Intervet/Schering-Plough has launched Vectin chewable tablets, an ivermectin wormer for horses which is administered as a treat straight from the hand rather than in the traditional paste or granule formulation.
According to the company, syringe handling, horse acceptance and the tendency to spit out some or all of the paste are common problems reported by owners when worming their horses, and more than 55% admit that these issues can result in a mixture of emotions, including frustration, anxiety and upset.
Field studies with Vectin showed more than 70% spontaneous acceptance by horses and the simple calculation of one tablet for every 110kg of a horse or foal's bodyweight helps to reduce wastage as unused tablets can be stored away for future use.
Pharmacokinetics studies have demonstrated improved bioavailability (AUC) and maximal concentration (Cmax) when compared with an equivalent competitor ivermectin paste formulation. Trials have also shown that a more consistent blood concentration of ivermectin when given as a chew which could potentially limit the chance of inducing resistance.
Intervet/Schering Plough says that used as part of a strategic worming plan, Vectin chewable tablets control potentially a wide range of endoparasites including small and large strongyles, stomach worms, cutaneous worms and stomach bots.
Vectin chewable tablets are available as a seven-tablet blister pack, perfect for treating a horse or a couple of ponies. For yards, a tub of 60 tablets is available, containing enough to dispense product for worming approximately 12 horses.
Vectin chewable tablets are recommended for use alongside Pyratape P and Panacur in Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health's Active3 worming plan, a strategic three-year approach to rotating wormers in order to minimize the risk of resistance developing. Visit http://www.intervet.co.uk/ for a copy of the three-year plan.
Bayer Animal Health has signed a sponsorship deal with the celebrated series The Dog Whisperer on Nat Geo Wild and committed to a wide-reaching TV advertising campaign to promote Drontal.
The sponsorship agreement covers series 5 of The Dog Whisperer as well as repeats of series 1 - 4. The programme follows Cesar Millan as he goes into the homes of troubled dog owners offering calm and assertive guidance. The Dog Whisperer is broadcast five times a day throughout the week and will be aired from July until December on Nat Geo Wild. Drontal's sponsorship credits will be shown before, during and after each episode and will feature the Schnauzer that's become synonymous with the brand.
An additional TV advertising campaign will run during July and August in the UK and Republic of Ireland, primarily on GMTV and Ireland AM, but also on around 15 satellite channels. All the advertising will centre around the Schnauzer "Absolutely Not" campaign, serving to highlight the benefits of regular worming to a specifically targeted audience.
Drontal product manager, Dan White, says the initiative will increase brand awareness for Drontal amongst pet owners, ultimately resulting in healthier dogs and cats. "We're expecting to see a significant increase in demand once the campaign commences and, as such, have put in place the necessary steps to ensure this extra demand can be easily satisfied."
Deborah Armstrong, Senior Vice President, Media Sales and Partnerships for Fox International Channels says: "We are thrilled Drontal has partnered with our world famous Dog Whisperer TV series. The show, which premieres on Nat Geo WILD, and its star Cesar Millan, has a passionate and loyal fan base in this country which is a key factor for Drontal. The Dog Whisperer is a break-out franchise for National Geographic Channel and the show combines our unique brand values with first class entertainment."
New point of sale materials for veterinary practices to reflect the sponsorship agreement will also be available.
For more information, please speak to your local Bayer Territory Manager.
Only a quarter of nurses and about a third of vets believe in a God, according to a poll carried out amongst the members of www.vetnurse.co.uk and www.vetsurgeon.org
The poll offered four possible responses to the question: Does God exist? The results from 120 members of VetNurse were:
Interestingly, the results were more polarised amongst vets than nurses. More vets described themselves as either believers (32.3%) or atheists (44.4%), with fewer describing themselves as agnostic (18.5%).
The VetSurgeon poll suggests that vets and nurses are less likely to believe in God than the general population. In 2004, a survey commissioned by the BBC found that 56% of Britons believed in God, and in 2005 a survey by the European Commission found that 38% of Britons believed in God.
A survey announced by Penguin books yesterday to mark the publication of 'Killing God' found that only 34% of those aged 13 to 18 believe in God.
Another survey in 2008 found that only 3.3% of Royal Society fellows believed in God, causing researchers to conclude that people with a higher IQ are less likely to have faith, a finding which tallies with a previous Gallup survey which showed that American postgraduate degree holders were less likely to believe in God than those who had been through high school only.
Good to see that the God complex is alive and well in the veterinary profession: 2.5% of nurses and 4.8% of vets voted for the fourth option in the VetNurse / VetSurgeon poll, which was: "Don't be so silly, I AM God"
Supreme Petfoods Ltd has published the results of tests on small animal petfood which, according to the company, highlight significant problems with the on-pack declarations and contents of a number of the leading brands.
The tests, which were carried out by Campden BRI on behalf of Supreme Petfoods, discovered:
Issues regarding high sugar levels which are not required to be declared under current rules. The highest average levels of sugar were found in Wagg Optimum (4.57%), Beaphar Care + (5.00%), Burgess Supa Fruiti (5.10%), Beaphar Extra Vital (5.35%) and Burgess Excel (4.04%).
