert Kamphuis, Chief Operating Officer at Novartis Animal Health said: "The new EASYCHEW™ formulation represents Novartis Animal Health's latest innovation. It will make worming a treat whilst providing tried-and-trusted Milbemax efficacy. With Milbemax chewable tablets we give pet owners a wormer that is easy to administer and veterinarians the trusted efficacy of Milbemax."

Milbemax Chewable Tablets are available for both dogs and puppies, in four and forty-eight tablet packs.

IVC Evidensia has announced that it has partnered with social enterprise company, Vet Sustain, to help promote sustainable practices and improve the implementation of them within the veterinary industry.

Vet Sustain works to inspire and enable veterinary professionals to become leading forces in sustainability and improve the health and wellbeing of animals, people and the environment.

To that end, the company produces tools, training and communications for veterinary professionals centred around its six Veterinary Sustainability Goals (SDGs):

• A diverse and abundant wildlife
• Net zero warming
• A no-waste society
• A good life for animals
• Health and happiness
• Enough clean water for all

Gudrun Ravetz, Chair and Director of Vet Sustain, said: “We are very pleased to announce IVC Evidensia as a strategic partner of Vet Sustain. 

"Veterinary professionals sit at the One Health triumvirate of people, planet and environment every day and working with IVC Evidensia will allow Vet Sustain to continue work on ambitious projects to support veterinary professionals to be active sustainability champions.”

You can find out more about IVC's Sustainability Report here: https://ivcevidensia.com/how-we-work/sustainability/ 

Medivet senior partner Adi Nell says the profession needs to consider new business models to encourage more vets into ownership, as well as fresh approaches to supporting the role. 

Responding to issues and recommendations highlighted in the latest VetFutures report, such as the number of female practice owners and a perceived lack of business skills in the profession, Adi said practices need to be flexible when it comes to attracting new vets or owners.

"Client expectations have changed drastically in the past 15 years, but so have the desires of potential practice owners. The world of clinical practice is changing at a rate we’ve never seen before. Owning a practice, along with the other increasing demands on our limited time and energy, is becoming more of a challenge too. This is evident with the growth of business support and development services, indicating an increased demand for that support.

"New practice owners aren’t like previous generations. Although traditional models of ownership are changing gradually, we also need different models of working, such as flexible hours, and different methods of support are needed."

One of the trends noted in the 2014 VetFutures report was how, despite dominating the profession in terms of overall numbers, women are still less likely to be a sole principal, director or partner.

Medivet claims an excellent track record here, with a near 50/50 split of male and female branch owners/partners. 

Adi added: "We’re very happy to have so many women as business partners with us. The combination of clinical freedom, business support and a real feeling of teamwork and care for each other are some of the features that enable our partnership model to work so well. The scope for clinical and business development is huge, and we do our very best to look after all our people as they grow. 

"However, there are still far too many bright, talented and highly trained vets leaving the profession after too short a time. Why do we turn these diamonds into coal? We need to understand what’s driving this and how we can adapt. The VetFutures report starts to offer some of the answers – and has uncovered even more questions!"

The VetFutures report also found aspirations of practice ownership or partnership dropped from 45% among students to 25% once vets start work. Adi says that offering opportunities for vets to expand into other areas of expertise is key to reducing the decline in appetite for practice ownership. He said: "I started out offering dermatology referral services to various Medivet branches before becoming a branch partner myself. I’m now in charge of a Medivet region of 16 practices as well as being involved in strategy, marketing, HR and operations, which I absolutely love, but never predicted I would do.

"I believe fewer and fewer vets see themselves doing the same job in clinical practice for their entire careers. That includes not wanting to be an employee for life, but also not wanting to have all the responsibility and burden of individual practice ownership. A big group like Medivet allows them to find the niche they enjoy and to develop the skills they value, to the benefit of their own careers, their business success, their client care and their patients’ health."

Virbac has added eggshell membrane to its Veterinary HPM Joint & Mobility Clinical Diet, an ingredient which it says is proven to be very effective in reducing joint discomfort in dogs, demonstrating results in 6 weeks¹.

