The Committee heard a number of charges against Dr Davies.
Two of the charges related to convictions for drink driving in March 2014 and October 2015, for which she received driving bans for 17 months and 45 months respectively.
The third charge related to her breaching a number of undertakings she had entered into as part of the College’s Health Protocol, including her consuming alcohol on four occasions between May 2015 and January 2016 and missing a pre-arranged appointment.
The fourth charge related to being under the influence of alcohol on three occasions while she was on duty as a veterinary surgeon in December 2016 which was also in breach of her undertakings under the Health Protocol.
At the outset of the hearing Dr Davies admitted all five charges against her and that this meant she was unfit to practise veterinary surgery and that she was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect. The Committee accepted her admissions and found, with the exception of one allegation, that her conduct was disgraceful in a professional respect.
In considering the sanction for Dr Davies, the Committee considered a number of aggravating factors including the risk of injury to animals in her care; the fact that the misconduct was sustained or repeated over a period of time; the fact that her conduct contravened the advice issued to her by the Preliminary Investigation Committee upon entering the Health Protocol; and the fact that Dr Davies was in a position of trust and responsibility during the occasions she was under the influence of alcohol in December 2016 as she was the sole veterinary surgeon on duty.
In its consideration of sanction the Committee heard a submission from counsel for Dr Davies for the decision on sanction to be postponed for six months on the basis of Dr Davies complying with nine separate undertakings, including one not to practise as a vet. In making this application Dr Davies’ counsel told the Committee that her client was remorseful over her conduct and that she had been abstinent from alcohol since August 2017 after referring herself for treatment.
The Committee decided to postpone the hearing for six months on the basis of Dr Davies’ fulfilling her undertakings. These include not to practise veterinary surgery and to remain abstinent from alcohol during the period of postponement.
Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee accepted Dr Davies’ evidence and found her to have genuine remorse. Further it recognised that Dr Davies was fully committed to understanding and addressing her alcohol problem. Her efforts to avoid any repetition of misconduct were evident from the detailed undertakings which she had volunteered.
"The Committee took into account that Dr Davies had a hitherto unblemished career prior to her alcohol problem, having qualified in 1996. Further it noted that she had not worked as a veterinary surgeon since December 2016.
"The Committee therefore decided to postpone judgement so that Dr Davies could continue to demonstrate her improved insight and her abstinence from alcohol.”
Acepromazine-based Acecare is used alongside other opioids and reduces the amount of anaesthetic necessary to induce anaesthesia by approximately one third.
Animalcare Product Manager Eleanor Workman Wright said: "Practices are looking for greater cost-effectiveness in the products they use and are also keen to reduce waste.
"We are delighted to announce that Acecare, a trusted staple of anaesthetic protocols in use at many practices is now offering improved performance in both of these areas.”
For more information, contact your Animalcare Territory Manager or contact Animalcare’s head office on 01904 487687.
The case came after the NHS issued new guidelines for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) in November 2017 which listed homeopathy alongside herbal medicine and glucosamine/chondroitin as treatments which should not now be prescribed to new patients and which CCGs should assist in de-prescribing in all patients, on the grounds that they are "products of low clinical effectiveness, where there is a lack of robust evidence of clinical effectiveness or there are significant safety concerns."
The British Homeopathic Association challenged the decision on the grounds that the public consultation which preceded the guidelines was, amongst other things, conducted unfairly and biased/predetermined.
The judge, however, ruled otherwise, saying in his ruling that the consultation was "fair and balanced" and there was "no evidence of bias or predetermination on NHSE's part".
NHS chief Simon Stevens welcomed the decision, saying: "There is no robust evidence to support homeopathy which is at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds.
"So we strongly welcome the High Court’s clear cut decision to kick out this costly and spurious legal challenge."
Photo: Multicolored homeopathy tubes isolated on a white background. Lush. Shutterstock.
The Veterinary Benevolent Fund has launched a short film about a veterinary surgeon's experience of severe depression and her inspiring recovery.
