The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) has published the results of research which found that veterinary surgeons believe 45% of all pets are overweight.
In addition, 77% of the 180 vets surveyed at the London Vet Show 2013 believe that the pet obesity problem is on the rise.
Meanwhile, 93% of pet owners said they would be concerned to discover their pet is overweight, revealing a sharp divide between vets' and owners' perceptions.
To help spread the word about ideal pet weight, the PFMA will launch a new campaign called #GetPetsFit on 7th May.
Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of PFMA said: "We need to engage pet owners emotionally, helping them realise that feeding and exercising their pet to the optimum level can result in an extra two years of active life. The #GetPetsFit campaign will provide the perfect opportunity to do this and we hope that with the help of vets, we can work to resolve this important issue."
The PFMA is urging practices to promote good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Zara Boland BVSc BE MRCVS, Founder of Vet Voice Ltd says: "It is encouraging that success rates are high for the 78% of UK vets already running companion animal obesity clinics. However, we must continue pushing the health message until overweight pets are no longer seen as the 'norm'. We need widespread recognition of pet obesity to pave the way for positive action."
One way that the PFMA is encouraging practices to get involved is by running Weigh in Wednesdays from 7th May. To help, the organisation has prepared a free kit that contains campaign posters, website banners and client hand-out materials, including Pet Size-O-Meters (for cats, dogs, rabbits and birds), a pet food diary and weight and body condition log. You can either download the kit here: www.pfma.org.uk/weighinwednesday or visit PFMA's homepage and ask for a free pack to be sent to your practice.
Zoetis has released new surveillance results which show that Mycoplasma bovis is becoming an increasingly significant pneumonia pathogen in cattle1.
In more than 2,500 samples submitted by vets for analysis during 2014, 45% were positive, compared with 41% in 2013.
According to Dr Tim Potter MRCVS from Westpoint Veterinary Group, Mycoplasma bovis has emerged as an important pathogen of calves worldwide2. He said: "It is associated with a number of clinical presentations including respiratory disease, otitis media and arthritis.
"The role of Mycoplasma bovis in pneumonia is well established and there are a number of reports in the literature of respiratory disease outbreaks where it was the predominant bacterium isolated. However, as with most causes of pneumonia, colonisation by Mycoplasma bovis alone is not always sufficient to cause disease and it may present in combination with other respiratory pathogens."
For other pathogens, the surveillance found 83% of samples positive for Para-influenza 3 virus (Pi3v), 76% Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (BRSv), 32% IBR, and 25% for BVD. Apart from BVD, which saw a three-point reduction from 28% the previous year - these show little change from 2013.
According to Zoetis vet Carolyn Hogan, in pneumonia outbreaks involving Mycoplasma bovis, many of the clinical signs are similar to those caused by other pneumonia pathogens: coughing, raised temperature, rapid breathing and lethargy.
She said: "This can make it difficult for farmers and vets alike to identify Mycoplasma bovis as a possible cause of disease based on clinical signs alone, unless calves are also showing some of the other distinguishing signs associated with Mycoplasma infection.
"These include ear infections, head shaking or tilting, and arthritis. Poor response to treatment, with resulting chronic respiratory cases, may also be suggestive of Mycoplasma infection. For a definitive diagnosis, of course, analysis of blood or respiratory tract mucous is required."
Whilst vaccination protection is available against the viruses (BRSv, Pi3v, BVD and IBR) and Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica, Carolyn points out that there is no ‘off the shelf’ vaccine available for Mycoplasma bovis. She adds that treatment can be challenging due to the insidious nature of disease, and lack of effectiveness of some antibiotics.
Once Mycoplasma bovis is present on a farm, Carolyn cautions that eradication can be very difficult. "It can be transmitted in milk from carrier cows, and in saliva among calves, particularly when multiple animals suckle the same teat feeders.
"Minimising this pathogen's impact on health and productivity relies on reducing its exposure to susceptible animals and maximising their resilience against it. For a comprehensive programme of control measures, farmers should consult their vet."
