National treasure, Professor The Lord Trees has officially opened BSAVA’s headquarters today following a massive revamp to extend the teaching facilities, increase sustainability and make it fit for the 21st century.

The newly refurbished and extended HQ at Woodrow House in Gloucestershire includes a practical wetlab equipped to share learning with a remote audience, hi-tech lecture rooms and a second teaching room where equipment such as microscopes or X-ray screens can be used.

Meeting rooms include video conferencing technology and giant presentation screens, and there are modern working environments, energy-saving innovations and pleasant break-out areas, all designed to make the building more inspiring, welcoming and comfortable.

Outside there are electric car charge points, bicycle racks and a landscaped area for wildlife with five bird boxes, a small pond and a log pile.

The two-year transformation was unveiled today with an opening address by Lord Trees (pictured right, on the right with Phil Lhermette), who said: "The BSAVA has always been a very dynamic and innovative organisation and this development is the latest example.

"Following their mission to pursue excellence in small animal practice through education and science, the wonderful facilities of this new building will provide a great resource for veterinary education and CPD which of course not only benefits vets and vet nurses but more importantly will ultimately benefit the health and welfare of our pet population.

"The building offers the very latest facilities to deliver high quality teaching and learning and has the capacity to be expanded as necessity dictates. I’m delighted to see the BSAVA investing in the future of the profession and this building, and the online technology it houses including the new digital library, will enable the organisation to continue to deliver its mission well into the future."

BSAVA President Phil Lhermette said: "Over the past 60 years BSAVA has put science and education at the heart of our organisation, and our successful growth includes delivering high quality CPD in an exciting new environment, which will be perfect for everyone to learn in the most conducive way.

"It has been 20 years since we moved into Woodrow House, so it was time for a one-off, ethical transition to create a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for all our members to enjoy."

BSAVA Head of Education Lucie Goodwin said: "These state-of-the-art, scientific-based education facilities will support highly valued, practical CPD for all veterinary professionals, and disseminate learning to a remote audience through video technologies in the classroom - a model that is poised to accelerate because of the proliferation of portable devices and the explosion of mobile phone capabilities."

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has struck off a Wiltshire-based veterinary surgeon for charges relating to tuberculin (TB) testing on cattle that he undertook and certified at four farms during June and July of 2010.

At the end of the ten-day hearing, the Disciplinary Committee found Sorin Dinu Chelemen guilty of 32 charges relating to his work as an Official Veterinarian (OV) for Animal Health, while employed as a locum at Endell Veterinary Group, Salisbury. Mr Chelemen, who represented himself at the hearing, disputed all of the charges. He also said he had had poor knowledge and comprehension of written and spoken English at the time, which had since improved.

Mr Chelemen gave the Committee detailed accounts of what he said occurred in relation to the TB testing at all four farms. However, in almost all the points where the facts were denied, the Committee found a stark divergence between his evidence and that given by witnesses for the College.

The Committee was generally unimpressed by Mr Chelemen's account of events, finding many of his allegations and explanations for his actions to be incredible or unreliable. For example, he claimed that during his Animal Health training, he had not been given a copy of the 'Manual of Procedures' containing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for TB testing. Although the Committee accepted Mr Chelemen's English had been poor at the time, leading to communication problems, he had satisfactorily demonstrated that he knew how to perform TB tests in accordance with these SOPs when he started work at the practice. Overall, the Committee found Mr Chelemen's attitude was that he had not done anything wrong and nothing was his fault, and that he had little understanding of the professional responsibilities incumbent on an OV.

By contrast, the Committee considered all the witnesses called by the College to have given clear, credible and consistent evidence. Complaints had been made about three farms that were separate and unconnected, and where the tests had been conducted on different dates. These complaints, if not identical, were very similar. The evidence was overwhelming that Mr Chelemen had not followed the SOPs when carrying out testing at three of the farms.

The Committee noted that the measurements recorded by Mr Chelemen did not show the differences which would be normally expected. Mr Chelemen had not measured the animals in accordance with the SOPs when he knew he ought to have, and he had been dishonest in certifying the tests.

When considering sanctions, the Committee found an aggravating factor was that Mr Chelemen's actions undermined procedures to prevent the spread of disease. In particular, he failed to notify the owners of animals on three farms that he had found reactors or inconclusive reactors, resulting in those animals not being isolated. Nor did he submit paperwork to Animal Health about these animals, which was a fundamental breach of his duties as an OV.