The charity says it hopes the film, published on the Vetlife website today, will encourage the veterinary profession to talk more openly about stress and depression in the workplace and will motivate veterinary employers to adopt best practice in supporting their staff's mental health.
Nick Short, the VBF Director responsible for the development of the Vetlife website, said: "We are so grateful to the veterinary surgeon concerned for having the courage to share her story and for her insights into what could be done to make recovery easier for other vets. We were delighted to hear that she felt she was treated well and got the help she needed from the Veterinary Benevolent Fund and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme.
"Recent press reports have estimated that the cost to the UK economy of stress, depression and suicide is £26 billion per year. We know that the profession has a high incidence of these problems, so it follows that depressive illness must have an alarming economic effect on it. This means it is essential to invest in improving awareness and support.
"The VBF wants to produce more web videos on issues that veterinary surgeons, students or nurses commonly encounter such as debt, addiction, professional conduct or employment problems. However, we need to secure additional sponsorship in order to fund this work - each 5 minute video will cost about £2,500 to produce. If you or your organization would be interested in supporting this work, please contact the VBF office at 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ, telephone 020 7908 6385 or email info@vetlife.org.uk. Donations can also be made online at www.justgiving.com/VBF"
Rory O'Connor, National Co-ordinator at the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme said: "Many of us will have mental health problems at some point in our lives but most can make a full return to work with the right support. As highlighted in the film, it is really helpful if employers are willing to explore adjustments to working conditions or to the working environment such as flexible working hours or changes to working responsibilities. I am always available to help both employers and employees with these kinds of discussions and we are currently developing content on mental health support in the workplace for the Vetlife website. All advice is completely confidential."
The film was made by John Somers and Ben Sheriff at the University of Exeter using an actress to speak the words of the veterinary surgeon.
Fourth year veterinary students from the University of Sydney's Faculty of Veterinary Science have produced a nude calendar in which they use a variety of strategically placed animals to protect their modesty.
The calendar, called Under the Overalls, features a variety of animals, including three lucky (depending on your point of view) llamas, a calf, three sheep and a rather unfortunate fish.
It's all in aid of charity. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/undertheoveralls, or you can buy the calendar for $20 at www.undertheoveralls.com.
Picture: House of Cameo
The Animal Health Trust has begun a pilot study to investigate a possible link between seasonal canine illness (SCI) and harvest mites, continuing an initial study on the possible cause of SCI funded by the Kennel Club.
SCI is a mystery illness which in recent years has made a number of dogs walked in woodlands suddenly become ill.
Cases of SCI are usually seen from August to November, with dogs showing clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhoea and/or lethargy within 24 to 72 hours of walking in woodland. Dog owners are advised to seek immediate veterinary advice should they see these signs in their dog following a woodland walk.
So far this year, there have been 49 cases in total reported to the AHT, from across all of its current investigation sites. A number of cases reported to the charity have shown evidence of harvest mite infestation.
Charlotte Robin, SCI Research Co-ordinator at the AHT, said: "To enable us to eliminate harvest mites as a potential cause of SCI, we are advising dog owners to treat their dogs with a fipronil spray directly before walking in woodlands."
There are currently no licenced products that will specifically prevent against harvest mites, however fipronil spray is believed to be effective in preventing other mites. The researchers believe that it is important that dog owners use the spray and not the spot-on treatment, which may not provide the same level of localised protection on vulnerable areas.
Charlotte added: "Dog owners need to be aware that using fipronil spray may not protect their dog from SCI, but it could protect them from harvest mites and other external parasites. What we are trying to do with this study is eliminate the harvest mite and other external parasites from our enquiries.
In addition to advising all dog owners walking their dogs in woodlands during autumn to use fipronil spray as an external parasite treatment, the AHT is working with the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to offer to offer dog owners who wish to participate in the study access to the spray free of charge, if deemed appropriate by their veterinary surgeon.
