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RAW 2023 to highlight benefits of neutering rabbits
Neutering prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits.
Vets urged to support the campaign.
 
The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) has announced the theme for Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 2023, which is taking place from 26-30 June. This year's theme is ‘Neutering: Protect and Prevent’.

RAW will highlight the importance of neutering, which prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits; a disease that affects approximately 80 per cent of unneutered females over the age of three years.

Throughout the week, RAAG will release blogs, videos, and downloadable packs containing resources for veterinary practices to create their own RAW campaigns. 

RAAG was established 15 years ago with an objective of improving the welfare of pet rabbits. It comprises some of the UK’s largest animal welfare organisations and is led by Burgess Pet Care.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director at Burgess Pet Care said: “RAAG decided to adopt neutering for the theme of this year’s RAW campaign, as we want to raise awareness of its benefits among owners. As well as the health benefits, neutered rabbits are generally calmer too. If you have indoor rabbits, you’ll find that neutered bunnies are less likely to exhibit marking behaviours around the home.”

RAAG says that rabbits' needs are often misunderstood, particularly with regard to neutering. It would like veterinary practices to support the campaign to help educate as many owners as possible.

Alison Speakman, president at the BSAVA said: “The BSAVA is once again delighted to support RAW and the important theme of the awareness of neutering. Rabbits are wonderful sociable pets and thrive in the companionship of other rabbits, but neutering is a critical part of responsible rabbit ownership and welfare to prevent unwanted litters and protect against diseases of the reproductive tract. BSAVA is confident that vets across the UK will get behind his important campaign to improve the health and welfare of pet rabbits.”

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.