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Vets warned against rise in pets with fleas
Dog scratching
'Veterinary professionals must be prepared to see increasing numbers of pets infested with fleas, with increased numbers of fleas per pet' - ESCCAP

Spring Parasite Forecast outlines changing parasite activity 

As global temperatures continue to rise, a new parasite forecast is urging vets to prepare for an increase in pets infested with fleas.

According to ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites), rising temperatures combined with limited rainfall will continue to support the rapid increase of fleas.

Over the next five years, the Met Office predicts that temperatures will be between 0.28 degrees celsius and 0.77 degrees celsius warmer than the 1981-2010 average.

‘Veterinary professionals must be prepared to see increasing numbers of pets infested with fleas, with increased numbers of fleas per pet, if adequate control programmes are not put in place,’ the forecast says.

It adds that warmer weather is also likely to favour intermediate host numbers and transmission of A.vasorum.

‘Veterinary professionals should continue to be vigilant for cases of lungworm in their area and advise preventative treatment for high-risk dogs,’ it continues.

ESCCAP’S Parasite Forecast outlines changing parasite activity over the last three months and predicts which parasites may present a risk in the coming months.

Published quarterly, each issue includes the parasite forecast, an analysis of topics which ESCCAP UK & Ireland has received enquiries about and a sample case report outlining a particular parasite or risk.

The current issue (January - March 2017) presents the spring parasite forecast and includes a case report of leishmaniasis in a boxer dog from Italy.

To sign up to future editions of the forecast, email info@esccapuk.org.uk. Each edition will also be published on the ESCCAP website.

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

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.