As part of its Pet Factor campaign, the National Office of Animal Health has launched a competition via its consumer website Pet Health Information www.pethealthinfo.org.uk to find a pet with "the Pet Factor".
NOAH is inviting owners, vets, and vet nurses to go on to the website and put forward nominations, in no more than 200 words, of animals that have staged an amazing recovery, shown exceptional bravery or set themselves apart in some other way.
The Pet Factor campaign was launched with a set of three viral videos, focussing on Pet Factor auditions for a dog, cat, and hamster that reminded owners of the importance of basic pet care.
The PHI site encourages owners to go to talk to pet care professionals to seek advice about how to keep their pets healthy and happy.
Phil Sketchley chief executive of NOAH said: "The video campaign was very successful, with over 25,000 people having watched them so far. Now we want to take the campaign further and find pets that have done something special in a way that really embodies the spirit of 'the Pet Factor'."
The winning pet and their owner will receive a full photo shoot worth over £1,000 with renowned animal photographer Sam Lunt. The final photographs will be presented to them in a beautiful bound book, to remember their special day.
If you think one of your clients deserves to win, submit your 200 word entry at www.pethealthinfo.org.uk, with a photograph if you have one. The closing date is 28 February 2010.
Vets are being asked to help pig producers assess their health status and biosecurity measures, as part of BPEX's new National Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP).
The national programme is currently running alongside existing programmes in East Anglia, Yorkshire and the East Midlands and will cover all the remaining regions. BPEX will now start to combine all programmes into the National PHIP. So all English pig producers and vets can join the industry-wide drive to improve pig health and reduce costs.
BPEX says the national Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP) project will need the support of veterinary surgeons to:
BPEX regional health coordinator Helen Clarke said: "The surveys are filled in by vets during quarterly farm visits to gather information on prevalence of four key diseases - swine dysentery, PRRS, enzootic pneumonia and mange. This is then used to populate a confidential online mapping service, which PHIP members can use to keep informed of health challenges in their area.
"The biosecurity audit is a series of simple to answer questions about current biosecurity practice of a unit. This then forms the basis for biosecurity planning and discussions to help clients make improvements and review their impact."
A further benefit when producers sign up to the PHIP is free-of-charge post-mortem information from the BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS). The BPHS provides producers with detailed post-mortem health reports when they submit pigs to participating abattoirs.
Clients who are:
Practices can claim £50 per unit for completing the survey and biosecurity audits. This still needs to be claimed through specific regional systems because of current funding contracts.
Contact Helen Clarke for details: helen.clarke@bpex.ahdb.org.uk or 07973 701369. Visit http://www.pighealth.org.uk/
The programme starts in January 2022 and places are on a first come, first served basis.
The BSAVA says the new programme is designed primarily for veterinary surgeons working in small animal practice who have a particular interest in diagnostic imaging. The aim is to provide participants with the knowledge and expertise they need to choose the most clinically relevant diagnostic imaging technique confidently and competently.
Participants will also learn how to interpret images obtained with radiography and ultrasonography accurately and enhance their understanding of more advanced imaging techniques.
The programme is designed to allow part time study and comprises 75% core teaching with a 25% elective component, allowing participants to personalise their study to meet their clinical needs. The in-person attendance part of the programme focuses on hands on practicals and workshops.
The online units for the programme will contain both pre-recorded webinars as well as interactive live sessions with the unit teachers. Students can also choose one of the two currently available electives to focus on at the end of the second year: either ‘Enhanced Ultrasonography’ or ‘Enhanced Cardiac Imaging’.
Lucie Goodwin, Head of Education said: “The certificate has been designed to take into account the caseload and facilities in primary care practice ensuring that it is relevant, and the skills students learn can be directly applied to practice. An increased amount of content delivered online means that the certificate is more accessible to vets around the UK and overseas, minimising travelling for attendance days, which are mainly for practical sessions. We are also pleased to be able to offer an elective component to this PGCert and following feedback from students, will look to develop further electives.”
