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VMD issues advice on babesiosis treatment
D reticulatus tick
Babesiosis was recently confirmed in Essex in four dogs with no history of foreign travel.
Potential concerns about treatment availability
 
In light of recent outbreaks of babesiosis in UK dogs, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published a statement on the availability of treatments.

Babesiosis was recently confirmed in Essex in four dogs with no history of foreign travel. A tick survey in the area the dogs were walked has since revealed the presence of infected D reticulatus ticks.

There is currently no veterinary medicinal product (VMP) that is authorised in the UK for the treatment of babesiosis in dogs. Treatments must, therefore, be prescribed in accordance with the cascade. The use of a VMP authorised for use in a different species may be required. Alternatively, an EU authorised treatment for babesiosis in dogs may be imported.

The VMD says: 'Under the provisions of the cascade, vets may choose to use Imizol 85mg/ml solution for injection (active substance imidocarb), by Intervet, which is authorised in the UK for the treatment and prevention of bovine babesiosis (Babesia divergens).

'If, based on the the vets' professional judgement, this treatment is not suitable for a particular patient, then an alternative VMP can be imported instead.

'Products exist across the EU which vets may apply to import through the special import scheme. These include (but may not be limited to) imidocarb containing products similar to Imizol such Carbesia (MAH include MSD Animal health), which has dogs as a target species and includes dosing information for dogs.'

For queries related to importation, email importcert@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk and quote 'treatment for babesiosis in dogs' in the subject line.

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.