Have you got brains and brawn? Do you have what it takes to try the Vet Charity Challenge 2012?

Veterinary practices and companies have an opportunity to take part in a day-long charity event to raise money for Hounds for Heroes, SPANA and the Pet Blood Bank.

The Vet Charity Challenge will consist of both physical and problem-solving tasks, including cycling, kayaking, walking and running. Anyone of any fitness level can enter in a team of four.

It’s for a good cause, it’ll be fun and it’ll bring your team closer together: sign up for the Vet Charity Challenge today.

Member states must enforce the EU Animal Welfare Strategy or it simply won’t work

The BVA has welcomed changes by the European Commission’s new Animal Welfare Strategy but highlights the need for robust, transparent enforcement of proposed measures to ensure their effectiveness.

Member states typically suffer no penalties for failing to enforce proposals, there are no real economic incentives to upholding them leading to a dramatic effect on animal welfare.

The BVA, whilst positive about the new proposals, commented that they don’t do enough to protect companion animals and dairy cattle.

Read the proposals on the European Commission website.

Native British breed at risk of extinction

The English Setter has joined 24 other breeds at risk of extinction in the UK, numbering only 234 Kennel Club registrations last year, a 33% decline from 2010.

Celebrity culture and a desire for more exotic and ‘famous’ breeds are driving breeds such as The English Setter out of fashion and, ultimately, to extinction.

The Kennel Club has spoken out against owners who shun native breeds in favour of exotic ones, claiming few owners know or understand exotic breeds well enough to provide the right lifestyle for them. The Kennel Club blames the decline on ‘fickle tastes and celebrity culture’ – aspects of our society that are not easily combatted in mainstream culture.

For more information on The English Setter and Kennel Club services visit The Kennel Club website.

Dogs are more likely to catch Lyme disease in the UK than previous estimates suggest

Lyme disease is spread by infected ticks and causes flu-like conditions progressing, if untreated, to neurological problems and arthritis. The disease is transmissable to humans.

Lyme is growing in the UK, with 481 infected ticks in 100 000 dogs, a startling figure of 2.3% compared to previous estimates of as low as 1.79%.

Increased surveillance, awareness and tick-treatment is needed. Owners must be made aware of the dangers of Lyme disease, both to themselves and their pets.

Visit the Health Protection Agency to see full results of the study.

MSD Animal Health signs agreement with University Medical Center (UMC)

‘Evasion Molecules in Bovine Mastitis Vaccines’ (EVAC) is part of the ALTANT (alternatives for antibiotics) programme, a public-private consortium committed to finding alternative, effective and scientifically proven methods of combatting widespread diseases such as mastitis.

The EVAC project has identified troublesome molecules that previously blocked efforts to produce a vaccine for bovine mastitis. If the project proves successful treatment and prevention of mastitis would increase across the industry.

For more details on ALTANT and the drive to lower antibiotic use, visit ImmunoValley.

Elanco conducts research to prove effectiveness of vaccine

Elanco has conducted a new study that displays marked antibody response to influenza in Thoroughbred weanlings treated with Duvaxyn IE-T.

The study involved 66 unvaccinated weanlings who were monitored over six months. The study was conducted in a field conditions as opposed to most vaccination studies which are conducted in closed laboratory settings.

Merial announced the launch of Purevax Recombinant FeLV. Delivered subcutaneously, Purevax features improved potency, and has a lower antigen concentration than the previous Purevax Recombinant Leukemia Vaccine.

Source: Brakke Consulting

Norbrook Laboratories announced the addition of an equine version of its Noroquin glucosamine feed supplement. Noroquin for Horses has six active ingredients, including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, ascorbic acid and N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine.

Source: Brakke Consulting

Northern Ireland develops code of practice for pet ownership

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has released proposals defining a code for the ownership of horses, rabbits and primates in Northern Ireland. The BVA and NIVA have welcomed the proposals and both recognise the need for a code in owning these animals.

The draft code outlines the need for a suitable environment, the need for a healthy diet, the need for normal behaviour, the need for appropriate socialisation and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Visit DARD for more information.

Boehringer Ingelheim hosts series of free webinars

The free equine webinars will be available on The Boehringer Ingelheim Academy for a limited time next month. Free registration is required to access the site.

For full CPD don’t forget to visit Vetacademy, which, unlike webinars provides CPD that can be accessed at anytime from anywhere – even your phone.