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BVA calls for tighter pet travel rules
babesiosis
Earlier this year Babesia canis - which is carried by a tick species not native to the UK - was found in a number of Essex dogs that had not travelled overseas.
Tick treatments 'should be reinstated'
 
The BVA is calling for tick treatments to be reintroduced for cats and dogs travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), in order to protect human and animal health from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

In response to the government's review of the Non-commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011, BVA said tapeworm treatments for cats should also be reinstated and consideration given to reducing the treatment window from 24-120 hours, to 24-48 hours before entering the UK.

The order, which came into force in 2012, made it easier to travel between the UK and mainland Europe with pets, but also removed the requirement for tick treatments. BVA believes this has increased the risk of zoonotic and other diseases, including rabies and Echinococcus multilocularis, entering the UK.

Earlier this year Babesia canis - which is carried by a tick species not native to the UK - was found in a number of Essex dogs that had not travelled overseas, suggesting pockets of infected ticks may be established in parts of the country. In addition, there are increasing reports of other vector-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis in the veterinary press.

BVA president Gudrun Ravetz said: "The increase in cases of babesiosis is a real concern to vets throughout the UK. That's why we are calling for the re-introduction of tick treatments for all cats and dogs travelling under PETS."

As well as concerns about disease risk, BVA highlighted concerns about the abuse of the pet passport system by illegal puppy traders. It recommended a reduction in the number of pets that can be transported under the scheme to no more than five per vehicle, rather than five per person. This should be further reduced to two per vehicle for puppies under six months old.

More intelligence-led checks are also needed in addition to the current document and identity checks, the organisation added.

The current review of the 2011 order is mandatory and does not relate to potential legislation changes as a result of the UK's planned exit from the EU. Defra is planning to put its review report before parliament by 31 December 2016.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.