In mitigation, the Committee accepted that Mr Chelemen had no previous RCVS disciplinary findings against him; and, that the OV training he received was limited, having regard to English not being his first language and relative inexperience as a TB tester. It also took into account that this disciplinary case had been in progress for three years, his poor health and his financial and family circumstances.

Mrs Judith Webb, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee said: "The Committee is of the view that this is a most serious case, in which the integrity of TB testing was undermined, and animal health was put at risk, which may have resulted in the spread of disease. Furthermore, this case involves findings of dishonesty, which has been held to come at the top end of the spectrum of gravity of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."

She directed that Mr Chelemen be struck off the Register.

Eurovet Animal Health Ltd has entered the UK veterinary pharmaceuticals market with a portfolio of products including a levothyroxine tablet for the treatment of canine hypothyroidism, injectables for cattle and pigs, a xylazine injection for use in cattle, horses, dogs & cats and a corticosteroid for use in horses, cattle, pigs, cats and dogs.

Eurovet Animal Health is a subsidiary of Dutch company, AUV, which was established in 1969 as a cooperative by 100 veterinary surgeons, and is now jointly owned by 2000 vets. The company says this gives it a unique perspective on the products that veterinary surgeons really need and want. And whilst Eurovet Animal Health is still relatively small in the UK, the parent company Eurovet Animal Health BV owns state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and provides access to international expertise, support and resources.

Eurovet Animal Health Ltd will be offering Eurovet products previously distributed by partner companies in the UK, so vets can expect to see brands they know and trust, as well as new brands. Existing products will be available from veterinary wholesalers and include:

• Forthyron - a licensed levothyroxine tablet for the treatment of canine hypothyroidism
• injectables for cattle and pigs including Enroxil, Fenflor, Cyclosol LA and Solacyl, an oral NSAID
• Sedaxylan - a xylazine injection for use in cattle, horses, dogs & cats
• Rapidexon - a corticosteroid for use in horses, cattle, pigs, cats & dogs
• Octacillin - a water soluble amoxicillin for use in chickens
• Soludox - a  water soluble doxycycline for use in pigs

Further information about Eurovet's range of products is available from Eurovet Animal Health, Compass House, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AD Tel: 01223 257933 E-mail office@eurovet-ah.co.uk http://www.eurovet-ah.co.uk/

PBD Biotech has announced that a new trial has shown that Johne’s disease can now be detected reliably in the blood of day-old calves for the first time using a new Actiphage diagnostic system.

The trial, which was conducted by a UK-French team of researchers from PBD Biotech and Biosellal, is being presented at the European Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (EAVLD) Congress in Brussels today.

Current tests only allow the reliable detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) from 18-24 month calves and are unable to distinguish between active and passive infection.

For the 16-month trial, calves from three different herds and born from MAP-positive and MAP-negative cows were tested monthly using PBD Biotech’s Actiphage Rapid kit and Biosellal’s Bio-T kit MAP PCR on blood samples, and the same PCR on faeces.

Researchers say the trial proves that early detection of live MAP infection is possible, and paves the way for improved Johne’s disease monitoring and control measures on farms.

Co-Author Dr Ben Swift, Research Fellow in Antimicrobial Resistance at the Royal Veterinary College and R&D Director at PBD Biotech, said: "Young animals are highly susceptible to infection and being able to identify Johne’s disease at this early stage is key to controlling disease spread.

The trial showed that the sensitivity and specificity of Actiphage enables detection of lower levels of MAP than the current culture methods, and provides results in 6 hours rather than weeks."

The Actiphage Rapid technology used in the trial identified live MAP infection at least 4 weeks’ earlier than the faecal PCR in 75% of cases: in one case, the new diagnostic detected MAP in the blood of a one-day old calf born from a MAP-positive cow. 

Claire Pelletier, Directrice Générale of BioDev, consultant to Biosellal, will be presenting findings from the trial, which also showed the transient nature of the infection. She said: "The study showed that two calves, identified as MAP-positive by Actiphage-PCR on blood during the first monthly sampling didn’t shed MAP into their faeces until 10 and 11 months. This emphasises that early detection provides a short window of time that allow for control of the disease."

Other international trials using Actiphage are underway to investigate the presence of MAP in milk.