Carolyn suggests that such a programme is likely to include: testing the farm's Mycoplasma bovis status; effective biosecurity; not feeding infected milk; ample ventilation for adults and youngstock alike; rapid spotting of sick animals, isolation and vet-prescribed treatment; vigilance for poor response to treatment and development of chronic cases; vaccination against main viral pneumonia pathogens; and low stress through good stockmanship.
References
Photo: By Y tambe (Y tambe's file) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The PDSA has announced that it is offering free workshops to help veterinary professionals deliver new welfare checks called 'PetWise MOTs'.
The PetWise MOT checks focus on the five welfare needs, and the workshops count for seven hours CPD. The charity says that while the workshops are suitable for all members of the practice team, they should be of particular interest to nursing teams and those with a keen interest in engaging clients with the needs of their pets.
The aim of the MOT Checks is to improve pet wellbeing in the UK, following reports of a reduced level of awareness amongst the public of the five welfare needs defined by the Animal Welfare Acts.
Richard Casey, PDSA Pet Wellbeing Project Manager, said: "We know there is more to a pet’s wellbeing than just providing for their basic health needs. This unique consultation structure was developed in response to falling awareness among owners of their pets’ welfare needs, with millions of pets suffering unnecessarily. The PetWise MOTs use a simple traffic light system and personalised action plans to reverse this trend by helping to inform and engage owners about what their pets need to be healthy and happy."
The consultations were first trialled on the charity’s mobile PetCheck vehicles, then expanded to PDSA’s 51 pet hospitals. According to the charity, over 100,000 PetWise MOTs and follow up checks have now been completed in the last few years, with outcomes including:
Alison Case, a Senior Vet at Bow PDSA Pet Hospital, said: "PetWise MOTs give a really practical approach to running clinics based on the pet’s welfare needs. We’ve seen a positive impact on patient care by looking at husbandry at home as well as the clinical concerns of the patient. The consultations help to strengthen the clinic-client bond through professional support and advice. We’ve had great feedback from our clients, who are now much more aware of the routine needs of their pets and often attend for further check-ups as well as regularly purchasing preventive treatments."
The workshops will focus on dogs, cats and rabbits, although the consultations are transferable to all species.
For more information or to book a place, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petwise or email petwise@pdsa.org.uk.
Until now, research in equine veterinary science has focused primarily on the information needed to prevent and cure disease, with little attention paid to the attitudes and actions of horse owners, veterinary surgeons, and numerous other professionals to implementing science-based advice.
This special EVJ collection showcases studies that seek to understand horse owner behaviour around their horse’s health, supplementing clinical evidence with information about the real-life behaviours of equine owners and professionals and the factors that influence them.
It includes papers on horse owner knowledge and opinions on recognising colic, treating infectious disease, uptake of some of the most basic preventive health measures such as vaccination and deworming as well as attitudes and behaviour around equine obesity and laminitis.
Other studies highlight the importance of professionals other than vets such as farriers, equine podiatrists, physiotherapists, dental technicians, chiropractors, and equestrian organisations such as the British Horse Society.
Guest Editor Tamzin Furtado added: “As our understanding of the drivers of behaviour develops, pre-existing behaviour change models will help us to understand the barriers and enablers to uptake.
“With dissemination of this knowledge, we have a better chance of communicating effectively and implementing change that will have a positive impact on equine welfare at individual, community, and national level.”
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the EVJ said: “This collection is both compelling and eye-opening.
"It is dangerous to assume an understanding of the motivators of horse owner behaviours and actions; these papers confirm the current lack of comprehension, providing an invaluable insight, which will ultimately help us to accelerate improvements in equine veterinary practice and, most importantly, equine welfare.”
The virtual issue can be found at https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1001/(ISSN)2042-3306.owner-behaviours and will be free to view until 26 December 2022.
To get involved, you can use the downloadable fundraising pack, which includes ideas, tips and tricks to help you fundraise.
