Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th May 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Equine grass sickness warnings
AHT reminds owners to remain vigilant

 The Animal Health Trust (AHT) has reminded owners to be vigilant for cases of equine grass sickness (EGS) as spring arrives.

Cases of the debilitating and largely fatal disease tend to rise in the spring, and particularly May, prompting the AHT's warning.

The trust notes particular clinical signs for owners to be aware of, including depression, colic, constipation, muscle tremors and drooping eyelids.

Other signs mentioned include rapid heart rate, drooling, naso-gastric reflux, patchy or generalised sweating and problems with swallowing.

Owners have been warned to contact their vet immediately if any of these signs are displayed, as the disease has a mortality rate of 85 per cent, and only mild cases have a chance of survival.

Along with the EGS Fund and the Universities of Edinburgh and Liverpool, the AHT has developed a nationwide EGS surveillance scheme.

In order to improve understanding of the prevalence of EGS, the trust is calling on vets and owners to confidentially submit information on any cases of the disease seen since the year 2000.

Click here for more information on EGS or the EGS surveillance scheme.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.