Eggshell membrane is rich in proteins and contains collagen type I, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine. Virbac says the components of eggshell membrane help to limit inflammatory processes that occur in osteoarthritis and preserve the existing cartilage structure whilst promoting synthesis. The company points to a study which showed that eggshell membrane contributes to a reduction in pain perception by 25%, improved joint function by 33% and increased quality of life by 35% within 6 weeks¹.

Rémi Mandray, Product Manager at Virbac said: "I am delighted to be able to introduce this innovative new ingredient to the Veterinary HPM Joint & Mobility Clinical Diet. This is an addition to an already very comprehensive approach to nutrition in dogs with osteoarthritis, which affects 20% of the adult canine population². Studies have shown that improvement on mobility is visible as quickly as 2 weeks after diet introduction³ – changing their diet truly can change their life!’ 

For more information contact your Virbac Territory Manager. 

Reference

1. Aguirre A et al. J Vet Med Anim Health
2. Anderson KL et al. Sci Rep 2018.   
3. Nicolas et al. Animal Health and Vet Medicine Congress, Valencia, Spain, Sept 2016

The Disciplinary Committee of the RCVS has approved an application for restoration to the Register from an Oxfordshire veterinary surgeon who had been struck off for false certification.

In November 2007, the Committee decided that Mr John Williams, of the Avonvale Veterinary Practice in Ratley, near Banbury, should have his name removed from the RCVS Register, having found him guilty of disgraceful professional conduct. Mr Williams had admitted signing export health certificates for three horses in October 2006 to state that they had received negative test results for the contagious equine metritis organism, before these results were actually available.

At the time, Mr Williams was working in his capacity as an Official Veterinarian (OV) for DEFRA and he had previously been suspended from his official duties on three separate occasions, on the basis of export certification irregularities. It was accepted that Mr Williams had not been dishonest, but his approach to certification was described by the Disciplinary Committee as "either irresponsible or cavalier or both".

In December 2007, Mr Williams appealed against this decision to the Privy Council but this was dismissed at a Hearing the following June. He was then removed from the Register in July 2008.

When the Committee met on Monday to consider Mr Williams' application, they heard oral and written supporting evidence from veterinary surgeons and equine clients, and oral evidence from Mr Williams himself. The Committee was satisfied that Mr Williams accepted its previous findings and fully understood their seriousness. He described his removal from the Register as a "salutary experience" which had been highly significant for him and his family, both financially and emotionally.

The Committee stated: "Although the decision of the Committee to remove [Mr Williams] from the Register sent a clear message to the profession of the importance of certification, it should be emphasised that his removal was the consequence of his actions in signing certificates which he could not verify. This followed three previous occasions on which he had similarly signed certificates when he should not have done so."

However, the Committee was satisfied that Mr Williams would not in future sign certificates when he should not do so, even under severe client pressure. It was impressed with the continuing professional development he had undertaken whilst off the Register and noted that no questions had been raised over his conduct during this time.

It concluded that Mr Williams fully understood the importance of accurate certification and that restoring his name to the Register therefore posed no risk to animal welfare. Neither the public nor the profession would benefit from Mr Williams staying off the Register for a further period.

Alison Bruce, Disciplinary Committee Chairman, said: "We would like to make it clear that we always find it distressing to remove clinically competent veterinary surgeons from the Register because of an irresponsible and cavalier attitude towards certification. This would not be necessary if veterinary surgeons were to follow the Twelve Principles of Certification annexed to the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct."

The Committee then approved Mr Williams' application and directed that his name should be restored to the Register.

Vetlab Supplies Ltd has launched Fastest IgG Equine, a new field test kit for Failure of Passive Transfer (FTP) in neonatal foals.

The kit uses an indirect semi-quantitative IgG antibody assay which provides an easy-to-read colour change which clearly distinguishes normal IgG levels (>8mg/ml; colourless), partial FPT (4-8mg/ml; pink) and levels generally considered diagnostic of complete FPT (<4mg/ml; purple).

Vetlabs says the kit has a proven sensitivity and specificity of 97.4% and 93.6% respectively, and responds equally well with anticoagulant whole blood, serum or plasma. And with no additional equipment or refrigerated storage required, it is a true field test. 