In return for taking part, your practice will have its logo published on the BSAVA website, and BSAVA PetSavers will promote any fundraising posts on social media, using the hashtag #TeamPetSavers.
Shelby Tunstall, Fundraising Coordinator for BSAVA PetSavers said: “We are really delighted to be launching this campaign which will help PetSavers fund more research projects for companion animals."
If you want to get involved, you're encouraged to register online here, or contact Shelby Tunstall, Fundraising Coordinator at petsaversadmin@bsava.com.
https://www.bsava.com/petsavers/get-involved/petsaversinpractice.
There are two main streams – veterinary and nursing – alongside which there will be a number of workshops on dentistry, ophthalmology, electrosurgery and wound management
Speakers will include: Alasdair Hotston Moore, Matthew Oxford, David Williams, Sarah Heath and Molly Varga.
New for this year, there will be a separate two-day SPVS Leadership & Management programme (at extra charge) and interactive mental health sessions run by Vets in Mind.
There will also be sessions run by SCAS/Our Special Friends on 'the bond-centred practice'.
There's a commercial exhibition, a happy hour on day one, a hot buffet lunch, and tea, coffee and biscuits throughout both days.
For overnight accommodation, the organisers have secured a preferential rate (£125) at the on-site hotel – the Courtyard by Marriott – that includes breakfast and parking.
To book, use this link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1709042444468&key=GRP&app=resvlink. There are lots of other options nearby.
Book directly at https://form.jotform.com/240863511432349.
To be invoiced rather than pay now, apply INVOICEME at checkout.
www.vetcpdcongress.co.uk.
Hill's Pet Nutrition has announced an average price reduction of over 5 per cent across almost 80 per cent of its product range from 1st March 2010.
The company says this is the first time in its history that such a big price reduction has been implemented, and it comes with a promise that superior nutritional quality won't be compromised.
The price cut comes following market research by Hill's which shows that after one of the deepest recessions in 50 years, more pet owners are becoming cost-conscious, and many are now buying their petfood in the grocery channel or mixing premium foods with economy products.
Another factor in decision-making for some pet owners is the cost per pack, particularly on the larger bag sizes. From April 2010, some Hill's Prescription Diet products will be resized to make them a more affordable purchase. Canine Prescription Diets c/d, d/d, i/d, k/d and j/d will be moved from a 14 Kg bag to a 12 Kg bag. Feline Prescription Diets c/d, k/d, r/d, i/d and s/d will be moved from a 2 Kg bag to a 1.5 kg bag. The price reduction will also be applied proportionately alongside the smaller bag size, so many clients should see a significant reduction at point of purchase. The smaller bags are also easier for practices to store and can increase frequency of client visits providing more opportunities to offer advice and support.
Blake Hawley, Hill's General Manager for UK and Ireland said, "We would like to thank vets, nurses and support staff for their continued support and dedication. Every pet needs and deserves a nutritional assessment and this price reduction will make it easier for vet teams to recommend the best Hill's product, confident those pets are getting high quality nutrition at new, lower prices. Having listened to what the profession had to say in 2009, this year we will demonstrate our commitment to the veterinary profession in very clear and visible ways."
For an up to date price list and support material to assist in communicating the change to clients, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438
A team of top equine vets is aiming to raise £125,000 for the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) by travelling 3000 miles through Europe by motorbike between 22nd August and 9th September.
Sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, the seven-strong team is planning to travel through Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Morocco and Spain and deliver lectures to eight European and African veterinary schools in just two weeks.
Led by Professor Derek Knottenbelt from the University of Liverpool, the team also includes Professor Josh Slater from Royal Veterinary College, Dr John Burford from the University of Nottingham, Dr Caroline Hahn from the University of Edinburgh, Dr Michael Hewetson from the University of Helsinki, Ms Joanne Suthers from the University of Liverpool and Dr Edmund Hainisch from the University of Vienna. They are being supported by Jeremy Hulme, chief executive of SPANA, Nic Van Gelder, fundraising and supporter care administrator at SPANA and Cerian Stephens.
