Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd October 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Rare breed of piglets born in UK
Pigs that resemble cartoon character Dumbo bred

A litter of Meishan, also known as Dumbo, piglets has been born in the UK - the first for over 30 years.

The rare piglets are the offspring of one of only three Meishans in the country and, when fully grown, will have very wrinkly faces and long black ears - hence the breed's nickname, Dumbo.

Meishans were imported into the UK from China more than three decades ago for research purposes and the breed has not been seen in the country again until last year.

In 2011, Linda McDonald Brown, public speaker and author of two pig books, was looking for a more unusual breed, not only to appeal to British smallholders and farmers, but also for families to keep as an outdoor pet.

When she and her husband came across the breed during a trip to the Netherlands, they brought two females and an unrelated boar back with them into the UK.

Meishans are known for being easy breeders and for having docile temperaments. In the USA and Canada they are often crossed with both commercial and traditional breeds to increase litter size and add succulence to meat.

The breed is known for having up to 25 piglets in a litter.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.