Yorkshire-based White Cross Vets has been named 'Overall Winner' as well as winning the 'Employer of the Year' award at this year’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) National Business Awards sponsored by the Clydesdale Bank.

Entries for the awards, which were presented at a ceremony held at Wembley Stadium, came from a wide range of SMEs employing less than 250 employees, operating across all industries. 

This latest achievement comes at the end of a successful year for the company, which saw it celebrate 80 years in business and recruit its 200^th team member after creating 50 new jobs in the last 12 months alone. Earlier this year, White Cross Vets was also included in The Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Small Companies To Work For’ league table for the fifth year running.

Tim Harrison, Managing Director of White Cross Vets, said: "To be named as the UK’s best SME is an amazing achievement and we’re extremely proud of it. We take immense pride in making White Cross Vets a superb place to work and always strive to foster a close-knit and highly motivated team. 

"As part of this we’ve further enhanced the wide range of employee benefits that our people enjoy this year, which ultimately translates into the level of care and standard of service that our clients receive. Winning the ‘Employer of the Year’ award reinforces this and cements our position at the forefront of the veterinary industry."

Damian Cummins, Awards Director, said: "White Cross Vets is a very worthy winner from the best of businesses across the UK, a great achievement and ambassador for SME’s."

Employment initiatives that White Cross Vets offers include days off and cakes for birthdays, five donation days a year to volunteer with chosen charities and a health care scheme as well as subsidised Fitbits and gym memberships.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has decided to take no further action against London-based Eleonora Corsi MRCVS after a hearing regarding the care of a pregnant Chihuahua named Kika.

Dr Corsi consulted with Kika's owners about the management of her pregnancy at the end of November 2017, finding at least 4 puppies on an x-ray taken at the time. 

The first of five charges against Dr Corsi was that on the 14th December, after being advised by Kika's owners that the dog had produced two live puppies and one dead puppy the previous night, she failed to advise them that Kika needed an immediate veterinary examination.

The second charge was that, having been telephoned for a second time by the owner, she still failed to advise the owners that Kika required an immediate veterinary examination.

The third charge was that, following an examination of Kika that afternoon, and having ascertained that Kika required a caesarean section to remove one undelivered puppy, Dr Corsi failed to perform the caesarean section that day and advised the owner that Kika could undergo the caesarean section (at the practice, performed by her) the next day (or words to the effect).

The charge also stated that she failed to advise the owner that Kika’s health and welfare required the caesarean section to be performed that day; and that she failed to advise them that, if she or another veterinary surgeon at the practice could not perform the surgery that day, Kika needed to be referred to the out-of-hours clinic so that the caesarean section could take place on the 14th December.

The fourth charge was that Dr Corsi failed to recognise that Kika’s health and welfare required a caesarean section to be performed on 14th December.

The fifth charge was that, on 16th December 2017, having been telephoned by the owner at about 5pm and having been informed that Kika was weak and had not been eating post-operatively, Dr Corsi failed to advise the owner that Kika should be presented urgently for a veterinary examination.

The Disciplinary Committee considered the facts of the case and heard evidence from a number of witnesses including the owners of Kika and Dr Corsi, and from Mr Maltman MRCVS who was called as an expert witness on behalf of the College and Mr Chitty, who was called as an expert witness on behalf of Dr Corsi. 

Having considered all of the evidence, the Committee found all aspects of the first and second charges proven in their entirety.

The Committee found the majority of the third charge not proved, with the exception of the fact that it found that Dr Corsi did advise the owner that she could undertake the Caesarean section on 15 December 2017.

In light of the Committee’s findings in respect of the aspects of charge three that were not proved, charge four was also found not proved.

Finally, the Committee considered that charge five was found not proved.

The Committee then went on to consider whether the charges that were found proven amounted to serious professional misconduct either individually and/or cumulatively.

Committee Chair Cerys Jones said: "In light of the evidence of both parties’ experts, the Committee was of the view that there was a risk of harm or injury resulting from Dr Corsi’s failure - the Committee decided that this was an aggravating factor.

"However, the Committee took into account that, at the time of both calls, Dr Corsi had a rationale for her decision, that she asked appropriate questions and received answers which led her to make what she considered to be a reasoned assessment.