All money raised will provide SPANA with diagnostic and surgical equipment for the charity's veterinary clinics for working animals in Mali and Mauritania and for the further development of the Bamako Disabled Riding Centre in Mali.
Mike Brown, Elanco's UK and Ireland country director said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the Vets with Horsepower European Tour which will raise vital funds for working animals in some of the world's poorest countries. This is just one of the many worthwhile initiatives we are supporting in 2012 which focus on alleviating world hunger, spearheading agricultural leadership, enhancing the human-animal bond and caring for the environment."
For further information on the Vets with Horsepower European Tour visit www.spana.org/horsepower.
The company is offering up to £50* worth of vouchers to use at J.A.K Marketing Ltd when purchasing GI diets (including canine and feline recovery packs). It is also offering a ‘buy three get one free’ deal on its recovery packs, which also come with complimentary Get Well Soon counter displays for practice receptions.
To promote its range of complete liquid diets for tube feeding critically ill patients, Royal Canin is giving practices which order three packs a free Vygon Vet Nutrisafe tube feeding kit worth £9.49. The kit contains 12 syringes, a drawing up straw and three different sizes of feeding tubes. The company says its liquid diets are specifically designed for tube feeding, offer precise nutrition for critically ill patients and can be accurately delivered with the Vygon tube feeding kits.
For further information, contact your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager.
* Spend £199 on GI diets (including canine and feline recovery packs) and receive a £20 voucher from J.A.K Marketing Ltd., spend £399 and receive a £50 voucher. The vouchers will be emailed direct to the practice from J.A.K. There is a 14 working day lead time on this. All offers are valid for the UK and NI and end on 31 March.
Animalcare Marketing Manager, James Beaumont said: “Practice life is busier than ever and we know that practice teams are working very hard. It’s important that they are well-fuelled, so we aim to nourish their bodies and minds with our new Daxocox ‘Bitesize Lunch and Learns’. We’re simply asking practices to tell us their lunchtime desire and we’ll make sure that it’s delivered direct to their door.
"Then, in less time than it takes for them to demolish their feast, we’ll explain how breakthrough pain could be haunting their canine OA patients and, more importantly, how our new weekly NSAID, Daxocox, can help."
Practices can register for a lunch and learn and submit their lunch order by registering at www.daxocox.co.uk/lunch_learn or contacting Animalcare on 01904 487687.
According to the NFU, last year farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million pounds were severely injured or killed by dog attacks last year.
Obtaining forensic samples after an attack can be difficult because so often they happen in remote places and rural police can't always attend quickly enough to get a sample.
Dr. Nick Dawnay from Liverpool John Moores University therefore developed Early Evidence Kits to enable samples to be collected by vets, famers and police from the crime scene immediately.
Following a successful proof of concept in Wales, the research team is now trialling the kits in ten regions of England and Wales, with support from IVC Evidensia farm practices.
Over the next twelve months the trial will refine best practices for collecting forensic samples from livestock attack scenes.
David Martin, Group Head of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia said: “This project marks an exciting step forward in collecting and analysing canine DNA from livestock.
"It offers police and farmers a means to hold irresponsible dog owners culpable for the damage and losses caused by their pets.”
“As a profession we can support this research by ensuring samples are taken from as many cases within the relevant force areas as possible so that the team at John Moores gets sufficient material to be able to complete this project as soon as possible.
"All IVC Evidensia farm practices in the participating regions are being encouraged to use the kits and we want to ensure all farm practices in those regions know about this important project.”
It is hoped new legislation for England and Wales will be brought in to give police officers the power to take a DNA sample from a suspected dog to compare to canine DNA left at an attack scene.
Dave Allen, North Wales Police and NPCC Livestock Offence Working Group Secretary said: “These kits are an exciting development and can be utilised for an issue that causes major concern to our UK rural communities”.