Mike Fleming, CEO of Vetlab Supplies Ltd said: "It’s not often you get to launch an equine diagnostic that’s genuinely life saving. With Fastest IgG Equine, vets can now give a clear-cut Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) diagnosis at farms, stables or equestrian centres – and all in just 10 minutes."

According to the company, as many as 1 in 5 new-born foals can suffer some degree of IgG FPT. Foals with no antibody protection, due to complete FTP, have an estimated 75% chance of contracting debilitating or life-threatening infection. Even foals with some protection following partial FPT have only a 50% chance of resisting invaders such as Anaplasma, Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

The new-born foal’s absorption of maternal antibodies is most efficient in the first 6 to 8 hours of life, effectively ceasing after 24 to 36 hours. Veterinary surgeons and managers of equestrian facilities have only this narrow window to recognise FPT and act to save a valuable new-born from life threatening infection.

Mike added: "With Fastest Equine as part of their field kit, equine vets are equipped to diagnose and treat antibody deficient foals with life-saving colostrum, colsotrum formula substitute, or administer oral or intravenous IgG, within that critical first 24 hours."

The RCVS is now accepting nominations from veterinary surgeons who wish to stand as candidates in next year’s RCVS Council election.

The nomination period runs until 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2018. In order to stand, candidates will need to submit a nomination form along with contact details, a short biography and a statement, and supply a high-resolution digital photograph.

Each candidate also needs two nominators, who should be veterinary surgeons who are on the College’s Register but are not current RCVS Council members.

Professor Stephen May, RCVS President, said: "I myself have been an elected Council member since 2012, and it has given me tremendous opportunity to get involved with a whole range of subjects, including my particular interests, undergraduate education and lifelong learning. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the decisions you make during your time on Council can really benefit the profession, and I would encourage anyone who shares an interest in the future of our profession, whether that be about graduate outcomes, practice standards, the wider veterinary team or the effects of Brexit, for example, to stand for election."

Although the RCVS is planning the elections as usual, it is concurrently preparing for a change to its governance arrangements, including a reduction in the size of the Council, as agreed in March 2016.

Commenting on the Legislative Reform Order (LRO) that will be required to amend the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson said: "This is a complex matter and, unfortunately, due to unavoidable delays associated with the 2017 General Election and the impact of preparing for the UK’s departure from the European Union, the LRO has not yet completed the legislative process.

"This means that whilst we will be running the elections on the basis that there will be six elected places available, as per the old size and structure, it should be expected that under the new size and structure, only three places will ultimately be available."

Meanwhile, due to comparable changes to the governance of the Veterinary Nurses Council, including a reduction in its number, there will be no 2018 VN Council elections as the outgoing members will not need to be replaced.

The RCVS Council election period will start around mid-March and voting will close at 5pm on Friday 27 April 2018. 

Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions are available for prospective RCVS Council candidates at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil18.

Pfizer Animal Health has launched Poulvac, the first modified live vaccine against E.coli in chickens.

The company claims that the vaccine, which can be used from one day of age, is set to bring major benefits in safeguarding the health of broilers, pullets for egg laying and breeding stock.

According to Pfizer, E.coli is one of the most significant bacterial pathogens found in chicks during the first week, leading to problems throughout the life of a flock including inferior performance, lack of uniformity and increased mortality. It is a costly, widespread problem for the UK poultry industry.

The vaccine was developed from research beginning in the 1990s at the Government's veterinary laboratories at Weybridge (now AHVLA) in the UK, employing genome technology to produce an avirulent strain of E.coli that induces protective immunity to the pathogenic strains of the bacteria.

The vaccine is completely non-pathogenic, and does not persist in the bird or the environment for any significant period of time. A gene deletion in its development restricts in vivo replication and leaves behind activated macrophages ready to respond to pathogenic E.coli strains.

Dr Stuart Andrews, poultry technical manager of Pfizer in the UK and Ireland said: "Poulvac E. coli provides broad cross protection against the key serotypes of E. coli infecting chickens. It is the only modified live, nonreactive vaccine proven to meet the European regulatory requirements for efficacy and safety.

"Trials have confirmed that Poulvac E.coli does not persist in the bird and proves to be self-limiting. The vaccine can survive in the environment for only a short time, and spread to in-contact birds is also limited."

