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Rabies case reported in Spain

Authorities activate contingency plan

Spanish authorities have activated their rabies contingency plan after a dog carrying the disease had to be euthanised in Toledo, central Spain.

The dog was confirmed to have rabies after travelling to Morocco, and is known to have bitten several people, including a two-year-old child.

All humans and animals who have had contact with the affected dog are to be traced in accordance with the contingency plan.

Furthermore, all dogs, cats and rabbits within a 20km radius of Toledo will undergo compulsory vaccination. Those considering travelling to Spain with their pet have been advised to check the restrictions in place with the Spanish authorities.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) conducted a preliminary outbreak assessment, reporting that the increased risk of rabies being introduced to the UK by a legally imported pet is negligible.

There are, however, current concerns about the potential for rabies to enter the UK through illegal importation of susceptible animals.

"This case demonstrates all too clearly the importance of complying with the requirements of pet travel legislation," said Professor Michael Day, president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA).

"Veterinary surgeons should always remain vigilant for pets exhibiting clinical signs that might fit within the rabies spectrum, especially if there is a recent history of travel abroad."

Suspected rabies cases should be reported to the nearest Animal Health Office, and the animal kept restrained and isolated. A veterinary officer will usually come to the practice to manage the investigation.

Click here to view Defra's preliminary outbreak assessment.

Large image: Toledo, Spain

Small image (above): Michael Day, BSAVA president

 

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.