As this is a prescription only medicine, the charity is issuing vouchers to dog owners which they can redeem for fipronil spray through their local vet practice, on the proviso their dog is deemed a suitable candidate by their vet.
Dog owners who meet the criteria and wish to participate in the study will be required to complete a SCI online questionnaire following their visit to the Estate, and an additional follow-up questionnaire regarding the pilot study, regardless of whether their dog was taken ill or not.
You can register to take part in the pilot study at www.aht.org.uk/scipilotstudy
Image courtesy: Luc Viatour / www.Lucnix.be
Bayer Animal Health has launched a new version of Drontal which is presented as a bone-shaped tablet.
The company says that this is the UK's first worming tablet shaped like a bone, and that the product is designed to help improve client compliance.
Dan White, Group Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: "Almost half of dog owners - surveyed prior to launch - indicated that new Drontal bone would encourage them to worm their dogs more routinely. This is clearly great news for practices especially during these difficult economic times.
The launch of Drontal bone will be supported by a marketing drive that includes a new advertising creative concept which will be featured as part of a national TV advertising campaign, and an online consumer-facing competition called Give Your Dog A Bone designed to engage further with dog owners and communicate the benefits of having a worm-free dog.
Dan added: "The online and supporting consumer PR campaign will bring to life the special bond between pet and owner, and celebrate the happiness that dogs bring to our lives when they are happy, healthy and worm-free."
Practices can request a practice support pack to promote the availability of Drontal bone which will include a notice board picture-pack aimed at dog owning clients by calling their Bayer Territory Manager or 01635 563380.
The Give Your Dog a Bone competition and PR campaign has been devised by leading healthcare communications agency Pegasus. The new 'bone-shaped' TV and print creative has been developed by the recently-appointed advertising agency Dinosaur and will launch in early 2012.
Drontal's Give Your Dog a Bone competition will be launched on 1st March 2012 at www.giveyourdogabone.co.uk.
The courses are:
MMI Manager Lisa Quigley commented: “I am really proud of this new tranche of training.
"Whereas our previous training has focused on the individual experience, for example, mental health awareness and resilience, these new courses recognise that individual instances of poor mental health and wellbeing can often be caused by systemic issues – whether that’s a poor workplace culture where bullying and incivility thrive, or discrimination on account of someone’s protected characteristics.
The full range of courses, including the dates and times and details on how to register, can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/training
Feedback about any of the courses can be sent to info@vetmindmatters.org
Starting in 2022 ‘The context, consequence and prevention of veterinary workplace injuries: a qualitative and quantitative study in the UK’ study aims to explore the context, consequences and behaviours surrounding veterinary workplace injuries - to improve the safety of the profession.
The first phase of the research was a cross-sectional survey of 740 broadly representative veterinary professionals.
Initial analysis, published in Occupational Medicine1, explored how injuries and their context are perceived by veterinary profession.
Themes identified during this phase of analysis were:
CVS says the veterinary industry should take note of the discrepancy of perception of what constitutes work-related injury in its practices and reporting protocols.
Practices may need an individualised approach to minimise their workplace injuries: some may need to work on revisiting their ideas around acceptable risk, whilst others may be good at minimising work-related harm, but have a complex or blame-associated reporting system which needs to be simplified.
Dr. John Tulloch, Lecturer and European Specialist in Veterinary Public Health, at the University of Liverpool who is leading the research, said: “Injuries that occur within veterinary practice can tragically at times be life-changing and are often avoidable.
"The objectives of this study are to understand how veterinary professionals define injuries and to understand what injuries they do or do not deem reportable.
"The results of this stage of the research have been both startling and complex.
"They highlight a profession in drastic need of cultural change and personal attitudes, with respect to injury prevention and mitigation.”
Dr. Imogen Schofield, Director of Clinical Research at CVS, said: “Using these findings, we will be able to develop and strengthen injury prevention measures through safety policy, education, and training.
"We anticipate that this project will result in safer workplaces within the wider veterinary community and, indirectly, in improved animal treatment through a fitter, healthier and safer profession.”
