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Initiatives announced to improve animal welfare
wsava world congress
WSAVA has partnered up with World Animal Protection to develop an action plan.
Global animal welfare is the top priority for WSAVA

A range of initiatives to improve animal welfare on a global level have been announced at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA) congress.

Speaking at WSAVA's 39th World Congress, Dr Shane Ryan, who is chair of the organisation's animal welfare and wellness committee (AWWC), said:

"Promoting a high standard of animal welfare and wellness is one of the most significant and satisfying contributions veterinary surgeons can accomplish on a daily basis, affecting both their patients and their clients."

New initiatives unveiled by the AWWC include:
  • A partnership with global charity World Animal Protection, to develop an annual welfare action plan.
  • An annual travel grant of up to $5,000 for veterinary surgeons or post-graduate veterinary students. The grant will allow those wishing to pursue a career in animal welfare the chance to travel to a project that will give them suitable experience.
  • An extension of the WSAVA's global outreach programme, which aims to share the knowledge and experience of WSAVA members with veterinary surgeons around the world. After running for the first time at World Congress in Cape Town, the programme will be extended to future congresses, beginning with the next event taking place in Bangkok in May 2015. The project also gives veterinary surgeons the chance to take part in volunteer placements for animal welfare organisations.
  • The establishment of "Friends of Animal Welfare" - a small group of veterinary surgeons around the world who will make an annual pledge to a fund for welfare-related initiatives.


Dr Ryan added: "By harnessing the power of our global veterinary community, the WSAVA aims to enhance the well-being of animals around the world and the initiatives we are announcing are an important step along the way."

Image courtesy of WSAVA

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.