Veterinary practices are now being encouraged help raise awareness of the project, particularly to encourage farmers to take part and use the kits to collect evidence in the following regions:
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/articles/2024/5/17/forensic-science-to-help-farmers-foil-sheep-attacks
Ceva Animal Health has produced a leaflet to help horse owners understand the cause, diagnosis and management of equine back pain.
The company says the management of back pain in the horse can be a particular challenge to vets and a source of frustration for owners. Early diagnosis is likely to be associated with a more favourable outcome but it's important to ensure that other causes of pain and poor performance such as lameness, are not contributing to the horse's clinical signs.
'Understanding back pain' explains the anatomy of the back, as well as the clinical signs of back pain, and how it is diagnosed, including the treatment options and the general prognosis. Copies of the new leaflet are available, free of charge, from your Ceva sales representative. Leaflets on 'Understanding bone spavin', 'Understanding navicular disease', 'Understanding sacroiliac disease' and 'Equidronate discharge instructions', are also available.
For further information contact your local Ceva representative or Ceva Animal Health Ltd, Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 9FB, Telephone +44 (0) 1494 781510.
Improve International has announced the launch of a new General Practitioner Certificate in Dermatology: GPCert (Derm).
The company says the programme aims to help vets develop their knowledge of dermatology and to assist them in applying these newly learned skills in their everyday dermatology cases.
David Babington MRCVS (pictured right), Managing Director of Improve International said: "Patients with skin problems attend practices almost on a daily basis, making the successful diagnosis and management of skin disease a major component of small animal work and an important way to build client satisfaction and loyalty.
"Our new modular programme offers a thorough, informed case-based approach to dermatology. Through lectures, case discussions and, where appropriate, practical sessions, delegates will learn how to approach dogs, cats and exotic patients presenting with various manifestations of skin disease in a logical and scientific manner."
The GPCert (Derm) comprises 14 taught modules and can be completed over one to two years. The first module on this programme will start in March 2015.
For further information, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
Each Diagnostic Rounds session will be live-streamed and interactive, with 90 minutes of interpretation of diagnostic images and test results. The BSAVA says the sessions will be packed with cases and images, enabling all vets no matter where they are in their career, to keep developing their interpretation skills.
Lucie Goodwin, Head of Education said: “We are really excited to be launching Diagnostic Rounds and have a great line up of speakers and topics for the next twelve months. Our members have told us that they want more diagnostic imaging and case-based CPD and we are delighted to be able to deliver this in a fun, interactive and accessible way. As interpretation skills are relevant to daily veterinary practice, Diagnostic Rounds will be relevant to all small animal vets with something for everyone, regardless of career stage.”
The Diagnostic Rounds will be delivered by specialist diagnostic imagers, medics, cardiologists, and clinical pathologists. Whilst there will be a strong focus on diagnostic imaging, there will also be sessions on ECG interpretation, endoscopy, and clinical pathology. Speakers will include Mike Martin on ‘Imaging cardiology cases’, Ed Hall on ‘Interpreting endoscopic findings of the GI tract’ and Helen Wilson on ‘Imaging respiratory emergencies’.
There have been major changes to the format for Congress this year.
Sarah Fitzpatrick, BSAVA Head of Partnerships and Events, said: “Last year’s online event proved this can all be delivered in a much more interactive and engaging way.
"Returning to a face-to-face format enables us to take that even further and provide delegates with a truly immersive experience."
Many of the sessions at this year’s event will have two speakers delivering different perspectives on a topic, followed by a Q&A.
With 15-20 minutes to get into the detail, lectures will get straight to the point, be fast-paced and rich in content.
Programme committee lead, Paul Higgs (pictured right) said: “Each subject will be delivered in a mix of formats, lectures, debates and interactive sessions, for example.
"It means delegates won’t find themselves sat for hours passively listening, instead they’ve the opportunity to actively engage with the topics, which will promote deeper learning.
“Where topics overlap subject areas, module delegates will come together to explore diagnostics, treatments and ethics.”
For the first time, delegates will also be able to get hands-on in practical sessions at no further cost.
BSAVA’s President, Sheldon Middleton, said: “I can’t wait to get to BSAVA Congress in 2022.