The programme will be assessed by written exams, a case diary and a case book. Successful completion will lead to the award of BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (BSAVA PGCertSADI).
To apply, visit the BSAVA website here. If you have any questions about the certificate, you can contact certificate@bsava.com.
New faces on the RCVS Council include Richard Stephenson, Charles Gruchy and Catherine Goldie. Dr Barry Johnson (first elected to Council in 1985) and Dr Christopher Chesney (first elected in 1996) have been voted on for further terms. Dr Robert Ellis, who has had three previous periods on Council, has been re-elected.
Session submissions should fit within one of the five strands of SPVS's over-arching theme of Thriving in Practice: leadership skills, team dynamics, self-development, management and business development).
Full details can be found SPVS Congress 2026 Call to Participate: https://spvs-congress.co.uk/spvs-congress-2026-call-to-participate
Anyone who would like to contribute should complete the following form by Friday 16 May 2025: https://spvs-congress.co.uk/congress-2026-session-submission
Early bird tickets for the event can be booked now: https://spvs.org.uk/congress-tickets
Defra Minister David Heath has announced the latest bute (phenylbutazone) test results. The presence of bute has been confirmed in 8 samples out of 206 tests.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies has stated that horsemeat containing phenylbutazone presents a very low risk to human health.
Responding to these latest developments the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) have issued the following statement:
"The presence of phenylbutazone (or bute) in horses intended for the food chain will be of concern to consumers who rightly expect the UK food chain to be robust. We are grateful to the Chief Medical Officer for clarifying the very low level of risk that this presents to human health and we will work with the FSA and Defra in any way we can to assist their investigations into these incidents.
"The ability to treat horses with bute is very important for equine welfare. Bute provides affordable, long-term pain relief for horses and is unique in this respect.
"The UK Horse Passport Regulations are designed to facilitate the ongoing medical treatment of horses not intended for the human food chain, whilst ensuring that these animals do not enter the food chain.
"We fully support the concept of the Horse Passport Regulations but have argued for some time that there are problems with the system in terms of the number of Passport Issuing Authorities and the vulnerability of the system to fraud. We are very keen to continue our dialogue with Defra and others to find ways to make the system more robust.
"Our members are aware of the strict rules regarding the regulation of medicines (including bute) and the use of horse passports, and in recent years we have provided clear guidance on the regulations to help both vets and their clients. These incidents will hopefully reinforce these messages amongst horse owners and all of us involved in equine healthcare."
Guidance notes are available via the BEVA website Medicines Page (http://www.beva.org.uk/useful-info/Vets/Guidance/Medicines)
BCF has launched a series of instructional videos demonstrating how to perform an ultrasound examination of the bovine reproductive tract, now available online.
The videos were developed by BCF's in-house vet, Kimberly Palgrave, in collaboration with the University of Bristol Veterinary School. They show everything from machine set up and controls, to scanning techniques and features identified in pregnant and non-pregnant cows.
One hour of CPD can be earned by completing a self-assessment quiz after watching the videos.
Kimberly said: "Following the success of the small animal series of instructional videos, we were keen to bring something similar to the bovine market. Our aim for these videos is to give vets a resource to help them either transition from manual palpation to ultrasound or improve their existing ultrasound skills and gain confidence in their technique, as well as being a useful teaching resource for veterinary students. As always, we welcome feedback and suggestions for the future."
To see the videos, visit the farm animal learning section of the BCF website www.bcftechnology.com.
CEVA Animal Health has launched an arthritis information pack to help support vet practices and their clients.
The pack includes a joint care range brochure, which explores how to recognise and monitor pain in the veterinary practice, and an authoritative eight-page arthritis technical review, which discusses the latest concepts in arthritis control.
In addition, client leaflets are available, which explain some of the measures that can be taken to improve the quality of life for dogs with arthritis, including weight loss and controlled exercise.