CVS says the research will lead to the development of open access educational tools aimed at promoting injury awareness and prevention.
The tools will focus on understanding why reporting injuries is important, how to develop a culture of accountability without blame, and when to seek medical attention and take time off work.
They will also investigate how to encourage clients to be safety ambassadors, and how to empower colleagues in challenging situations regarding restraint, aggressive patients and equine safety.
In addition, they will look at improving cat handling via International Society of Feline Medicine training and Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation, facilitating a rise in usage of hard hats in equine, and raising awareness of the risks associated with sharps plus sharp bin provision.
Reference:
Vetoquinol is advising vets and farmers to be on the lookout following the discovery of counterfeit Marbocyl on two farms in Northern Ireland.
The counterfeit product contains an unapproved source of Marbofloxacin in an untested formulation which presents an unknown risk to animal and human health if used.
Vetoquinol has informed the national authorities about this situation. It is illegal either to sell or supply the product or to knowingly buy and/or use it.
The withdrawal period of this counterfeit product is unknown. Should the product be used it could be detected in milk or after slaughter. Vetoquinol advises the veterinary community to be aware of the risk, to carefully check the product packaging before use and to continue to source the product from reputable suppliers.
Vetoquinol urges vets and farmers to take the following actions if you find this product on farm or are approached to purchase it:
Vetoquinol says vets can rest assured that it will do all that is necessary to remove this product from the market.
If you need further information or advice, do not hesitate to contact Vetoquinol on 0800 1698197.
A short survey, which has been emailed to BVA members this week, asks respondents to confirm which Official Controls Qualifications (OCQ(V)s) they currently hold or previously held.
They are also asked to give reasons if they have chosen to drop a particular qualification without revalidating it.
The BVA says members have raised concerns via Council about the OV training and revalidation process, citing time, cost, a lack of relevance and duplication of learning across different modules as reasons for choosing not to renew their qualifications.
The BVA plans to take the data and insights captured in the survey to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and make recommendations for how the system can be made more user-friendly and fit for purpose.
John Fishwick, BVA President, said: "Official Veterinarians have a critical role to play in upholding high standards of health and welfare across the supply chain, certifying products for export and safeguarding against disease and food fraud. We are already aware that this area is facing significant challenges as Brexit is likely to drive up demand for product certification.
"It is particularly worrying to hear that members are finding the system both frustrating and resource-intensive. Losing skilled professionals now at a time when they are needed most would be a real waste of specialist knowledge and could leave gaps in the UK’s provision for responding to disease outbreaks and meeting export certification needs post-Brexit.
"We understand and support the need to keep veterinary skills up to date, but the process for demonstrating this must be straightforward and proportionate. BVA will ensure that all insights offered by respondents are raised with APHA with the aim of getting the system right for OVs working in the UK both now and in the future."
BVA members can access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7Y2Y3RR. The deadline for responding is 29 June 2018.
The CPD event takes place this Thursday 9th April, from 9:30am to 5:30pm, using the Zoom video conferencing platform. The organisers say that the agenda is still being finalised, but will be split into three streams: Farm Animal, Equine and Small Animal.
Confirmed speakers include:
Although the event is free, participants are asked make a voluntary contribution at justgiving.com/fundrasing/vets-for-nhs.
To register for the event, visit www.vetsfornhs.co.uk
Vets for NHS is supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, MSD Animal Health, Nimrod and the Scottish Vet Fair.
The study, which was carried out by researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences at the University of Nottingham, is one of the first to look at colostrum hygiene in Great Britain. The researchers analysed data from 328 colostrum samples from 56 British dairy farms.
Samples collected from collection and feeding equipment had higher levels of bacteria than those collected directly from the cows’ teat, suggesting that whilst colostrum from the cow is relatively low in bacterial levels, improperly cleaned equipment can be a major source of bacterial contamination. Over one third of samples collected from collection or feeding equipment were over the threshold for high bacterial levels and represented a significant risk to the health of calves.