In the company's press release, Chris Childs, Managing Director of Supreme Petfood, commented: "The results greatly concerned us. We were shocked to find food that is marketed for rabbits - ie: herbivores - had traces of mammalian and avian DNA in it. In my opinion, this can only be compared to vegetarian food being contaminated with meat. This was our main concern amongst many other issues revealed."
That strikes me as overstating the case somewhat. Aside from the fact that bunnies don't get quite as het up about their diets as vegans, the report does not define what 'trace DNA contamination is'. Going on the shock expressed by Mr Childs, I'm expecting a pork chop or a drumstick in every bag of Burgess Excel at the very least.
Molly Varga, BVetMed, DZooMed (Mammalian), MRCVS told VetSurgeon.org that she would expect rabbits to be exposed to trace amounts of animal DNA naturally and that the amounts found in the tests were not likely to have any effect whatsoever on the health of rabbits. Nevertheless, she did feel that the report highlighted important issues concerning the fibre and sugar content of various diets.
As a consequence of the report, Supreme Petfoods is calling for an overhaul of the rules and regulations which apply to pet food for small companion animals. The company suggests the introduction of an accredited quality scheme aimed specifically at pet food for small companion animals, containing strict conditions for the production, packaging and marketing of food for herbivores.
In response, Burgess Pet Care issued a statement expressing considerable reservations as to the timing, purpose and potential negative outcome for the welfare of pet rabbits of Supreme's report. Commenting on behalf of Burgess, Sharon Redrobe, Head of Veterinary Services, Bristol Zoo Gardens, and Head of Rabbit Clinic, Bristol, said: "Any research into small animal health should focus on the crucial role of fibre in a balanced feeding plan and how this can be communicated to rabbit owners, so discussions centring around the detailed contents of pellets are irrelevant in my opinion to this central welfare issue."
To read Supreme's report, click here.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has embarked upon the most extensive review of its veterinary nursing qualifications for many years, in order to meet the timetable for Ofqual's implementation of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in summer 2010.
The new QCF aims to provide a more user-friendly and flexible system. Under the new arrangements, all qualifications will carry a 'value' in terms of their level and the volume of learning involved. It's a similar system to that used in higher education for a number of years.
The new national awards framework means that NVQs as such will disappear and the process of review opens up the whole qualification structure, allowing for the creation of a more flexible system to suit better the needs of the veterinary nursing profession and employers.
Head of Veterinary Nursing, Libby Earle said: "Future options include potentially placing more of the responsibility for education and basic skills on the colleges, leaving practices to concentrate on providing quality mentorship and work experience, with less emphasis on assessment.
"Consideration will also be given to providing part of VN training and education within full-time further education, which is possible now that the lower age limit for VN students has been dropped."
The College is keen to hear the views of those involved with the delivery of training and employers of qualified nurses. A consultation letter has been sent to those involved and topics on which views are sought include the range and level of knowledge and skills delivered by the current awards, the impact of training on employers of student VNs, meeting the increased demand for qualified VNs, and providing VNs for mixed or equine practices.
Over the summer, evidence-gathering meetings will be held at the RCVS to explore the issues in more depth. Anyone who has not been sent a formal consultation letter and who would like to contribute is very welcome to submit their views. Please visit www.rcvs.org.uk/vnawardsreview for the consultation papers. Comments should be submitted by 30 June 2009.
The review of the RCVS awards will take place alongside Lantra's review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for VNs: the NOS describe what a person needs to do, know and understand in their job to carry out their role in a consistent and competent way.
Lucy Evans and Jamie Hollis, who work in the RCVS Professional Conduct Department, will join RCVS Trust Director Cherry Bushell to raise funds in the British 10K London Run on 12 July.
None of the three runners have run any kind of race since their school sports days - and are appealing for support as they aim to raise at least £300 each for the Trust.
To sponsor a runner, you can log onto http://www.justgiving.com/rcvstrust and, if you are a UK tax-payer, this also means the Trust gets your tax back. Or, if you prefer to send a cheque, sponsorship forms are available from info@rcvstrust.org.uk or 020 7202 0743.
Lucy said: "The RCVS Trust is a great charity which supports veterinary education and has specialist library and information services for vets and VNs to use. Small charities like the Trust can get overlooked in big fundraising events so I'm glad to be able to help out - even if the thought of running 10K is a bit daunting!"
The race will be broadcast through the British 10K London Run website: http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/.
AB Science, a young Paris-based biotech company, has announced the pan-European commercial launch of its veterinary anticancer drug, Masivet
Masivet was approved in November 2008 by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for the treatment of dogs with non-resectable grade 2 or 3 mast cell tumours. Masivet's active pharmaceutical ingredient is masitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Masitinib, discovered and developed by AB Science, belongs to a therapeutic class of drug known as targeted therapy that is, according to AB Science, revolutionising the treatment of cancer in humans.
Alain Moussy, CEO of AB Science said: "Masivet is the first product ever registered as a cancer treatment in veterinary medicine. AB Science is a dynamic and very entrepreneurial biotech company, and is proud to have introduced a drug that can extend the life of dogs suffering from cancer ahead of the large pharmaceutical companies".