CEVA’s range of joint support products includes Meloxidyl®, Carprodyl® and Flexivet®.
To receive a free information pack please contact CEVA's small animal veterinary advisor Fraser Broadfoot MRCVS on 01494 781510, CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG.
CABI has given VetMed Resource, its online veterinary information service, a new look and some new features. See: www.cabi.org/vetmedresource.
VetMed Resource is a database of over 1.3 million veterinary and animal science research records from 1972 to the present. CABI says searching the records has been made more user friendly with a new design, and improved navigation across the site.
Robert Taylor, Editor of VetMed Resource said: "This newly-launched VetMed Resource has been designed after consulting with practicing veterinarians from around the world. They provided feedback on usability, design, and research needs, and the new look reflects the changes suggested."
The BVA has welcomed a Scottish Government consultation on the compulsory microchipping of all dogs in Scotland, launched by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead on 27th December.
Microchipping of all dogs is already a legal requirement in Northern Ireland and will become a requirement in Wales in 2015 and in England in 2016.
BVA President Robin Hargreaves, said: "BVA has long supported the compulsory microchipping of all dogs as a significant welfare measure and so we are delighted that the Scottish Government has launched this consultation.
"Every vet in practice will tell you what a highlight it is to be able to reunite a lost dog and its owner quickly and easily. The more dogs that are microchipped, with correct details on the database, the easier that process becomes meaning fewer dogs sent to kennels and charities."
Ronnie Soutar, President of BVA Scottish Branch, said: "Microchipping is a safe, effective and permanent way to link dogs with their owners and it is an essential part of responsible ownership. It is a small cost in terms of dog ownership with veterinary practices in Scotland offering microchipping at a very reasonable price or at a discount or free as part of a practice promotion. "It is important to remember that microchips are only as useful as the information held on the database and so we must work together with the Scottish Government to ensure that dog owners understand the importance of keeping this information up to date."
The consultation also asks for views on dog licensing and compulsory muzzling of dogs in public areas - measures that BVA has not supported.
Mr Hargreaves said: "We have some serious reservations about the call for all dogs, or dogs of a specific breed, to be muzzled in public areas.
"Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act dogs are afforded the right to exhibit normal behaviour which could be compromised by the requirement to wear a muzzle at all times outside of the home. We hope that respondents to the consultation reject this idea."
The BVA says it will be consulting its members to respond in full to the consultation.
Cover starts from just £1 a week per employee, a very affordable choice for employee healthcare cover. Employees will have access to six healthcare benefits and services, including money back towards their everyday healthcare treatments, such as
For further information visit www.bva.co.uk/membership/benefits/westfield_health.asp
Amongst the research being presented is 'Stress Reduction in Children', a Mars-funded study in which 75 male children were monitored to see how their levels of the stress-hormone cortisol varied when they were exposed to mild social stresses. The study found that children with a dog present showed significantly lower levels of the stress-hormone than those with a friendly adult present. In addition, the more the children stroked and interacted with the dog, the further their levels of cortisol decreased.
Sandra McCune, Research Manager for the Human-Companion Animal Bond Research Programme at Mars Petcare's Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition (there's a job title-and-a-half) said: "Pet owners will tell you just how much their pet means to them but it is research such as this that proves just how fundamental and important the bond is between people and pets. These studies provide us with valuable insight into this special bond and the health benefits of owning a pet."
Vets Now, the UK's dedicated Out Of Hours emergency vets with 32 clinics across the UK is launching a new recruitment initiative whereby vets with two years post qualified small animal experience have the opportunity to experience life working at the cutting edge of Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) through a range of new flexible short term contracts.
ECC represents a new, exciting and growing sector in the UK and Vets Now is offering vets a range of short to medium term flexible contracts which will enable you to develop new clinical skills in an exciting, fast paced environment. The contracts will appeal to any vet who is looking to gain experience working in ECC either with a view to pursuing a career in this specialised area or returning to daytime practice equipped with new clinical skills.