"The new venue, new format and new exhibition layout will enhance everything that BSAVA Congress is known for.
"Now we’ve got a hybrid format, the on-demand feature means that for the first time I can catch up with friends and not miss the CPD!”
Delegates can also attend online, through an interactive virtual platform, which will run alongside the live event.
To buy your tickets before the touts get hold of them visit: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2022/en/page/home.
FMDMost 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.
BLUETONGUEThe 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.
A series of exchanges between pilots and control towers, which you might find amusing. Would be nice to have some veterinary equivalents, so do feel free to comment beneath this story with any quick-witted exchanges you've heard between vets and vets / nurses / clients.
San Jose Tower to a DC-10 that had come into land too fast, and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down:"American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport." ***************************************************************
Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 degrees." TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?" Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?" ***************************************************************
Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7" Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way,after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway." Tower: " Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact Departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?" BR Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... we've already notified our caterers." ****************************************************************
A BA 747, callsign Speedbird 206 landed at Frankfurt aiport and was just pulling clear of the runway
Speedbird 206: "Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway." Frankfurt ground: "Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop. Frankfurt ground: "Speedbird 206, do you not know where you are going?" Speedbird 206: "Stand by, ground, I'm looking up our gate location now." Frankfurt ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?" Speedbird 206: "Er yes, just the once. It was 1944 ... We didn't land."
The European Parliament has voted 618 votes to 17 for an extension to the transitional arrangements contained within the regulation on the non-commercial movement of pet animals which afford the UK additional protection against rabies, ticks and tapeworms.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have been lobbying MEPs to support the extension and have strongly welcomed this decision.
The transitional arrangements allow the UK to impose stricter measures on the entry of pet animals and are designed to protect the UK from rabies, ticks and tapeworms (Echinococcus multilocularis).
The vote in the European Parliament today supports an extension of these arrangements until the end of 2011 and puts in place a system so that permanent measures can be imposed in the future for entry to specific Member States based on scientific evidence. The decision will have to be ratified by the European Agriculture Council before coming into force.
Parasitologist Maggie Fisher from ESCCAP said: "This provides the UK with invaluable time to mount a solid scientific case for retaining the requirement for tick and tapeworm treatment indefinitely."
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: "The BVA and BSAVA have worked closely with Defra to secure this extension to the arrangements and we will now be pushing for investment in additional scientific research that will give us a clearer picture of the threat of the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis and other exotic and emerging diseases."
Dr Richard Dixon, President of BSAVA, added: "This decision in Europe is strongly welcomed and we are pleased that veterinary associations across Europe supported our position. The next stage is to gather further evidence to ensure the UK is protected in the future.
"In the meantime, the key message for pet owners is that they must talk to their vets as early as possible to find out how to protect them from disease and parasites when travelling abroad."
The new award, sponsored by Krka UK, will recognise an exceptional farm vet who has been working in the dairy industry for three to five years and who has contributed significantly to the health and wellbeing of herds under their care.
Sarah Tomlinson, veterinary surgeon at Westpoint Farm Vets in Derbyshire, Technical Director of the TB Advisory Service (TBAS) and recipient of the 2020 Dairy Vet of the Year, said: “In recognising achievement among more recently qualified vets with this new award, Krka is giving the boost every young vet needs to shake off the ‘new grad’ title and instead become an ‘high performing’ vet, judged by their industry peers to be one of the best. Many vets can suffer with imposter syndrome so it is important that we accept positive acknowledgement of our work and our everyday achievements so that we can be rightly proud of what we do.”
More information about the CREAM Awards and the nomination process can be found here: https://www.britishdairying.co.uk/cream-awards-2021/
The programme, which offers six hours of CPD, will cover topics such as damage control resuscitation, the trauma patient and the OOH GDV.
