@parvoalert effective in identifying canine parvovirus (CPV)

A Twitter-based early warning system to alert vets and dog owners of cases of canine parvovirus (CPV) in their area has warned of cases in 61 postcode areas in the three months since it was launched.

Be sure to follow @parvoalert for all the latest updates.

Twitter-based early warning system to launch in 2012

A twitter-based early warning system to alert vets and dog owners of cases of canine parvovirus (CPV) in their area is to go live on 1 November 2012.

Launched by Virbac Animal Health, @parvoalert is a twitter feed that updates followers on the geographic location of cases of the disease using the first half of the relevant postcode. The company is asking vets and owners learning of a case to tweet the first half of the postcode where it occurs to @parvoalert. Virbac will then retweet it. It’s also advising vets and owners to check the feed regularly for news of cases. The service is free.

For more information on canine parvovirus visit Vetstream Canis.

Virbac announce first EU canine leishmaniosis vaccine at BSAVA

After 20 years of development and stringent testing, CaniLeish has been proven effective in vaccinating dogs against leishmaniosis. Clinical trials demonstrated a 93% success rate over a two year period using realistic environmental conditions.

CaniLeish consists of three injections given over six weeks, dogs should then be vaccinated anually.

Leishmaniosis is a parasitic disease which is often fatal, causing skin lesions, hair loss, dermatitis and severe kidney failure. For full details about the disease visit Vetstream.

10% of practices across the UK joined Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM) in November

Feedback on CPAM showed many owners were unaware of the dangers of canine prostate cancer and its prevalance. The campaign, one of Virbac’s most successful, educated owners and led to an increased number of prostate checks.

The campaign ran alongside Movember last November, in which thousands of men grew moustaches to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer.

Catriona Curtis becomes new Field Veterinary Advisor at Virbac Animal Health

Royal (Dick) Veterinary School graduate and long-time member SPVS (Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons) Catriona Curtis has become the new Field Veterinary Advisor (North) for Virbac in the UK.

Catriona will be providing technical support and product advice to practices on issues concerning both small and large animals, and will report directly to Virbac’s Technical Director, Chris Taylor.

5th Southern European Veterinary Conference (SEVC) tops delegate attendance

The 4 day conference took place in Barcelona and had over 3200 attendees, with delegates from 51 different countries.

Amongst other presentations, Virbac and Elanco presented symposia on vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis, and new scientific techniques for managing fleas.

Outside the scientific program, SEVC offered a vibrant party towards the end of the conference, with a traditional Spanish Flamenco show hosted by Hill’s.

The next SEVC conference will be 18-21 Oct 2012, Barcelona. For more information take a look at the SEVC site.

A shortage of vaccines has prompted Virbac to increase production across the UK

Practices are advised to continue ordering as normal as Virbac ups production on vaccines including Feligen RCP, Leucogen and Leucofeligen. Wholesalers have been sent a limited supply, but when stocks deplete practices should place orders with Virbac directly.

Call 01359 243243 and select option 3 to place an order directly with Virbac.

Supplies are expected to return to normal levels by the end of November.

Virbac has moved BackHome BioTec, a major independent microchipping service in the UK to Petlog, a service operated by the Kennel Club that will now handle registration.

Petlog offers a 24/7 helpline and full payment support ensuring owners and vets can always locate their pets and patients.

Existing customers should create an account on the Virbac Back Home site, which provides full information on all changes including a guide to help explain the new system to owners.

Virbac is highlighting the prevalance of prostate disease in dogs this November. 80% of dogs over the age of 5 develop Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) which can lead to constipation, infertility and other painful symptoms. For full information on BPH take a look at the Vetstream factsheet.

Virbac has released Odelis CPSE, an ELISA screen which can diagnose and monitor BPH, and is a less intrusive alternative to rectal examination. Virbac also offers Ypozane, a tablet treatment to manage BPH.

Virbac will be providing promotional material for practices to raise awareness throughout November. If you would like your practice to be involved contact your nearest Virbac Regional Manager or call 01359 243243.

Periodontal disease falls under the radar for a lot of owners. Identifying diseases before they get worse and teaching owners to comply with day-to-day treatment is important and could result in far less stress and pain for their pets. It never hurts to learn a bit more, especially about common diseases that are often not given much thought.

This free webinar is offered by Virbac and will be online on September 14th at 9pm (BST – GMT+1). Register for the webinar here.