The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that it is continuing to work with China and neighboring countries to contain the avian flu virus H7N9 which first emerged in the north east of China around Shanghai in early April. The FAO noted China had strengthened the monitoring of migratory birds and established two [...]

Ratio of income to debt for new vets ‘ominous’

A report by the NY Times has revealed stark increases in student debt in the last decade, with median borrowing of $63 000 per year according to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.

This figure has not been met by increasing wages. Starting salaries have in fact fallen by 13% to an average of $45,575, with a lower total population of pets and rising medical costs resulting in too many vets and not enough jobs.

Unfortunately there are no simple solutions: vet schools need to make it obvious that new vets will face higher debt.

Vets agree that the current situation is simply unsustainable, thousands of students paying for more expensive training to do worse paid jobs just simply doesn’t add up.

For the full story visit the NY Times.

Mandatory microchipping for all UK dogs by 2016 welcomed by BVA and BSAVA

Veterinary associations have hailed the introduction of compulsory microchipping for all dogs in England as a giant leap forward for dogs and their owners. The new law is designed to reduce the number of strays who currently make up over a third of all dogs in the UK.

Defra has announced that from 6 April 2016 all dogs will be required to have a microchip, giving owners over 3 years to comply with new legislation that will be drafted by Defra. Dog owners who fail to comply will be met with a fine.

Commenting, BVA President Peter Jones, said:
“Microchipping is a safe and effective way to link dogs to their owners and is an essential part of responsible ownership.”

For more information visit the Microchipping Alliance.

MRSA superbug highlights antibiotic overuse

The Soil Association is calling for the government to investigate British farm animals carrying MRSA and act to stop the overuse of antibiotics in farming.

This follows new research from the University of Cambridge revealing the first cases of MRSA ST398 have been found in UK livestock. First found in pigs in the Netherlands in 2003, MRSA ST398 has since become epidemic in European and North American pig populations and has spread to poultry and cattle.

The superbug can cause serious and occasionally deadly infections in humans and is becoming a cause of mastitis in cows. The high level of antibiotic resistance makes this infection difficult to treat, and the Cambridge scientists say their finding is therefore ‘of significance to both veterinary and human health’.

For more information visit The Soil Association

British Horse Society identifies additional risks to horses and consumers

The recent revelations concerning horse meat being identified in various meat products has highlighted concerns about meat traceability and equine welfare according to The British Horse Society.

The UK’s largest equine charity believes that a number of serious food hygiene issues need addressing as a matter of urgency. The 2012 Defra decision to withdraw funding from the National Equine Database, and the subsequent loss of that database, has given rise to concerns that it is possible for contaminated horsemeat to enter the human food chain.

Abolishment of Dog Control Orders concerns Kennel Club

The Kennel Club has responded to the Home Office Affairs Committee’s call for evidence on the Government’s draft Anti-Social Behaviour Bill with serious concerns regarding the abolishment of Dog Control Orders, which it feels can be used effectively by councils to promote responsible dog ownership when used correctly.

It also does not believe that the new proposals outlined in the Bill would be more effective in tackling dog related anti-social behaviour.

More information on the draft Anti-Social Bill can be found on the UK Parliament website.

The Kennel Club’s full response is available on the Kennel Club website.

Study to analyse first assessments of colic

Although most cases of equine colic can be treated and less than 10% of cases are severe enough to require surgery, it is one of the conditions horse owners most dread.

The research team is hoping to enrol veterinary surgeons from across the country to help gather information on 1000 cases. So far nearly 80 vets have registered to take part, but more are needed. They are being asked to participate in the survey by completing online survey or paper forms about the cases they see.

The study is being carried out by Laila Issaouli a PhD student at The University of Nottingham. She said: “We are specifically looking at first presentation and evaluation of colic.

For more information on equine colic visit Vetstream Equis

Reported Outbreak of Neurological Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1)

THE BHA have warned trainers to be vigilant for signs of disease after it was announced that Victor Dartnall’s Devon yard had been temporarily closed due to the discovery of an outbreak of what is believed to be equine neurological herpes.

Professor Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare at the BHA, said that horses may have been infectious before disease was diagnosed, although he said the risk of contagion was small.
He said: “We have been working with the trainer and his veterinary surgeon to ensure that the correct, robust security measures have been put in place.

For more information on all four types of EHV visit Vetstream Equis.

WSAVA calls for co-ordinated worldwide infectious disease monitoring worldwide

Following a new study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA’s) One Health Committee has called for a co-ordinated global infectious disease monitoring system to be established for veterinarians who work in small companion animal practice worldwide.

The lofty project would tackle zooneses many of which are currently overlooked by the general public, but would require the support of politicians, vets and scientists across the world.

To see the full study visit the WSAVA

Vetstream will be at the London Vet Show from 15-16th November

The London Vet Show is one of the busiest veterinary events in the UK with exhibitors including the BVA and RCVS. The show includes sponsor-led seminars, CPD lectures, business seminars and an extensive scientific programme.

Vetstream will be bringing its iPad offer to Stand I 75. If you’re attending make sure to stop by!

More details can be found at the London Vet Show.