The company says Mastocytoma can be an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, and represents up to 20% of all cutaneous canine tumours. Some breeds are particularly susceptible, among them Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Boxers. Cancers have the same prevalence in dogs as in humans (1 dog in 4 will suffer from cancer during its lifetime) but surprisingly, no drugs developed for veterinary medicine with a demonstrated efficacy and safety have ever been approved until the arrival of Masivet.
The company claims two main benefits of the new treatment:
AB Science is a biotech company specialising in developing targeted drugs for high need indications, such as cancers, chronic inflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Masitinib is the most advanced drug in the pipeline. Now being marketed in veterinary medicine, masitinib is also under development in humans, with phase 3 clinical studies in pancreatic cancer and in gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST).
Alain Moussy said: "This registration in veterinary medicine is good news for the future success of masitinib in humans, for whom we are aggressively developing it in cancers and other indications with high morbidity or pain.
"It is very unusual to develop such an innovative product simultaneously in veterinary and human medicines, and even more so that the product is registered in veterinary medicine first. There is no doubt that experts in human oncology will be watching Masivet's future very closely from now on.. However, people will have to wait a while before benefiting from masitinib because it is unlikely to be available to man before 2012".
For more information, see www.masivet.com and www.ab-science.com
CEVA Animal Health has announced that all dogs entering Dogs Trust's 17 Rehoming Centres will now be fitted with a D.A.P.® collar to help reduce their stress levels while in a kennel environment. This decision was taken following a highly successful trial1 at Dogs Trust's state-of-the-art Rehoming Centre in West London.
The trial revealed that dogs wearing D.A.P.® collars while in kennels were less likely to display canine stress indicators, such as barking and pacing around kennels, and were more likely to lie down and rest; signs that dogs are more relaxed.
Chris Laurence, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, said: "Dogs Trust trialled D.A.P.® collars on dogs being admitted at our Harefield Rehoming Centre. Many dogs are very stressed by their first experience in a kennel environment and it was shown that the use of a collar significantly reduced their stress levels.
"Centre staff were impressed with the positive changes in behaviour that were shown during the trial. Dogs were far more relaxed and less reactive to the inevitable stressful elements of their environment. We will now be using D.A.P.® collars on all dogs entering our Rehoming Centres in tandem with the other practices we already employ to reduce kennel stress.
"Stressed dogs are more difficult to rehome so we hope the use of DAP® to reduce stress levels will be beneficial to both their welfare and our rehoming."
For further information on D.A.P.®, please contact your local CEVA Animal Health territory manager, or visit www.ceva.uk.com.
A campaign to reform English libel law to allow for robust criticism of scientific and medical claims without fear of legal action has been launched by journalist and author Simon Singh. It's a campaign which anyone working in the caring professions might wish to support.
The campaign comes as a consequence of legal action taken against Mr Singh by The British Chiropractic Association, which took exception (perhaps unsurprisingly) to an article he'd written in The Guardian. In the article, Mr Singh denounced claims on the BCA website that its members could use spinal manipulation to treat children with colic, ear infections, asthma, sleeping and feeding conditions, and prolongued crying as 'bogus', and criticised the BCA for 'happily promoting' these claims.
Out of curiosity, VetSurgeon rang the BCA press office this morning, and asked to be given the references for studies which it feels would support the original claims made on its site. Non have been forthcoming so far, which is a surprise. Under the circumstances, we'd have expected the BCA would have a raft of supporting evidence readily available.
But this isn't really about whether or not chiropractic works or not. The case seems to hinge upon whether Mr Singh's article implied that the BCA was being deliberately dishonest, or just delusional. He say's the latter. Unfortunately for him, Mr Justice Eady recently ruled the former, leaving Mr Singh with a bill for £100,000 worth of legal fees.
Mr Singh is to appeal. At stake is the freedom to be able to challenge scientific claims without fear of being sued. If you'd like to support this campaign, visit senseaboutscience.com and add your name to the 7000 others (including some pretty illustrious names) who have already done so.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched a new consumer campaign to support the company's joint care supplement, Cosequin.
The campaign centres around a series of paw-tapping internet videos which showcase the perfectly poised paws of dog and cat dance duo, Fred and Ginger, highlighting the importance of good joint health. The videos are available to view at http://www.cosequin-dance.co.uk/
Pet owners are encouraged to purchase Cosequin from vet practices to enter a prize draw to win a photography day with leading animal photographer, Sam Lunt, or one of ten tickets to an upcoming live dancing tour. Posters and in-practice leaflets are also available for vet practices to help drive awareness and encourage uptake.
Sarah-Jane Minter, Marketing Manager for Intervet/Schering-Plough, commented; "We wanted to create a campaign which would support vets in practice and attract the attention of pet owners, especially those who may not have previously thought about the joint health of their pet. With these lighthearted new videos of Fred and Ginger demonstrating everything from the jive to the rumba and an eye-catching print campaign, we certainly expect to grab pet owners' attention!"
ISPAH says that by supporting joint condition and maintaining not only healthy cartilage, but also healthy joint structures, Cosequin is suitable for all dogs and cats that need some joint support, especially highly active or older animals. It adds that the joint care supplement contains 100% pure chondroitin sulphate and the unique formulation has been proven in over 50 clinical trials.