"She had also made arrangements in both calls to be kept updated either at a pre-arranged time or sooner if Kika’s condition changed. On this basis, the Committee was satisfied that, while this was an error of judgement, it did not fall so far short of what was expected as to amount to disgraceful conduct."

Therefore, the Committee decided that while Dr Corsi’s conduct in Charges 1 and 2 demonstrated a departure from professional standards,  the falling short was not so grave as to amount to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.

The full decision can be read here: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/

The RCVS Veterinary Nurse Disciplinary Committee has directed the Registrar to suspend Surrey-based Lois Hodgkinson RVN for ten months, for ordering prescription drugs for her own use through the practice's veterinary wholesaler ordering system.

Specifically, Ms Hodgkinson was alleged to have placed five orders between 1 September 2013 and 1 April 2015:

• 28 x 30mg Codeine Phosphate tablets, ordered on or about 9 September 2013;
• 56 x 250mg Naproxen (Naprosyn) tablets, ordered on or about 24 February 2014;
• 28 x 50mg Amitriptyline tablets, ordered on or about 7 August 2014;
• 28 x 25mg Amitriptyline tablets, ordered on or about 10 November 2014;
• 28 x 60mg Codeine Phosphate tablets, ordered on or about 31 March 2015.

The medications for charges (i) to (iii) above, were intended for her own personal use, as she had previously at various times been prescribed Codeine, Naproxen and Amitriptyline after being involved in a serious car accident in November 2012, as a result of which she suffered from chronic back pain and other problems.

Charges (iv) and (v) above, were intended for her dog, ‘Minnie’, but the dosages ordered were incorrect. The medications were never removed from the practice or given to Minnie, but were instead returned to the wholesaler.

From the outset Ms Hodgkinson admitted the charges against her, although she believed that other staff at the practice had placed similar personal orders and that she had been given permission to do so as well. Ms Hodgkinson also accepted that the facts amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.

The Committee accepted Ms Hodgkinson’s admission of the charges and, accordingly, found the charges proved. The question of whether the facts amounted to serious professional misconduct was, however, a matter for the Committee’s judgement, notwithstanding Ms Hodgkinson’s admission.

In reaching its decision, the Committee took into account Ms Hodgkinson’s assertion that she believed she had been given permission to order medication through the practice. She did admit however that she must have been mistaken in that belief. The Committee also took note of the College’s submission that a number of aggravating features were present which amounted to serious professional misconduct, namely: the potential risk posed to animal welfare; Ms Hodgkinson’s ignorance of fundamental legislative provisions; a breach of trust placed in her by virtue of her RVN status; the fact that the misconduct was repeated over a period of time; and a lack of awareness of professional responsibilities at the time of the conduct. The Committee therefore had no hesitation that the conduct did amount to serious professional misconduct.

The Committee then turned to the question of sanction. A number of mitigating factors were put forward in Ms Hodgkinson’s defence including the fact that a period of lengthy suspension or removal from the register would result in her losing an offer of employment, the fact that up to the relevant conduct she had had an unblemished career and the fact that she had made early admissions of guilt and shown insight into her misconduct.

The Committee decided that a period of 10 months’ suspension would be appropriate and proportionate in this case.

Chitra Karve, who chaired the Committee and spoke on its behalf, said: "The length of the period of suspension…is intended to reflect this Committee’s view, assisted as it has been by the experience and knowledge of a practising RVN and a veterinary surgeon, of the seriousness of the respondent’s conduct in its totality and of the need for the message to go out to all veterinary professionals that the ordering of POMs without the authority of a valid prescription is a most serious instance of misconduct. In such circumstances the personal mitigations that a practitioner might place before a Disciplinary Committee, whilst not immaterial, is inevitably of limited persuasion. And that is what this Committee has concluded in this particular case, having reflected carefully on the mitigation factors placed before it.

"Having weighed the matters of personal mitigation against the fact that a rudimentary knowledge of the governing legislation was effectively all that was required of the Respondent to ensure that the misconduct complained of did not occur, it is the clear view of the Committee that it would be failing in its public duty were it to do anything less than to impose a period of suspension from practice and the least period of suspension that is appropriate in this case is one of ten months. The Committee therefore instructs the Registrar to act accordingly."

MSD Animal Health has announced that Horse Health Week, which runs from 25th to 29th March 2019, will focus on helping owners and yards understand infection risk.

