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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th July 2011
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Tapeworm Freedom
Controls must be maintained to keep UK tapeworm free.

The European Union and UK Veterinary Profession are in agreement that controls for tapeworm (Echinoccus Multicularis (EM) need to be maintained.  Consequently, the European Commission has formed a regulation that will permit pre-movement treatment for dogs travelling between the UK, Ireland, Finland and Malta.

Despite Defra’s changes to European pet travel rules, which adds further protection against rabies, ticks and tapeworms, there is still a significant public health risk regarding EM tapeworms.  As BVA President Harvey Locke, explains:

“In our role as guardians of public health, vets were deeply concerned that the removal of tapeworm controls would see the introduction of EM tapeworm to the UK and Ireland.  Although relatively benign in dogs, the resulting disease in humans – alveolar echinococcosis – is an invasive, cancer-lie cystic stage of the parasite, and is invariably fatal if not treated.”

Thus, the BVA and BSAVA have been working with Defra to urge the European Commission to focus on controls specifically aimed at controlling tapeworms.   The commission’s regulation ensures that dogs must be treated by a veterinary surgeon 24 – 120 hours (1-5 days) before entering the partnered countries.   The BVA did stress there was scientific support that the window for treatment need only be 24-48 hours, but they accepted the commission's compromise as it does prevent pet owners from getting treatment at the last minute.

Both the BVA and BSAVA were ‘delighted’ that the European Commission had reached a stable resolution.  Andrew Ash, President of BSAVA stated they will continue to follow this issue, and gave an important reminder to pet owners:

“The BVA and BSAVA will continue to promote the best possible health and welfare advice for pet owners taking their animals abroad.  Our advice to owners is to speak to a vet as early as possible to make sure pets are protected from all diseases and parasites encountered abroad.”

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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.