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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th January 2012
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ESCCAP warns vets on PETS
Vets must 'educate clients about the risks'.

The European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) has advised that vets should educate owners about the changes in pet travel rules following the harmonisation of UK Quarantine Laws with EU legislation on January 1st 2012.

The harmonisation of the laws means that the six month quarantine period first instituted in 1897 has been reduced to 21 days in the case of vaccinated and microchipped animals from certain listed countries. Animals from non-listed countries now only need to spend three months in quarantine.

However, travelling pets are still at risk from parasites and diseases. The UK will maintain pre-existing controls against canine tapeworms, notably Echinococcus multilocularis (EM). The requirement for treatment before travel remains, but the treatment window has been extended to a period of up to five days before travel.

ESCCAP has also expressed particular concern about the lifting of requirements for tick treatment in animals coming into the UK from abroad and has warned UK owners to exercise caution and diligence when bringing their animals back from overseas.

Commenting on the new state of affairs, Anna Judson of ESCCAP said: "Veterinary professionals must take on board the changes to PETS that take effect on January 1. We cannot afford to shut our eyes to the issue as doing so risks the health of today's and tomorrow's pets."

“ESCCAP UK hopes that all vets and VNs will share this thought and will want to do their bit by helping to educate clients about the risks posed by parasites to traveling pets."
she added.

ESCCAP recommends that veterinary practitioners make themselves aware of the ramifications of the changes in the law and update their knowledge and client materials accordingly. It is also recommended that one person per practice should be appointed as a dedicated 'pet parasite champion' to disseminate the relevant information to colleagues and clients.

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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. 

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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.