The vaccine is administered as a coarse spray with onset of immunity 14 days afterwards and duration of immunity for up to 12 weeks. It can be used from day-old up to six weeks before the onset of lay, and has a nil day withdrawal period.

In the USA where Poulvac E coli has been available for six years field experience has shown the considerable benefits. In the Midwest where average layer mortality at 50 weeks of age was 2.31 per cent, this was reduced to 1.51 per cent with three doses of the vaccine*. In Eastern USA flock mortality compared with five previous flocks was reduced from over three per cent to one per cent.

A field trial in the USA with more than 300,000 broiler breeders vaccination before lay reduced mortality from 2.8 to 1.9 per cent - with only two out of 28 flocks needing antibiotic treatment compared with 13 of the 28 unvaccinated flocks.

On a broiler field trial in Georgia over four million birds were vaccinated with Poulvac E. coli at hatch. The vaccinated birds had a better feed conversion (1.79 against 1.84 for the controls) and with condemnations at the processing plant down from 1.22 to 0.73 per cent the result was a lower production cost of 0.51¢ per lb. 

In another broiler trial covering more than two million birds in Arkansas livability was improved from 95.20 to 95.77 per cent and feed conversion improved from 1.95 to 1.90, gaining 0.45¢ per lb.

* Pfizer says it is important to note that in these studies carried out in the USA more than one dose of the vaccine was often administered. A single vaccination is licensed in the Summary of Product Characteristics however, where clinical disease requires and at the discretion of a veterinary surgeon, the vaccination schedule may be re-started as there is no contra-indication on the SPC.

North Downs Specialist Referrals is celebrating the success of two of its clinicians after they passed their exams to become European Specialists in Veterinary Ophthalmology.

Andra-Elena Enache and Savina Gogova join the head of service Richard Everson, an RCVS and European Recognised Specialist, to form one of the strongest ophthalmology teams in the UK. 

Richard said: “It is fabulous that Andra and Savina were both successful in their specialist examinations. 

“Of course, we already knew their expertise but passing the examination requires not just an unparalleled knowledge of their subject but also the constitution that allows them to prove their knowledge, skills and professionalism in the crucible of the examination environment. 

“For both Andra and Savina to pass at the first time of asking is remarkable and just confirms their brilliance. It’s also a big boost for NDSR. 

“Having three internationally-recognised specialists in ophthalmology in one hospital makes the service so much more resilient; for example, we will never have to close due to annual leave or lecturing commitments. 

“This strength in depth means we really can offer the best possible service to our referring vets and poorly pets.” 

For more information, visit: www.ndsr.co.uk.

The RCVS has published a forecast of the supply and demand for veterinary surgeons and nurses up to 2035, predicting that the supply of vets will match or nearly match demand in clinical practice and charities over the period, but there will remain a significant shortage in public health, industry and universities.

The model for the forecast was developed by the College with the Institute of Employment Studies using data from the RCVS Registers, the 2019 and 2024 Surveys of the Professions, Office for National Statistics data for projected economic growth and the PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Reports.

However, the model does not take account of the impact of the increasing costs of veterinary care on pet ownership trends, the full effect of which may not yet have been felt.

The main predictions of the model are:

• In clinical practice supply is projected to increase from 91% of total demand in 2023 to nearly 99% in 2035. 
• In government service, supply will drop from 79% of total demand in 2023 to 78% of total demand in 2035.
• There will remain a significant shortage of vets in industry (approx 84% of demand) and universities / research (approx 90% of demand).
• The number of vets in clinical practice is projected to grow by 56% over the period and comprise 83% of the workforce by 2035. 
• Within clinical practice, the number of small animal vets is projected to increase by 62%, to 27,920 in 2035.
• The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) vets is projected to increase by 42% between 2023 and 2035 (compared with the growth in headcount numbers of 52%), with the average FTE falling from 0.85 in 2023 to 0.79 in 2035. 
• Amongst veterinary nurses, the model predicts a significant oversupply of 28% in private clinical practice by 2035.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Chief Executive Officer, said: “In 2021, there were clear concerns about there being a workforce crisis within the veterinary professions, and while that certainly seemed to be the case, and is likely to continue to be so in the short-term, according to this model the future picture for the professions looks much better in most areas of veterinary practice.