Dr Robert Hyde (pictured right), one of the researchers on the study, said: “By analysing colostrum collection protocols on the farms, we were able to identify a small number of management practices likely to have a substantial impact on colostrum hygiene for the majority of farms.
"For example, the use of scalding hot water to clean collection and feeding equipment could reduce bacteria levels by over 90% compared with using cold water only. Less than half of farms used scalding hot water to clean colostrum collection and feeding equipment, suggesting there are a large number of farms that could make this simple change.”
The main recommendations from the research are that colostrum hygiene protocols should include the cleaning of colostrum collection and feeding equipment after every use with hot water as opposed to cold water, and hypochlorite or peracetic acid as opposed to water or parlour wash.
Cows' teats should be prepared with a pre-milking teat disinfectant and wiped with a clean, dry paper towel prior to colostrum collection, and colostrum should be pasteurised where possible.
The AHDB guide to colostrum hygiene can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FziQX0B9yb4
Robert added: “This study provides a first look at bacteria levels in Great Britain, and the results suggest there are a few simple changes to collection and cleaning protocols that could have a significant impact on colostrum hygiene levels on British dairy farms. By making these simple changes there is likely to be significant improvement in colostrum hygiene, which is essential in minimising the risk of disease and ensuring the optimum health and welfare of calves on dairy farms.”
The full study is open access and can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.601227/full
The University of Nottingham herd health toolkit contains a “Colostrum bacteriology” section, where vets and farmers can use the results from this study to see what management changes might have the largest impact on colostrum hygiene, can be found here: https://herdhealth.shinyapps.io/toolkit/
Reference
Petplan has teamed up with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to launch Summer Safety, a pet owner education campaign based on insurance claims received by the company.
The company reports that last year, 83% of all heat stroke claims occurred in the summer months (June-August), with 48% of them in July alone. Almost half of all heat stroke claims last year came in at an average of £315, with the highest claim reaching nearly £600.
80% of grass seed claims happened between June and August last year, 41% of which happened in July. The highest grass seed claim paid out by Petplan last year was just over £3,600, with the top ten highest grass seed claims totalling over £18,500.
Petplan says it also sees a significant spike in claims for injuries resulting from other foreign bodies in ears and paws in the summer months. Last year, 77% of claims arising from foreign bodies in ears and 55% for foreign bodies in paws occurred between June and August.
In order to alleviate the risk to pets and highlight the danger, Petplan and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have created a guide to help pet owners determine how at-risk to heat their pet is. The guide is available to download at petplan.co.uk/summersafety and Battersea.org.uk/funinthesun.
Petplan's vet Brian Faulkner MRCVS said: "Using the simple four step process, the guide encourages pet owners to answer a series of questions that reveals their pet's SPF score, whilst including useful tips to help keep their pet out of harm's way during the hotter months. The scale calculates a pet's risk to retaining heat based on four factors, those being; coat colour, coat type, length of the animal's nose and its age, to determine either a low, medium or high risk susceptibility."
One of Carl's main presidential tasks will be implementing the BSAVA’s new strategy for 2024, which comes from a current project looking into the wider veterinary profession and how BSAVA can support the community.
Carl is the clinical director of a busy small animal and exotics practice in Newbury, which is also a partner practice for Surrey University, helping to train final year vet students.
He has been a member of BSAVA for 40 years and started volunteering for the Southern Regional Committee in 2013.
Carl said: “BSAVA has always been important to me in my professional life.
"Since becoming a volunteer, I have admired even more the dedication of the staff and volunteers who make up the association.
“I see my time on BSAVA Board as a service to the association and to the small animal veterinary world.
"Becoming President is a huge honour but is part of an ongoing commitment to doing what I can to help BSAVA thrive.”
The survey of 1,019 dog owners was conducted by petbuzz in December 2022.