Speaking about the new contracts being offered, Fiona Dewar, HR Director for Vets Now SAid: "The nature of ECC medicine means that there is never a dull moment in our clinics and we tend to attract young, dynamic professionals who are keen to develop new clinical skills and have a more flexible working package. We know from experience that long term contracts don't appeal to everyone and we want to attract the best vets to come and work for us, whether it's for a three month contract or a twelve month contract with the added option of becoming permanent."
For more information about the range of contracts in one of Vets Now's 32 clinics, please contact Pauline Aitken, Vets Now Recruitment Manager on 0800 033 6466.
Birds at two Bernard Matthews breeder sites in Suffolk and Norfolk have tested positive for avian influenza, though not the highly pathogenic H5 or H7 types.
A movement restriction has been put in place by DEFRA, but a cull has not so far been required. The BBC has the full story at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7912529.stm
Ticks infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease may be considerably more prevalent in the UK than recent estimates indicate, according to new research from the University of Bristol that used pet dogs as 'sentinels' for human disease risk.
Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is a debilitating chronic infection which affects a number of animals including humans and dogs. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Clinical signs in humans include a characteristic circular red rash that spreads from the site of the tick bite, followed by a flu-like condition. In dogs, the symptoms can be much more vague and difficult to diagnose. If untreated, the disease progresses to neurological problems and arthritis; chronic forms of the disease can last for many years.
While only occasionally affecting humans, reported cases in the UK are thought to have increased more than fourfold since the beginning of the century - from 0.38 per 100,000 in 2000 to 1.79 per 100,000 in 2009. In 2010 there were 953 reported cases in England and Wales but the level of under-reporting is likely to be considerable.
To obtain a clearer picture of the prevalence of infected ticks, Faith Smith of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences and colleagues recruited veterinary surgeons across England, Scotland and Wales to examine dogs selected at random as they visited veterinary practices. Since pet dogs largely share the same environment and visit the same outdoor areas as their owners, exposure to infected ticks in dogs is likely to provide an index for corresponding risks to humans.
Of 3,534 dogs inspected between March and October 2009, 14.9% had ticks. Of the samples that could be tested, 17 (2.3%) were positive for the Borrelia bacteria. The expected prevalence of infected ticks on dogs is 0.5 per cent, or 481 infected ticks per 100,000 dogs. This suggests that the prevalence of Borrelia in the UK tick population is considerably higher than previously thought.
Faith Smith said: "Lyme disease appears to be a rapidly growing problem in the UK with important health and economic impacts in terms of loss of working hours and potential decrease in tourism to tick hotspots.
"Without considerably better surveillance and routine diagnostic testing, Lyme disease is only likely to become more prevalent. In particular, future warmer winters might well extend the period over which ticks are active seasonally, while growing wild reservoir host populations, such as deer, will allow the tick population to expand."
The study is published today in the journal Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. The research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Merial Animal Health Ltd.
Bayer Animal Health has launched its annual tick awareness campaign, this year titled 'No Bite is Right', with results of a survey which found that 44% of pet owners don't use regular preventative tick treatment.
The OnePoll survey of 4000 pet owners, which was conducted on behalf of the company in January, also found that 60% of pet owners are worried about ticks spreading disease to their pet, and 28% have found one.
As part of the 'No Bite is Right' campaign, owners are being encouraged to speak to their veterinary surgeon about using preventative tick products to help reduce the risk of their pet becoming infected by tick-borne diseases.
Jenny Helm, University of Glasgow Veterinary Clinician, said: "In recent years I have noticed and been made aware from owners and other vets, of a steady rise in tick numbers across the country. With this there is an increased risk of potentially fatal tick-borne diseases being transmitted to pets. However, if a tick can be killed before it bites, this avoids the risk and provides vital protection to the pet."