For further information, please contact your local Intervet/Schering-Plough Veterinary Business Manager or phone the company's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.
The Blue Cross is calling for nominations from veterinary practices across the country for its Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2009.
The annual award is presented at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Annual Congress. It recognises the contribution of veterinary nurses in educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the welfare of pets in the community. This year's Congress will take place on 9-11 October at the Kettering Conference Centre, Northamptonshire.
Last year's award was won by Rebecca Darbyshire for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Pocklington, York.
Rebecca Darbyshire was nominated by vet and colleague Matt Brash at Battlefields veterinary clinic in Pocklington.
Mr Brash said: "Rebecca is an outstanding, unassuming professional nurse. She runs all of the clinics that a modern day nurse does, but still has the time for anybody - whatever they need, whenever they need it. She has developed such a close relationship with our clients that they would often rather see her than a vet!"
Nominations for this year's award can be made by completing the nomination form on The Blue Cross website at: www.bluecross.org.uk/BVNA2009 or by contacting Sally Leathem on 01993 825577. The deadline for nominations is Friday 14 August 2009.
The Blue Cross has taken the lead in animal care for over a hundred years. Its four animal hospitals provide a lifeline for pet owners on low incomes. Its community vet services also cater for elderly and disabled people. Without the charity's hospitals, and the services they provide, many people would be without the benefits that pet ownership can bring.
Abbott Animal Health is launching GLUture Topical Tissue Adhesive this month.
Abbott says GLUture is an Octyl/Butyl cyanoacrylate blend that creates a strong and flexible bond that contours to the wound site. GLUture applies purple for visibility and dries clear for a neat cosmetic appearance. Offered in an economical multi-use package with 10 applicators, GLUture's viscosity and applicator design enable flow-controlled application. GLUture topical tissue adhesive offers a flexible seal, quick application and a strong bond.
For more information, ring Abbott on 01628 644354, or visit: www.abbottanimalhealth.com
Fort Dodge has released figures today which point to a continued modest slowdown in the UK veterinary sector, being mitigated by a slight increase in average transaction value (the amount a client spends in a year).
Matthew Rowe, Companion Animal Marketing Manager at Fort Dodge, said: "It's been clear for some time that the veterinary sector is being hit by static growth and an increasingly competitive environment. The reduction in turnover being experienced by many practices is primarily down to current clients visiting less often and fewer new clients being attracted."
Key findings of the Fort Dodge Index for the first quarter of 2009 are:
Alan Robinson said: "In the current climate, the only contributor to turnover growth in many practices seems to be a steady rise in the price of professional fees, consultations and surgery. These have continued to push up average transaction values (by 1.4%) and client values (1.2%) in this first quarter of 2009 despite reducing visit frequency. Drug related income increases seem to be driven by a small increase of POM mark-ups in many practices.
"But this alone will not sustain a successful business and, with transaction volumes still falling, the priority for practices is to maintain client footfall despite increasing competition and falling pet ownership. In today's market, retaining clients is a cheaper and more effective way to maintain client and patient numbers so an emphasis on 'bonding' clients though preventative health care and heath maintenance programmes is key.
"We're seeing a steady increase in the number of practices running these programmes but the percentage of pets involved is still woefully low so the message is that practices can and must do better.
A You Gov poll commissioned by Intervet/Schering Plough in the run up to National Vaccination Month (1st-30th June) shows the degree to which the recession is now biting into veterinary spending, and the impact it's having on vaccination levels.
The You Gov survey found that 19% of pet owners nationwide admit they have cut back on veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, health checks and treatments. Just under half are failing to vaccinate their animals with 53% of those polled not vaccinating their pets due to cost.
Other key findings of the You Gov survey include:
The You Gov survey also highlighted a lack of awareness among younger pet owners about pet health. Of the 18-24 year olds polled who had not taken their pet to be vaccinated, 44% said it was because they were unaware of any disease risk to their animals, compared to just 13% of those aged 55 and over. 22% of 18-24 year olds surveyed were not aware of zoonoses such as fleas and worms and diseases such as ringworm and Toxocara.
Matt Brash, BVetMed MRCVS, who runs a small animal veterinary clinic in North Yorkshire and is star of the TV show 'Zoo Vet at Large' said: "These figures are concerning and we could be sitting on a ticking time bomb. The simple fact is that many pet owners don't realise that their pets are at risk of disease. Less than half of all dogs and cats are vaccinated, which is well below the amount needed to protect the pet population through herd immunity."
Paula Boyden, a vet and Business Development and Corporate Marketing Project Manager at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, who has steered the campaign for the company said: "There are clearly some strong messages coming out to vets here, not least where and how the credit crunch is hitting pet owners. The underlying message that National Vaccination Month offers a way of supporting pet owners during these difficult economic times is obviously important. While the data shows that pet owners will still make considerable sacrifices to care for their pets, it also highlights that vaccination is falling by the wayside. Clearly, practices will need to work harder than ever against the background of the credit crunch to bring home the message to pet owners that their pets are at risk of serious and often fatal disease and that cutting vaccination is a false economy. The You Gov poll also highlights the urgent need to educate the younger section of pet owners about the disease threat faced by their animals."