Veterinary cardiology specialist, Dr Rachel James, said: “The CKCS has long been a very popular breed of dog in high demand, due to their loving and placid nature making them perfect family pet.
"We know that sadly at least 50% of CKCS have evidence of MVD disease by the time they are five, with 98% of dogs affected in their lifetimes.
"However, we can help our clients when selecting this breed to choose a puppy that is less likely to develop MVD at an early age, by utilising the heart testing scheme (Doppler heart testing).
"Prospective owners should be asking to see test results for the parents, grandparents, and even better great grandparents too, on both maternal and paternal sides.
"In addition breeders need more support and education to encourage the use of the heart testing scheme and how this can enable them to choose the best dogs to breed from.
"Furthermore we should be encouraging breeders to breed from dogs only when they are at least 3 years of age.”
Vita Animal Health commissioned the survey to raise awareness of the condition and to remind owners to use their vet’s expertise.
Vita’s veterinary nurse, Tara Evans, said: “The CKCS is a very popular breed of dog, perhaps set to be more so now King Charles III is reigning monarch.
"This survey has shown that awareness of mitral valve disease – which is very common in this breed – is not as good as it could be.
"We want to support vets in raising awareness and have useful resources such as our heart disease infographic (www.vitaanimalhealth.com/common-signs-of-heart-disease) that we welcome all vets in using.”
The BVA has partnered with Closer Still Media, the impresarios behind the London Vet Show, to organise the event. They say it will cater for 1,500 veterinary professionals and provide high-value, low-cost, practical clinical and non-clinical CPD, big issue debates, and showcase key veterinary suppliers and vendors in the exhibition in a vibrant central location.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "I’m delighted to announce the launch of BVA Live. It’s an opportunity for BVA to return to hosting our own standalone conference for the first time since BVA Congress became part of the London Vet Show in 2013. The new conference will enable the veterinary community to come together, outside of London, to develop and thrive through a programme of excellent CPD, delivered by world class speakers.
"For me the most important element of BVA Live is bringing the veterinary profession together to tackle the big issues we face and providing an opportunity to engage with BVA Officers, volunteers and staff in one central venue. By hosting the conference at the NEC, Birmingham, with its excellent direct road, rail and air links it means that we can provide a greater regional offering to the veterinary profession."
It remains to be seen what impact this new conference will have on BSAVA Congress, which for many years was pretty much the only gig in town. Then, with the London Vet Show snapping at its heels, it announced it would move north from Birmingham to Manchester from 2021. Hardly will the dust have settled, than BVA and CloserStill are filling the void. At this rate, BSAVA Congress will probably have to move to the Hebrides by 2025.
It looks like there are a lot of dice being rolled here. Will more vets want to meet in Manchester than Birmingham? Will any of us be meeting next year, or will coronavirus continue to limit gatherings in 2021?
For more information and to register your interest in attending, visit bvalive.vetshow.com
The BSAVA has announced that comic Michael McIntyre has joined the line up for Congress Party Night.
McIntyre will be joining comedian Fred MacAulay and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin
To register for BSAVA, click here.
Royal Canin has announced the launch of its Christmas promotion through which practice clients will be rewarded with activity balls for cats and leashpods for dogs.
The stocking fillers will be distributed to practices along with promotional materials such as posters and shelf wobblers, to encourage clients to buy Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition (VCN) pet food.
Veterinary Marketing Manager, Lindsay Calcraft, said: "Customers who purchase any 1.5kg bag of feline VCN or any 3.5kg bag of canine VCN from their vet will receive a cat activity ball or a leashpod to thank them for their custom and support.
"For those who don't know what a leashpod is, it's a fantastic dog lead handle to help you carry all those essential items needed for walking a dog. It has an integrated bag dispenser, its own scented mini bin for storing smelly used bags and two secure pockets for treats, keys, money or your mobile phone."
For more information about the Christmas promotion, visit www.royalcanin.co.uk or contact your Veterinary Business Manager.