It's a subject that will be front of many people's minds following the recent cases of equine flu.

As part of the campaign, MSD has produced a range of veterinary practice support materials to help you engage with owners and yards on the subject of preventative healthcare best practice and compliance.

The range includes shareable social media content, videos, a 'What's Your Risk' practice poster, an online risk assessment tool and a number of downloadable information leaflets. Practices will also be supported through the Keep Britain's Horses Health (KBHH) web page, Facebook page and Twitter.

MSD says there are also planning and evaluation resources to help practices manage an effective campaign.

Vicki Farr, Equine Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health said: "The recent outbreaks of equine flu have rocked the horse-racing world, costing the industry millions and raising important animal welfare issues. Furthermore, they have highlighted the need for good preventative healthcare and, in particular, vaccination.

"HHW will therefore come at a relevant time for horse owners and yards when the impact of equine flu is still at the front of their minds.

"This year HHW will provide vital tools for practices; building on the knowledge and resources we’ve acquired throughout the KBHH campaign and from previous HHWs.

"Our focus is on engaging owners and yards on understanding the risk of disease for their horse, while rewarding them for best practice. We are again providing a wide range of resources for practices to help them create an engaging and successful campaign that helps build knowledge amongst the equine community."

For further information, talk to your MSD Animal Health Equine Account Manager, call 01908 685685 or refer to KBHH social media feeds on Facebook page and Twitter (@keepinghorseshealthy).

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Semintra, a new liquid treatment for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The active ingredient in Semintra is telmisartan, the first angiotensin receptor blocker to be licensed in veterinary medicine.

Like benazepril, Semintra is indicated for the reduction of proteinuria associated with CKD in cats. Boehringer says it has a highly targeted mode of action that provides rapid and reliable reduction of proteinuria in cats with chronic kidney disease. The company adds that it is well tolerated and almost exclusively excreted in the faeces, so elimination is not dependent on renal function.²

Above all, Boehringer is highlighting the how easy the treatment is to use, pointing to a study that has shown it is well accepted by more than 90% of cats.^1,3 

Martha Cannon, RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine at the Oxford Cat Clinic, has already used Semintra in cats with CKD. She said: "For us at the Oxford Cat Clinic, ease of use is an enormously important part of any product that we use for cats. From our personal experience, we found that Semintra is very well accepted by cats, with owners finding it very easy to give and to build into their cat's daily treatment plan."

Semintra is available from veterinary wholesalers as a 4mg/ml oral solution. There is one 30 ml bottle size which will last the average 4kg cat 30 days.

A few CKD facts provided by Boehringer:

• Chronic kidney disease is a common disease affecting up to 10% of all cats ^4-6 and approximately 35% of geriatric cats.^7-11 
• It is a debilitating disease that detracts from the quality of life of the cat and owner and the bond between them.¹² 
• Semintra is the first new pharmaceutical to be licensed in this disease area for a number of years.¹ 

For further information on Semintra visit www.semintra.co.uk, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or telephone +44 (0)1344 746959.

References

1. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR): Semintra^® (telmisartan). London: European Medicines Agency, 2013. Available at www.ema.europa.eu
2. Summary of Product Characteristics: Semintra^® (telmisartan). London: European Medicines Agency, 2013. Available at www.ema.europa.eu 
3. Sent, U. et al (2013) Characterisation of telmisartan in cats (abstract). World Feline Veterinary Congress.  Barcelona, Spain, International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). 
4. Boyd, L. M. et al. (2008) Survival in cats with naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med, 22, 1111-1117.
5. Watson, A.D. (2001) Indicators of renal insufficiency in dogs and cats presented at a veterinary teaching hospital. Aust Vet Practit, 31, 54-58
6. Lund, E.M. et al. (1999) Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 214, 1336-1341.
7. Brown, S. (2005) Urinary System. In: Kahn, C. (ed). The Merck Veterinary Manual. Whitehouse Station: MERCK & CO., INC. 1267-1272.
8. Brown, S. (2007) Management of chronic kidney disease. In: Elliott, J. and Grauer, G. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Nephrology and Urology. 2nd ed. Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association. 223-230.
9. Brown, S. (2012) "Managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): 10 Common Questions", Proceedings of the 83rd Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Conference, Tampa, FL, May 4-6, 2012.
10. Krawiec, D. R. & Gelburg, H. B. (1989) Chronic renal disease in cats, in: Kirk, R. W. (ed.) Current Veterinary Therapy X, 1170-1173. Philadelphia: WB Saunders.
11. Polzin, D. & Osborn, C. (1986) Update: conservative medical management of chronic renal failure In: Kirk RW, ed. Current Veterinary Therapy IX, Philadelphia: WB Saunders. 1167-1173.
12. Polzin, D. J. (2013) Evidence-based step-wise approach to managing chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats. J Vet Emerg Crit Care, 23(2), 205-215.