TV wildlife and science presenter Kate Humble, who with Matt and Clare Brash is spearheading the National Vaccination Month Campaign, said: "The really sad aspect is that people who are reducing veterinary care due to the recession may be making a false economy by putting their pets at risk of serious disease, which may lead to treatment at far greater cost than the price of the annual jab."
The You Gov survey suggests that where people have had to pay for unexpected vet bills they are paying for them on credit cards. One had to put the family pet down and many revealed that they had made personal sacrifices in order to keep looking after their animals including stopping smoking, cutting out luxuries, clothes and socialising.
The You Gov survey highlights how, despite lavishing affection and presents on their pets, people are not taking adequate steps to protect them from preventable killer diseases. The survey reveals that 65% of pet owners consider their animal to be an extremely important member of the family with over half (54%) buying them Christmas presents. However, only 56% of pets were vaccinated with just under a quarter (22%) of owners unaware of any disease risk.
Currently, an estimated 3 million dogs, 6 million cats, 1.8 million rabbits and 500,000 horses are unvaccinated.
In answer to this disease threat and to help owners during the recession, around 2,000 veterinary clinics across the UK have so far signed up to part in the National Vaccination Month campaign, offering pets a full vaccination course against a range of fatal diseases for the cost of a booster.
To participate in National Vaccination Month (www.vaccinationmonth.co.uk) - the biggest national consumer campaign of its kind, please contact your Intervet/ Schering-Plough Animal Health account manager or call Intervet/ Schering-Plough's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685, option 4.
Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk) launched its new mobile blood collection unit, donated by Royal Canin, at the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science on Wednesday, simultaneously collecting enough blood to save the lives of up to 32 dogs.
The blood collection session offered third-year university students an opportunity to learn about transfusion medicine and to practice their clinical skills on real life subjects, as they performed the pre-donation checks and tests under the supervision of Pet Blood Bank UK veterinary advisers.
Vanessa Ashall, Pet Blood Bank UK welfare officer and veterinary surgeon, said: "It is great for students to be able to see these animals. Transfusion medicine is a new science and I certainly wasn't taught about it as a veterinary student. Collaboration with veterinary schools is such a positive step, as we are able to educate the vets of the future on the benefits of transfusion medicine and blood typing, whilst giving them some real hands-on experience."
Veterinary support manager for Royal Canin, Chris Geddes, said: "We are really pleased to be able to assist Pet Blood Bank UK become more mobile and reach more donors. The charity's work is so important to the emergency and critical care of patients, as shown by the tremendous gratitude of the owners of blood recipients."
Golden retriever Beau was one such recipient who had received a transfusion last month after suffering a haemorrhage after surgery for gastric dilatation and volvulus. His owners, Janet and David Liggins, attended the event with a fully-recovered Beau and their other golden retriever, Lotti who gave blood.
Mrs Liggins said: "We can't speak highly enough of all the vets and vet nurses that cared for him - they did a tremendous job looking after Beau, and us! The Pet Blood Bank provided the blood that saved Beau's life. We are really pleased that Lotti was able to give blood. She was a star - the perfect donor!"
Veterinary practices wanting to encourage their clients to put dogs forward as donors, or which would like to support the work of Pet Blood Bank UK, should visit http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/ or contact Pet Blood Bank UK on 01509 232 222 or 0844 800 9925 (5p/min). Blood donors are needed for a second blood collection session at the Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington campus, on Saturday, May 23: 10-4pm.
Animals Count, which describes itself as a political party for people and animals, will launch its EU election manifesto on 24th May from 12 noon at the Kings Oak, Loughton, where it will be putting into practice one of its proposed policies: subsidised basic and emergency animal health care for animals. Animals Count President and veterinarian, Andrew Knight, will provide free dog consultations and animal health care advice for all companion animals.
Animals Count will contest the European Parliament elections, taking place on the 4th of June. It hopes to end farming with poor welfare consequences for animals, long distance live animal transport, all hunting for sport, and introduce an EU-wide subsidised basic animal health care system.
Animals Count Leader, Jasmijn de Boo MSc., said: "Concern for animals has long been a mainstream priority, yet remains poorly represented by most political parties. In several countries political parties for animals have formed to meet this need. The Dutch Party for the Animals from which we grew now has 20 elected representatives, including 2 MPs and one senator."
"The EU elections are particularly important for people and animals. Around half the EC budget is spent on agriculture. Given today's economic climate there's never been a better time to re-examine the massive expenditure of tax-payer money on farming methods known to be strongly associated with poor animal welfare and serious environmental damage."
Miss de Boo, 33, Alex Bourke, 47, Vice-chair of Animals Count and best-selling author of the 'Vegetarian Guides' book series, and Richard Deboo, 41, City professional and public speaker on animal issues, will contest the June EU elections in the Eastern region of the UK. Animals Count's ultimate goal is a world in which animals are not exploited, and are treated as sentient beings.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association has announced that National Veterinary Nurse Week will be a summer event this year, scheduled from 19th - 25th July 2009.