The events will cover a range of subjects designed to boost morale, positively influence wellbeing and reduce the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). They will also demonstrate how to support employees and colleagues to ensure work is sustainable, productive and enjoyable and guide veterinary professionals through mechanisms to make working life a more positive experience, despite the current climate.
The series will feature 30-minute presentations by wellbeing professionals such as sports psychiatrist, Dr Claire Gillvray (pictured right), human factors specialist, Dan Tipney, and occupational psychologist, Prof Elinor O’Connor.
The full programme is:
Liz Barton, co-founder of WellVet, said: “WellVet exists to provide practical tools and a supportive network to help positively influence and improve wellbeing and boost morale. This programme of events is designed to answer specific challenges we’re experiencing – now more than ever in veterinary teams, and to bring us together for a bit of festive cheer."
Emma McAnally, territory manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. said: “During these challenging times, work and life in general can often seem overwhelming. We are delighted to support the WellVet Winter Wellbeing series to help improve wellbeing both in the work and home environments.”
For further information on the WellVet Winter Wellbeing series and for details on how to join visit www.wellvet.co.uk.
Elanco says Baycox Iron offers a time-saving flexible dosing treatment which complements the company’s existing piglet gut health portfolio.
Louise Radford, marketing manager at Elanco, said: "By treating piglets at two or three days old, it’s possible to allow enough exposure to the coccidiosis parasite to enable them to develop natural immunity, while preventing any damage to the gut caused by subclinical and clinical coccidiosis which leads to poor growth and low weaning weights.
"By combining treatments, it's possible to limit the number of times they are handled, which in turn reduces stress and enhances growth”.
Elanco also makes the Coliprotec vaccine against post weaning diarrhoea (PWD).
Louise added: “As farmers and vets prepare for the removal of zinc oxide as a treatment option next year, focusing on gut health throughout all stages of development has never been more crucial.
For more information, contact your Elanco pig team specialist or visit https://www.myelanco.co.uk/cpd/swine/hub.
MSD says that no other UK-licensed BRD vaccine can be administered earlier in life and that the onset of immunity for BRSV is 6 days (for calves vaccinated from the day of birth onwards) and 5 days (for calves vaccinated from the age of one week onwards).
Onset of immunity for Pi3V is one week after vaccination. The duration of immunity is 12 weeks for both viruses.
From a practical standpoint, the new license means Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live can now be used on farm at the same time as other early life interventions associated with newborn calves – for example, colostrum/first milk feeding, navel management, tagging, jacketing and necessary pen movements.
Additionally, Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live can be used up to six hours after mixing with the solvent, which MSD says is the longest of all the available intranasal vaccines for these pathogens.
The vaccine is supplied as a nasal suspension product that doesn’t need a specific applicator – although for maximum flexibility an easy-clean injector and nozzle kit is available for vaccinating multiple animals.
The vaccine is available in 5x1 dose, 5 dose and 5x5 dose packs.
The new formula also contains crataegus, L-carnitine and magnesium taurate, and is designed to be used alongside all heart medications.
Alongside the launch of the new product, Vita has also created an infographic highlighting the common signs of heart disease in dogs.
https://vitaanimalhealth.com/common-signs-of-heart-disease
https://vitaanimalhealth.com/product/omnicardio-plus
Defra has announced that new rules on pet travel will be introduced from 1st January 2012. The changes will mean that the rules on rabies vaccination for entry into the UK will be in line with the rest of Europe.
Defra has carried out a risk assessment to find out how the changes will affect the level of risk of rabies entering the UK. Although the probability of rabies introduction into the UK will increase, the assessment found the risk will remain very low after the increase.
The British Veterinary Association and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association are informing their members of the new rules so that the right advice can be given to pet owners planning to travel abroad with their animals.
Dogs, cats and pet ferrets entering the UK from an EU or 'listed' third country from 1 January 2012 must:
The current requirement to carry out a blood test followed by a six-month wait before entry into the UK will no longer be required.
From 1st January pets entering from a non-listed third country must pass a blood test 30 days after vaccination followed by a three-month wait.