Richard Wall, Professor of Zoology at Bristol University, said: "Research has shown that in recent years, tick abundance has increased and the period of seasonal activity has extended in many areas. Climate change, particularly warmer, wet winters have had direct effects on tick feeding as well as impacting indirectly on vegetation cover and creating a more suitable habitat. The increase in deer numbers, habitat modification by conservation and changes in farming practices have also all contributed to the growth in numbers."
Stella Huyshe-Shires, from charity Lyme Disease Action, says: "Lyme Borreliosis is a rapidly emerging disease in the UK and a number of experienced healthcare professionals believe the increase in reported cases reflects a genuine rise over the last 20 years, and not just increased awareness leading to more diagnosis. There appears to have been an increase in ticks and, in turn, an increase in the prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in ticks."
'No Bite Is Right' is part of Bayer Animal Health’s wider 'It’s a Jungle Out There' parasite protection initiative. A series of campaign roadshows for pet owners will be taking place this year at the Ayr, Devon and New Forest County Shows. You can find out more about how your practice can get involved with the campaign by following the conversation on www.facebook.com/jungleforpets and downloading campaign materials at www.vetcentre.bayer.co.uk.
The BVA has welcomed Defra Secretary of Sate Hilary Benn's announcement on the arrival of the first batch of Bovilis(r) BTv8 vaccine in the UK.
Congratulating Intervet on the speed with which the vaccine had been developed BVA President Nick Blayney said: "This news represents a crucial stage in our fight against Bluetongue. The last few months have been a particularly busy time as the end of the vector-free period approached bringing with it the threat of more cases of Bluetongue."
BTv8 is devastating in its second season and the BVA was delighted to join with organisations from across the livestock sector to launch the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB).
"Our aim has been to achieve the mass vaccination of Bluetongue susceptible animals, including goats and camelids and since the veterinary profession is the corner stone of the vaccination programme, with responsibility for vaccine delivery, proper usage and monitoring for efficacy, BVA has been in overdrive through much of March and April trying to ensure that vets were fully up to speed in advance of the arrival of the vaccine. Now that the vaccine is here, having been granted a provisional marketing authorisation for use inside Protection Zones and classified as a POM-V, we have further updated our advice to the profession. Our one-page summary sets out key considerations for vets including meeting the "under our care" prescribing requirements, movement controls, doses, off-label use, distribution and storage and communication in the hopefully unlikely event of any suspected adverse reactions."
Mr Blayney was highly complimentary of the co-operation and shared sense of purpose demonstrated by all those involved with JAB and was proud that the message - Bluetongue - Don't Hesitate - Vaccinate! Contact Your Vet Today - had emphasised the unique role of the vet in the protection of animal health and welfare.
Colonel Neil Smith has been elected Vice-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He takes up office at RCVS Day on 6 July 2012.
Neil graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1989, and was commissioned into the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) with the intention of staying for four years. Twenty-two years later, he is now the Director Army Veterinary and Remount Services, effectively the Chief Veterinary Officer for the Army and head of the RAVC, which currently has over 35 Veterinary Officers.
He has held a mixture of clinical, staff and command positions, and has worked in the UK, US and Germany. He has Masters' Degrees in Food Science, Defence Administration and Defence Studies. He has also worked part-time in small animal practice (including the Blue Cross, of which he is now a Trustee), and was heavily involved in the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in 2001.
First elected to Council in 2004, Neil was re-elected in 2010 after a short break. He has served on Education, Advisory, Preliminary Investigation and Planning and Resources Committees, and on VN Council (currently Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Awarding Body).
He has also previously been President of the RVC Student Union Society, the RVC Alumnus Association, Southern Counties, and the Association of Government Veterinarians. He is currently a Council member of the Central Veterinary Society, and has previously sat on the BVA's Veterinary Policy Group.
Neil said: "I am honoured to have been elected as the next Vice-President. The College is about to go through some significant organisational changes, not least because of the proposed legislative reform order. However, I aim to ensure that we remain focused on our primary role in safeguarding the health and welfare of animals committed to veterinary care. The functions of the RCVS are quite diverse, and I am keen that we try to enhance both the profession's and the public's understanding of our remit, including our responsibility for educational, ethical and clinical standards."
