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AFSCAN app to provide perspective on canine health
Left to right: Dr Anselm Voigts, AFSCAN Ambassador, Namibia; Dr Olatunji Nasir, AFSCAN Ambassador, Nigeria, Professor Amandus Muhairwa, AFSCAN Ambassador, Tanzania.
Initative will collect data from vets in Kenya

Two initiatives have been announced by the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN) as part of its efforts to drive up standards of veterinary care in Africa.

Announced during a meeting of the AFSCAN Board and Ambassadors, the first initiative will use a tablet-based app to collect data from vets in Kenya. The vets will be asked to collect health and demographic data from dogs visiting their practices.

This will provide a 'valuable baseline perspective' on canine health in Kenya, says AFSCAN. It also has the potential to be extended across the AFSCAN countries, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.

The second initiative is a 'twinning programme' that will give vets in Africa the chance to partner with a veterinary hospital in the United States. The project aims to provide a long-term mentoring relationship with the African vet and allows the US vet to get involved in international veterinary development.

Developed by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), AFSCAN is working towards its goal of enhancing veterinary care in Africa. This is being achieved through the provision of online and continuing education and through the creation of a sustainable network of small companion animal veterinary associations (SAVA’s).

Commenting on the project's progress, Dr Gabriel Varga, chair of the AFSCAN board said: “The progress made by AFSCAN over the last three years is extraordinary and is a credit both to the Ambassadors and Board who have worked so hard to strengthen the companion animal veterinary communities in their own countries.   

“We are looking forward to the launch of our new projects for 2017. Looking ahead, we are also exploring how we can extend the benefits AFSCAN is bringing to other countries in Africa. 2017 is set to be another exciting year!”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.