The change of date will allow vet nurses to take part in more outdoor events, as they raise awareness of the important job they do in caring for the nation's pets.
As ever, vet nurses are being encouraged to celebrate their profession, raise money for the BVNA President's nominated charity - which this year is the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Wales) or SARDA Wales as they are known - and to highlight the role of the veterinary nurse, helping make the general public more aware of the contribution a good VN can make.
The BVNA has organised some lynch-pin events this year and are asking any vet nurses who want to take part to contact them as soon as possible to register their interest. The week begins with pet health check days held on Saturday 19th July at Southsea Common's Castle Field in Portsmouth and Roundhay Park in Leeds, sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition. Rounding off the week on Friday 24th July till Sunday 26th July, the BVNA will be attendance at the CLA Game Fair, the world's biggest and greatest country sport and countryside show, which this year will be held at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. This provides an opportunity to speak to thousands of pet owners about veterinary nursing and petcare, so the BVNA is keen to have a team of enthusiastic nurses on hand to help spread the word.
Bonny Millar CVT(USA), RVN, REVN, is President of the BVNA, "Last year vet nurses came up with some fantastically innovative ideas to promote National VN Week, from a 'barely there' calendar to a fairy tale week complete with characters in costume and background sets. We estimate that VN Week raised over £7000 for the Animal Cancer Trust and other animal charities. This year we would really like to raise even more. I am also asking every member of the practice team - vets, practice managers and receptionists to support their nurses in their efforts and enter into the spirit of National VN Week."
Bonny also points out that this is an ideal opportunity for practices to use their nurses to full effect, "During VN week, practices have a chance to demonstrate the skills of their nurses. Fun events provide an ideal way to reduce barriers between clients and the practice team and by getting nurses meeting the public away from the clinic, there is real scope to educate and inform pet owners about the products and services on offer and to gently encourage those with reservations to bring their pets forward for health checks and treatments. Vets and practice managers know what a great contribution a good vet nurse can make to the practice and the local community, so we would love to see everyone pulling together to make a big effort as this can only help boost moral amongst clients and staff during these difficult financial times."
As in the past, there are great prizes on offer for those who have made a special effort, thanks to sponsors Animalcare, Breatheazy, Merial, Protexin and Vetoquinol. Further information and a registration pack are available from the BVNA http://www.bvna.org.uk/ . Tel 01279 408644. Any members of the practice interested in keeping up to date with the activities planned for VN Week can also visit the blog for the event at http://vnweek.wordpress.com
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is to launch CICADA-Live, the second phase of its national initiative to monitor the awareness and regional prevalence of important diseases in cats, dogs and rabbits.
First launched in 2007 as a quarterly survey, the ground-breaking CICADA-Live project has now been developed to offer up-to-the minute data on infectious companion animal disease reports that can be updated and accessed by vet practices around the clock. The new scheme is now able to provide a real-time overview of companion animal infectious diseases being diagnosed in UK veterinary practices.
CICADA-Live is focusing on more than a dozen key infectious diseases of dogs, cats and rabbits. They include canine parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis, canine distemper, leptospirosis, kennel cough, angiostrongylosis. For cats, CICADA-Live will monitor feline panleucopaenia, cat flu, feline leukaemia virus infections. For rabbits the focus will be on myxomatosis, rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease, E.cuniculi, and fly strike.
The service is officially launched on 1st June to coincide with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health's National Vaccination Month 2009, and is open to all first-opinion UK companion animal veterinary practices.
The system's developer, John Helps, Veterinary Manager at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "Whereas our first edition of CICADA was useful in providing benchmarks so that seasonal and long term trends could be identified and communicated to both vets and pet owners, the further potential of a live on-line database is enormous in raising awareness of current pet disease risks to the public."
According to the company, there has been a lack of knowledge regarding the local and national incidence of small animal infectious diseases in the UK, and those sporadic reports that do occur are typically anecdotal and can prove hard to substantiate. It is feared that the lack of co-ordinated good quality information has potentially lead to pet owners being lulled into a false sense of security by a low awareness of disease risks.
John added: "Lack of data on the incidence and prevalence of even the most common infectious diseases has been an important issue faced by small animal practices reducing their ability to highlight these risks. A staggering lack of owner awareness to infectious disease threats in turn contributes to complacency among pet owners.
"Evidence suggests that some infectious diseases, such as parvovirus, may be on the increase in some areas and there continues to be a concern regarding the number of animals that remain unvaccinated.
"Not only will Cicada-Live provide the means for improving a gap in our collective knowledge but it will also prove invaluable in the promotion of good preventative healthcare.
"We have long believed that better epidemiological surveillance would an important tool in understanding trends in small animal infectious disease and with CICADA-Live, for the first time we have a tool to give us a better appreciation of what first opinion practices are currently seeing."
The CICADA-Live website, http://www.cicadasurvey.co.uk/, is simple to access and update. Registrations are limited to one per practice branch. A straightforward one-page survey format minimises the time investment, with no strict requirement to review written case records.
Once signed in, participating practices will be asked to complete the survey once every 6 months in order to grant continued access to maps and tables showing recent reports. In addition practices can set up e-mail alerts to give notification should disease reports be received in their area.