Until now, the UK, Ireland and three other Member States have had derogations from EU pet travel rules to allow for additional controls to protect against rabies, ticks and tapeworms.
Successful vaccination programmes in wildlife in mainland Europe have now allowed the UK to consider whether the additional controls for rabies are still necessary.
The BVA and BSAVA have continued to lobby in Europe for additional controls to be maintained for tapeworms, which could introduce Echinococcus multilocularis to the UK - a significant public health concern.
Although a final decision has not yet been made the European Commission has indicated that it will support the UK case for additional tapeworm controls.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "It is vital that any controls on animal movements are proportionate to the risk.
"Due to the highly successful vaccination programme in wildlife in mainland Europe there has been a huge reduction in the incidence in rabies. Research carried out by Defra reveals that the risk of introducing rabies under the new rules is very low.
"However, it is essential that pet owners get good veterinary advice when planning to take their animals abroad because pets can be exposed to a number of diseases not currently endemic in the UK, for example leishmaniasis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis.
"As part of responsible ownership we would always advise pet owners to visit their vet for a pre-travel consultation to discuss how to protect the health and welfare of their animals when travelling abroad."
Andrew Ash, President of the BSAVA, added: "The Pet Travel Scheme has been highly successful in keeping the UK free of rabies. BVA and BSAVA have been working closely with Defra to ensure that any changes to the pet travel rules do not threaten our disease-free status.
"The rabies vaccine has advanced and now has a longer duration of immunity and we welcome the continuing requirement for all pets to be vaccinated before travel."
The Kennel Club has announced that it now recognises the Portuguese Pointer, bringing the total number of recognised pedigree breeds in the UK to 212.
The Portuguese Pointer is only the second new breed to be recognised by the Kennel Club in the last five years.
However, as exotic dog breeds have risen in popularity, the Kennel Club reports that many native breeds have fallen out of favour and have been put on its list of 'vulnerable native breeds'; those with less than 300 annual puppy registrations which could disappear from our streets and parks if their numbers continue to decline.
New statistics released by the Kennel Club have shown that whilst vulnerable native breeds have increased in number this year, certain breeds such as the Sealyham Terrier and Otterhound continue to decline. Recent years have seen the Old English Sheepdog and English Setter enter the 'at watch' list. Furthermore, with just 239 Pembroke Corgi registrations so far this year, it is feared the Queen's favourite breed could also become vulnerable for the first time.
By contrast, exotic breeds such as the French Bulldog and Smooth Coated Chihuahua (originally from Mexico) are increasing in popularity with 4,843 and 2,931 registrations respectively so far this year. Between 2003 and 2012 the breeds have increased by 1,232% and 700% respectively.
When the first ever Kennel Club stud book was produced in 1874, just 43 breeds were listed, including many native breeds that are now considered to be vulnerable, such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Clumber Spaniel, Otterhound and Skye Terrier.
Some native breeds continue to thrive, including the English Springer Spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bulldog, the Golden Retriever, and the Border Terrier, all top ten breeds. But others in the top ten are from abroad.
Visitors to Discover Dogs, which is taking place at Earls Court on November 9th and 10th will be able to meet more than 200 breeds of dog under one roof, including the vulnerable breeds and the latest pedigree dog breeds in the UK.
The newly added Turkish Kangal Dog will also be coming to the event. This breed was added earlier this year and was the first new breed to join the Kennel Club register in almost five years. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, officially recognised from 1 October 2008, was the last dog recognised by the Kennel Club prior to the two new additions for this year. Organiser of the Kennel Club's Discover Dogs event, Vanessa McAlpine, said: "The UK is lucky to have so many wonderful dog breeds, and at our Discover Dogs event people have a unique opportunity to meet more than 200 of them, including those that might never cross your path in day to day life because they are so rare, those that are new to our shores and those that have been working with people in Britain for hundreds of years."
To find out more about Discover Dogs, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk/.