Jacqui Molyneux has been confirmed as President, and Dr Jerry Davies as Vice-President, effective July 2012.
Elanco Companion Animal Health, which makes Surolan and Surosolve, has launched a couple of short films to demonstrate to pet owners how to administer veterinary prescribed ear drops and clean their pet's ears.
Filmed with the University of Bristol and published on YouTube, the first shows how to administer ear drops:
whilst the second offers hints and tips on using a veterinary supplied ear cleaner:
As well as being viewed on YouTube, the videos can also be embedded into veterinary practice websites or used on waiting room TV screens. They are available in different formats upon request from your local Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager.
Matthew Rowe, senior brand manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health, said: "The new YouTube films will enable dog owners to learn more about how to correctly administer ear treatments and cleaners to ensure that the procedure is as positive as possible for their pet. This will lead to better owner compliance and happier pets!"
Elanco has also revised its Surolan and Surosolve client leaflet and is running a special offer for the products offering veterinary practices up to 20% free Surosolve ear cleaner with qualifying purchases of Surolan.
For further information on the offer, or to ask for the Surolan or Surosolve footage or client leaflets to be sent direct to your veterinary practice, contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com
Hill's Prescription Diet j/d has been voted the Best Speciality Dog Product by readers of Your Dog at the magazine's recent annual Product Awards.
Robert Gundry, Consumer Marketing Manager at Hill's, said: "This is a great achievement for Hill's Pet Nutrition as it is clear recognition by consumers that j/d really does make a difference to the quality of life for dogs with mobility issues. It is also great news that dog owners are realising that mobility problems can be addressed with professional help from their vet and with appropriate nutrition."
According to Hill's, Prescription Diet Canine j/d has been clinically proven to help dogs with mobility problems. The company says its unique formula contains omega-3 fatty acids which soothe tissue around the joints and reduce inflammation to relieve pain. EPA, a specific omega-3 fatty acid found in sea fish oil preserves healthy joint cartilage.
Bayer Animal Health has signed a deal to sponsor GMTV's pet clinic to promote its market-leading wormer, Drontal.
Running from Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February, the pet clinic will feature TV vet Emma Milne advising viewers on the health and welfare of their pets.
The pet clinic slots will run twice a day throughout the week on GMTV and Drontal will be featured in the end credits. The advertising will target the product's core target audience - housewives with children - with key messages on the importance of regular worming with Drontal. In addition, GMTV will also include details on Drontal on its website - www.gm.tv, where pet owners will be able to follow a link to www.drontal.com.
Dan White, Drontal's product manager said: "By sponsoring GMTV's pet clinic, Bayer is highlighting the benefits of worming and encouraging pet owners to regularly worm their pets. The advertising features the iconic schnauzer (the face of Drontal's "Worms? Absolutely Not!'' campaign) and will serve to drive clients into practices asking for Drontal. This will not only result in healthier dogs and cats but also ultimately reduce the environmental reservoir of eggs."
VetSurgeon member Howard Wilder, founder and managing director of British veterinary pharmaceutical company Genitrix, has been named Director of the Year at the 2010 Institute of Directors' London and South East Director of the Year Awards.
Genitrix provides treatments and therapies for pets and horses, and has just launched Libromide, the UK's first licensed formulation of potassium bromide, used in the treatment of canine epilepsy. Howard won the award in the category for businesses with a turnover of up to £4.99 million.
Howard said: "I founded Genitrix in 1998 and it's undoubtedly my greatest achievement. From scratch, and in just 12 years, we've become one of the top 20 companies in the veterinary pharmaceutical sector and compete strongly with multi-million dollar global corporations.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to have won. It's recognition both of the success of Genitrix and for me personally. I've worked very hard to make Genitrix the best run business in the sector and this confirms that I'm heading in the right direction."