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Concern for badgers trapped in cages during heatwave
Badgers may be trapped with no access to water until the cages are checked.
BVA calls for a review of best practice guidelines 

With temperatures set to soar once again, the BVA has expressed concern about the welfare of badgers trapped in cages for extended periods of time.

According to the organisation, there are reports that badgers may be trapped with no access to water until the cages are checked, which might not be until the next day.

Best practice guidlines published by Natural England state that culling should be as humane as possible with steps taken to mitigate against exposure to bad weather. But traps are often set during the day and not checked until the following morning, meaning that a badger could be trapped for 12 hours or more.

In consultations about badger control, the BVA has appealed for tougher guidance to ensure cages are checked at regular intervals throughout the day, especially in the morning. It has also called for culling processes to operate as humanely as possible with special consideration given to badgers trapped in adverse weather.

“There are obvious welfare concerns if badgers are being trapped in extreme temperatures with no access to water for long periods of time,” said BVA president John Fishwick. “We would urge Natural England and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to review what is happening currently in cull areas and take mitigating action if required while the heatwave continues.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

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News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.