BCF Technology has launched a series of free canine X-ray positioning guides which are now available to download from www.bcftechnology.com.

The company says the guides are designed to provide a quick, easy-to-use reference to help you get the best radiographic views possible, every time.

BCF in-house radiographer Kat Evans said: "At BCF, we understand that capturing a great X-ray isn't just about having the best equipment; good positioning is crucial, these easy-to-use guides will help vets and vet nurses to create the very best radiograph."

BCF in-house vet Ben Sullivan added: "At BCF we are committed to improving the standards of radiography in the veterinary profession. We aim to help our customers make the very most of their equipment. This is why we are committed to supporting ongoing education and training. You will find a huge range of learning materials on our website aimed at helping you to develop further your veterinary ultrasonography and radiography abilities.

Full small animal and equine positional guides are in-built into the software of all CR X-ray systems available from BCF.

For more information, visit www.bcftechnology.com or call +44(0)1506 460 023.

MSD Animal Health has been granted the marketing authorisation in the UK for Bravecto Triuno, a new formulation of Bravecto (fluralaner) for dogs that targets both external and internal parasites.

Bravecto Triuno is approved for the treatment of tick and flea infestations in dogs (Ctenocephalides felis, C. canis, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus).

It is also approved for the treatment of infections with roundworms (adult stages of Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (L4, immature adult (L5), and adult stages of Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala), for the prevention of heartworm disease (caused by Dirofilaria immitis), and for the prevention of angiostrongylosis (by reduction of the level of infection with immature adult (L5) and adult stages of Angiostrongylus vasorum).

Victoria Miles, UK Companion Animal Director, MSD Animal Health, said: “With this latest formulation of Bravecto, MSD Animal Health is giving veterinarians and dog owners a greater range of convenient options for protecting their dog year-round from parasites, and all from the same trusted Bravecto portfolio.”

She added: “We see Bravecto Triuno as a great option for puppies that require a monthly wormer on top of protection against fleas and ticks.

"This also gives flexibility later on for the dog to remain with the Bravecto brand but be swapped onto a longer-duration flea and tick product with a wormer administered according to a veterinarian’s risk-based assessment.” 

Bravecto Triuno is available as a flavoured chewable tablet indicated for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age and at least 1.27 Kg body weight and can be administered monthly to dogs at risk of infestation by multiple types of internal and external parasites.

It contains three anti-parasitic ingredients including fluralaner, which provides activity against ticks and fleas, moxidectin, which provides systemic activity against non-intestinal worms, and pyrantel, which provides activity against intestinal worms.

https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-488423 

According to the results of the latest National Equine Health Survey, 37% of horse owners never carry out faecal worm egg counts and of those that do, only 25% perform them at the right intervals¹.

The National Equine Health Survey is a snapshot survey, conducted by the Blue Cross in conjunction with the British Equine Veterinary Association during the month of May each year, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell and Zoetis. Last year 5,235 people took part and returned records for 15,433 horses.

The 2017 survey found that 39% of those who carry out faecal worm egg counts do so at four-monthly intervals, 22% do so at 8-12 week intervals and 2% do so at six-weekly intervals.

Dr Wendy Talbot, equine vet at Zoetis said: "The NEHS results show that there’s still a lack of understanding about the purpose and benefits of FWECs during the grazing season. For the most effective results FWECs should be conducted every 8 to 12 weeks between March and October. They will indicate which horses are passing the most worm eggs in their droppings and mean that horses are only treated when necessary.² Remember though that FWECs don’t remove the need to treat horses at specific times of year for encysted small redworm, tapeworm and bots, none of which will show up in FWECs.³"

References:

1. National Equine Health Survey 2017
2. Hallowell-Evans and Hallowell (2017) Vet Times, April 24
3. AAEP (2016) Parasite Control Guidelines