Dan Lewis, Vets Now’s National Clinical ECC Lead (pictured right), who devised this year’s veterinary programme alongside Arlene Connor, Vets Now’s Head of Clinical Operations (Hospitals) and Racheal Marshall, Head of Clinical Nursing said: “At Vets Now, we have the largest emergency caseload in Europe therefore we’re well placed to share best practice with the profession to enable vets and vet nurses to feel confident when dealing with emergency cases. With that in mind, we are committed to bringing relevant and up-to-date CPD and training to veterinary professionals throughout the UK.
“In addition to our internationally-renowned annual ECC UK Congress, which will be held in November 2020, it’s important to be able to make additional CPD available at easily accessible regional locations throughout the UK.”
The 2020 dates and venues are:
The events cost £75+VAT per person if you work for a Vets Now partner practice and £150+VAT if not. Places can be booked at the Vets Now website.
Lax-a-Past is a palatable paste that can be administered orally to kittens and cats aged over 6 months.
It can be used weekly to help stop hairballs from forming or in higher doses over a consecutive three-day period to help eliminate them.
Carol Morgan, Brand Manager from Dechra Veterinary Products (pictured right) said: “Hairballs are a well-known issue for cats. Lax-a-Past is a complementary feed that offers a simple, easy-to-administer solution to help relieve the digestion problems caused by hairballs.
“It is very easy for owners to administer as the required dosage can be squeezed out and spread on a front paw or given directly into the mouth."
Lax-a-Past is available in a 70g tube.
For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a calculator which provides vets with an instant analysis of how much they can save when stocking veterinary licensed generic products over an equivalent.
The new margin calculator enables practices to manipulate their mark-ups for a greater increase in profit while also providing cost savings for clients.
Roger Brown, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products said: "With the rise of veterinary licensed generic products on the market, our calculator provides practices with an added opportunity to increase their own profitability. This can be achieved through a simple re-calculation based on the purchase price of a product, versus its mark-up and how much they are sold on to clients for. In many circumstances, practices will see an increased profit for themselves and cost reductions for the client – everyone wins!"
The margin and profit calculator compares market prices with Dechra’s own generic range – Veterinary Essentials – to show just how much mark-up can be applied to products without impacting on a client’s budget.
Roger added: "It’s a simple, but very effective calculation. The beauty is that this calculator can be run from any computer and does not require supporting software."
For more information about the margin calculator please contact your local Dechra territory manager or call Rachel Horton on 01743 441 632.
New Horse Passport Guidelines come into force from 1 July 2009 which will require horses to be microchipped. However a recent poll on Horse & Hound Online has revealed that 75 per cent of those questioned were unaware of the new microchip legislation.
With this in mind, Bayer has produced a comprehensive marketing support package for equine vets which provides an overview of the new Horse Passport Guidelines 2009 together with a clear and concise summary of its requirements for vets and horse owners.
The Tracer Advance equine package contains a handy laminated bullet point guide to the new regulations, practice posters, client leaflets, client leave pieces, pre-written articles for use in practice newsletters and local press, and PowerPoint presentations for client evenings.
Practices can apply for any of these items by contacting their Bayer Territory Manager.
Elanco has announced the results of a survey it conducted amongst European dermatology diplomates which found that nearly 90% of them consider Comfortis (spinosad) is the first choice of flea control for cats and dogs.
The research was conducted at the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology (ESVD) and European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD) Congress 2013. 49 Dip ESVD holders from around Europe were asked:
Research has shown that dermatological cases account for approximately 20% of small animal consultations conducted by general practitioners1. According to Elanco, further industry investigations have found that skin diseases are two to three times more common than the next disease category, and dermatological problems are a common secondary reason for an examination.
Anna Jackson, national veterinary manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health, said: “Skin diseases are a huge part of a practicing vet’s workload and one which can prove challenging to effectively address. By creating a fast acting oral flea control product that can work alongside other topical dermatological treatments, we’re helping to alleviate the discomfort and consequences of flea allergy dermatitis, which is one of the most common causes of skin disease. It’s fantastic to receive such strong endorsements from some of the leading dermatologists in Europe and this underlines the benefits of using Comfortis for flea control.”
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