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Vets urged to be vigilant of caterpillar pest
The hairs of the caterpillar contain an irritating substance called thaumetopein.

Oak processionary moth caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritations

Vets in and around London are being urged to remain vigilant of a species of caterpillar which can cause skin irritations and breathing difficulties.

In a letter to Veterinary Record (Vol 178, No 18), Andrew Hoppit from the Oak Processionary Moth Project reminds readers of the risk to animals from the hairs of the caterpillar.

Native to southern Europe, the oak processionary moth is an exotic pest which was accidentally introduced to London 11 years ago.

The hairs of the caterpillar contain an irritating substance called thaumetopein, which can cause itching skin rashes, eye irritation, and occasionally breathing difficulties in animals and people who come into contact with them.

‘We recently received our first report of a dog requiring veterinary treatment after coming into contact with the hairs of the caterpillars,’ writes Mr Hoppit.

‘The dog had picked up an old caterpillar nest which had fallen to the ground and which contained hairs shed by its previous occupants. We also had a report of horses developing skin irritations last year,’ he added.

Mr Hoppit warns that other animals are also at risk from passive exposure, such as eating or lying on grass on which hairs have fallen, or hairs blown by the wind. Some animals may also attempt to lick, sniff or bite caterpillars or their nests.

‘The main risk period is April to July, when the caterpillars are active before erupting into adult moths,” said Mr. Hoppit.

A programme to control the spread and impact of this exotic pest is being led by The Forestry Commission. Further information about the species, with maps indicating the known affected areas can be found at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/opm

Image (C) Kleuske

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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. 

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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.