For further information about CICADA-Live from Intervet please contact Intervet /Schering-Plough Animal Health's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685. Or contact John.
A donation of 200 Tracer microchips by Bayer is helping to save one of the world's largest and rarest species of frog against extinction. A deadly fungal disease, responsible for decimating global amphibian populations, is threatening the last known wild population of the 'mountain chicken' frog (Leptodactylus fallax).
The eastern Caribbean island of Montserrat is the last global stronghold for this species - known locally as mountain chicken due to its taste. As recently as 2002, chytridomycosis wiped out the majority of mountain chicken frogs on the island of Dominica. Recent tests on dead frogs found in the west of Montserrat have confirmed the presence of this disease.
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has been working in Montserrat since the early 1990s to support the local government in the protection of the island's vast biodiversity. The mountain chicken has been an important species, and Durrell holds the largest safety net population at its Jersey headquarters.
In response to the positive identification of the disease, Durrell has launched an emergency plan to rescue healthy frogs and put in place longer treatment and management plans for the protection of the species.
Bayer's donation of 200 Tracer microchips will be used to individually identify the captive mountain chickens held by Durrell to help manage a breeding programme. Durrell is also testing the feasibility of treating the frogs with antifungals in their natural habitat, and the use of the donation of microchips will be essential to allow individual frogs to be monitored to assess the outcomes of treatment regimes.
Durrell's head of veterinary services, Javier López, has worked with mountain chickens for a number of years, and explains that the disease could very quickly wipe out the species. Captive populations of healthy frogs, such as the one in Jersey, could be used to initiate re-introductions back to the wild or in disease-free areas.
Environmental household flea spray, Acclaim®, is now licensed to kill house dust mites. A common cause of allergies, house dust mites are present all year around, aggravating conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
Containing S-methoprene and permethrin, Acclaim is a fast-acting, odourless household spray which kills fleas and flea larvae and has 12 months' activity against flea egg development. It also kills ants, cockroaches, ticks and spiders and does not break down in sunlight in the home.
For information on CEVA Animal Health's complete range of household flea treatments, which includes the traditional pesticide sprays Acclaim® and Staykil® and the innovative non-pesticide product Skoosh®, please contact your local CEVA account manager.
The Royal College has announced the winners of the 2009 RCVS Council and VN Council elections.
This year, a special elections section was set up here on VetNurse.co.uk and on VetSurgeon.org for members to engage directly with candidates in a members forum, or directly using the social networking features on both sites. In the interests of promoting democracy, the sites offered a case of champagne to the voter who started the forum discussion which generated the greatest number of responses. Over the course of the voting period, these sections received over 23,000 page views, 53 questions for candidates, and 650 responses.
Arlo Guthrie, Editor of VetNurse.co.uk and VetSurgeon.org said: "I think it's great that the candidates agreed to try this. They could have said no, and stuck with the traditional methods of communication (which are more of a known quantity). Instead, they really got stuck in to some interesting and at times lively debate. My sincere thanks to all candidates and congratulations to the winners. And I raise my glass to Princess Ophelia Hermione MacBeth, who wins the case of champagne for starting the discussion thread which generated the greatest response from other members"
The VN Council elections saw a 25% increase in voters over last year, with 912 out of a possible 8,108 VNs casting a vote. This was an 11.2% turnout. The results were as follows:
JEFFERY, Andrea Karen. 604 votes. Elected GLYSEN, Louise. 332 votes. Elected WILLIAMS, Caroline Mary. 312 votes.IVES, Cheryl Diana. 236 votes.
Louse Glysen is the new VN Council Member (again, officially joining at RCVS Day) and Andrea Jeffery will begin her eighth year, having been the Council's chairman for the past four years.
Voting in the RCVS Council election increased from 17% to 18.2% this year, with 4,041 veterinary surgeons out of a possible 22,201 casting a vote. The results are as follows:
NUTE, Patricia Jill. 2,467 votes. Elected JINMAN, Peter. 2,346 votes. Elected GRAY, Christopher John. 2,230 votes. Elected DAVIES, Jeremy Vincent. 2,229 votes. Elected VINER, Bradley. 2,123 votes. Elected TUFNELL, Christopher Wynne. 2,088 votes. Elected SWAYNE, Nigel. 1,673 votes. McDOWELL, David Michael. 1,394 votes.LONSDALE, Thomas. 389 votes.
The new Council members are Christopher Gray and Christopher Tufnell, who will officially join Council at RCVS Day on 3 July 2009.
The BSAVA has announced the launch of a free new online publication: BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines
Edited by Fred Nind and Pam Mosedale, with contributions from experts in the field, has been developed to provide a comprehensive guide to a wide variety of veterinary medicines issues that affect small animal practice. It looks like a very polished production, and should prove a valuable tool for all members of the practice team.
Many infringements of the law relating to the possession, use and disposal of veterinary medicines are criminal offences, and it was the aim of the Editors to produce an authoritative guide to help practitioners stay on the correct side of the law in an area where this can sometimes be problematic.
