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How microchipping laws will affect nurses
Mr Cooper also clarified certain aspects of the regulations, which are set to come into force from 6 April, 2015
New legislation clarified at BVNA Congress

With compulsory dog microchipping set to become law in England next year, veterinary nurses were given an update on key changes at the BVNA Congress today.

Trevor Cooper, of Cooper & Co Solicitors, reminded delegates that some aspects of the law are already in force. For example, it is now a criminal offence not to report adverse microchipping events, including failed and migrating chips, as well as those that result in health conditions.

All such adverse events must now be reported to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

In addition, chips must comply with ISO standards and can only be implanted by somebody who has undergone an approved training course; a vet; or a veterinary nurse under the direction of a vet. Vet and veterinary nurse students may also perform the procedure under a vet's instruction.

Mr Cooper also clarified certain aspects of the regulations, which are set to come into force from 6 April, 2016.

All dog breeders will be required to chip puppies by the age of eight weeks and register themselves as the first keeper. When puppies are transferred to their first home, it will be the legal responsibility of the new keeper to update the details.

Microchips must be registered to the 'habitual keeper' - or, the person with whom the dog normally resides. This has implications for some rescue centres who currently keep the microchips of their dogs registered to their organisation, rather than to the new keeper.

Mr Cooper urged veterinary practices to see the new law as a business opportunity - and to encourage owners to microchip their pets by highlighting the benefits, rather than focusing on the legal implications of failing to comply.

While he said it is unlikely the new law will be stringently enforced, it could offer an opportunity to shut down indiscriminate breeders.

Puppy farmers and 'backstreet breeders' are likely to flout the microchipping law due to cost and wishing to avoid being tracked down. Thus, a puppy buyer who discovers their dog has not been microchipped has an opportunity to report the breeder to the local authorities.

For more information visit www.doglaw.co.uk

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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.