“However, government service/public health looks to be an area where there is still a significant shortfall in supply, which is concerning considering the importance of government vets in food safety, disease prevention and international trade and we are willing to continue to work with government to find ways to remedy this shortfall.

“We are aware that there may be some concerns about the implications of the model, particularly concerning the potential oversupply of veterinary nurses.

"While we stand by the robustness of the data, demography is not destiny, and with the planned enhancement of the veterinary nurse role, and the likelihood of suppressed demand due to prior shortages, it is likely that the number of veterinary nursing roles will expand to encompass the number of veterinary nurses available to work in it.

“Finally, we are aware that there are also some limitations to the model in its current form, for example, in terms of regional data.

"This is a work in progress, and we will continue to update and improve the model as and when new data allows.”

The workforce modelling report is available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/publications

The BVA has welcomed the decision to prohibit the advertising of antimicrobials directly to animal keepers from 2013 in a bid to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) announced that the Veterinary Medicines Regulations will be revised next year. The change has come as a result of the European Commission's view that the UK did not correctly transpose the European Directive 2001/82/EC which prohibits the advertising of certain veterinary medicinal products to the 'general public'.

When the VMD consulted on proposals to restrict the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers in 2010 the BVA supported the measure as a sensible approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials.

In a letter to stakeholders the VMD explained that: "A number of interested parties from veterinary medicine hold the view that the advertising of antibiotics to keepers of animals leads to undue pressure to prescribe newer antibiotics, which can often be important in human medicine and are associated with the development of multiple resistances."

Peter Jones, President of the BVA, said: "The BVA has consistently argued for the restriction of advertising of antimicrobials to animal keepers and we believe this is the right decision.

"New antimicrobials are heavily advertised by pharmaceutical companies and there can be undue pressure put on veterinary surgeons by clients who want to try new products that promise good results, but which may not be appropriate from the point of view of responsible use.

"Antimicrobial resistance is a very serious issue for both animal and human health and we are pleased that the European Commission and the VMD have taken the view that the Regulations need to be revised.

"Ultimately, it is the veterinary surgeon who will make the decision on which veterinary products to use and vets will continue to work with their farm clients to ensure antimicrobials are used prudently and responsibly."

Ceva Animal Health is to host an online meeting for vets about feline hypertension, cat friendly clinics, pheromone research and Ceva's latest product, Feliway Optimum. 

The half day meeting will take place on Tuesday 25th May from midday to 4pm BST.

Speakers at the event, which accounts for four hours’ CPD, include: Dr Andy Sparkes, feline medicine specialist; Professor Patrick Pageat, president of IRSEA Group; Dr Nathalie Dowgray, head of ISFM and cat behaviourist, Susanne Hellman Holmström.

The programme is as follows:

• Mercury Challenge - the largest study on feline hypertension - Dr Andy Sparkes. The latest news from the Mercury Challenge, the largest international study on feline hypertension with more than 10,200 cats
• Opportunities and trends for tomorrow - Cat Friendly Clinic - Dr Nathalie Dowgray
• 25 years of pheromone research - Prof Patrick Pageat. Be inspired by ‘The story of 25 years of pheromone research’ and the science behind the new pheromone discovery - Feliway Optimum.
• Pandemic reflections - How did our cats cope? - Susanne Hellman Holmström

There will also be a round table discussion on how to raise the focus on cats, when delegates will have the chance to interact with the speakers.

Abigail King, senior behaviour product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “The Ceva Cat Expertise 2021 event is designed for the whole veterinary team and will provide online delegates with comprehensive and up-to-date information on feline hypertension and behaviour, including hands on tips which can be incorporated into day-to-day work in practice, as well as an overview of feline opportunities and trends for the future.”

All delegates will receive a diploma of participation and the meeting will be available on demand after the live event to all registered participants until 1 September 2021.

To register for Ceva Cat Expertise 2021 online event visit https://ceva-cat-expertise-2021.confetti.events/, contact your local Ceva Animal Health account manager or email cevauk@ceva.com.