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BSAVA Congress press conference
Panel of animal experts discuss genetic and inherited diseases

Just hours into the 56th annual BSAVA Congress, a press conference was held to uncover the views of various representatives within the veterinary and animal welfare industry.

The press conference's focus was genetic and inherited diseases, and a "Question Time" approach was used, taking questions from those in attendance.

Chairing the event was Chris Laurence, who welcomed the panel of highly-regarded animal experts.

These included the BSAVA president Mark Johnston, Kennel Club (KC) chairman Steve Dean, KC geneticist Aimee Llewellyn and the Animal Health Trust's (AHT) head of canine genetics, Cathryn Mellersh.

Further panel members included Will Jeffels, who performs the vet checks at Crufts, Sheila Crispin of the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding and Claire Bessant, CEO of International Cat Care (formerly the Feline Advice Bureau).

Various questions were put to the panel, who each gave very individual responses on behalf of their specific field.

For example, when asked what is the most important aspect of the genetic and inherited diseases issue, Steve felt the problem lies with both vets and laws of dog breeding.

Meanwhile geneticist Catherine said she believes there should be more of a collaboration between each of the separate fields.

She explained: "There is no single way to solve this - we need to inform puppy owners together".

While the issue exists for cats, Claire explained that it is not such a big problem for the species. She reiterated that there needs to be more science on the topic and that the message needs to be spread so it is common knowledge.

Other questions covered the canine vet checks at Crufts and the prospect of introducing such checks to more than just the 14 designated "High Profile breeds", as well as the effect of the BBC's "Pedigree Dogs Exposed", years after the report was televised.

The press conference was followed by a lunch, in which attendees were invited to talk to the panel and attending BSAVA officers.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.