LegislationAs Fred and Pam noted in the March 2009 issue of Companion: 'Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) change every year, whilst waste disposal provisions and dangerous drugs regulations seem to be updated even more often. This means that what you learned at a course attended last year or from a booklet published two years ago may no longer be accurate.' The format of the BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines, means that it is capable of being updated as the rules and regulations change, helping veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers, receptionists, students and kennel staff to get it right - first time and every time.
StorageEfficient stock control, ambient storage conditions, stock rotation based on expiry dates and correct labelling are just some of the areas that need to be addressed when considering management of the practice dispensary. The section of the guide on Correct storage and dispensary management provides recommendations on how this can be achieved.
DispensingPrescribing and labelling veterinary medicines are activities that every practitioner performs many times a day, and it is important that the detailed legal provisions governing these actions are adhered to. Covering such areas as: who may write a prescription; breaking packaging; and the additional regulations that apply for the supply of Controlled Drugs, the Prescribing and labelling section helps guide the practitioner through this complicated area.
The BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines is available to all, not just BSAVA members, and the Editors hope will 'provide balm for all those worrying about the practical and legal constraints on the use of veterinary medicines.'
Click here to download the BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines (pdf 5mb)
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a new online fluid therapy distance-learning course for vets and nurses, to help maximise the potential of its Vetivex® fluids range.
The Fluids Knowledge Programme has been created to provide comprehensive and flexible online CPD for companion animal and equine practitioners. The coursework, which counts for six to eight hours of CPD learning, includes the latest thinking from fluid therapy specialists Dr Ava Firth, Karen Humm and Kevin Corley.
Dechra says the course combines theoretical and practical advice on fluid therapy for both small animals and horses, and can be used for training, as a refresher, and to develop thinking on fluid therapy. Self-assessment questions included within the course allow progress to be monitored throughout.
Gwenda Bason, marketing director for Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We've spent months of research and development producing this online learning portal for professionals. It will enable vets and nurses to improve their knowledge, understanding and patient care. Being online, users can dip in and out of it as and when their schedules allow and additional costs often associated with CPD learning, such as travel or accommodation costs, are eliminated.
"When practices choose Vetivex, they're not just buying bags of fluid, they're benefitting from our investment in practice education which will improve their understanding of the role and management of fluids."
Dechra estimates the programme is worth around £400 per person, and therefore offers savings of over £3000 in CPD costs for an 8 member practice.
To find out more about the Fluids Knowledge Programme visit www.fluidtherapy.co.uk, or contact Liz Rawlings at Dechra on 01743 441 632.
The qualification awarded to Harper Adams veterinary nurses is set to gain added value, with an industry-recognised certificate being automatically awarded to all first-degree graduates.
The Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) confirmed this week that the Veterinary Practice Administration Certificate (VPAC) will be included in the BSc Veterinary Nurse and Practice Management Degree course delivered at Harper Adams University College with effect from September 2009.
According to Harper Adams, this comes as a result of several years of liaison and hard work from course organisers at Harper Adams and members of the Certification and Training Board at VPMA. The process involved mapping the existing degree course content across to the VPAC syllabus and ensuring that all elements of the VPAC are covered to the required level.
Linzi Nuttall, a member of the veterinary nursing teaching team at Harper Adams, who has been working on the link-up, was delighted with the result and said: "It is a great achievement to now be able to offer our BSc degree students an extra qualification as part of their degree.
"Harper Adams enjoys close links with the industries it prepares students for entry into and Veterinary Nursing is no exception. With the course already being of a high quality, no extra work is required for the students to gain the Veterinary Practice Administration Certificate, yet the qualification might open many more doors of opportunity for them within the veterinary practice industry."
The VPAC covers the skills required to carry out administrative tasks efficiently with the minimum of supervision and to be able to present the finished task to the supervisor, manager or employer. It is therefore a very useful qualification for those nurses who find themselves increasingly taking on administrative duties within a practice.
Brian Wright, Chair of Certification and Training for VPMA said "The VPAC continues to go from strength to strength and this new access perfectly complements the current distance learning option available through Lynwood School of Veterinary Nursing". There are now 92 holders of the VPAC, which was first awarded in 2002.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the VPAC or the VPMA should contact the Secretariat on 07000 782324 or Brian Wright on C&TChair@vpma.co.uk or 07899875744. Anyone wanting to find out more about the Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management courses at Harper Adams should contact Linzi Nuttall on 01952 825420 or visit the website: http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/
People can meet the team and some of Harper's animals at the Public Open Day on May 9.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a range of materials to assist veterinary practices in educating and supporting their clients with hyperthyroid cats.
Available as part of the support package are a range of notice board displays, educational booklets, an owner website (http://www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk/) and promotional items. The company also offers on-site CPD training for vets and veterinary nurses, which can take place at a time convenient to the practice and which counts for one hour of CPD.
Greg Williams, Veterinary Technical Services Manager at Dechra said "Our experience of the diagnosis and ongoing treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism has shown that it is a daunting and worrying time for owners. It is important that we fully educate and support these clients to achieve the highest possible level of care for the patient and ease owners' concerns."
For more information concerning on-site CPD or to order the client support materials, contact your local territory manager or telephone Dechra Veterinary Products on 01743 441632.