Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th April 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vets warned against rise in pets with fleas
Dog scratching
'Veterinary professionals must be prepared to see increasing numbers of pets infested with fleas, with increased numbers of fleas per pet' - ESCCAP

Spring Parasite Forecast outlines changing parasite activity 

As global temperatures continue to rise, a new parasite forecast is urging vets to prepare for an increase in pets infested with fleas.

According to ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites), rising temperatures combined with limited rainfall will continue to support the rapid increase of fleas.

Over the next five years, the Met Office predicts that temperatures will be between 0.28 degrees celsius and 0.77 degrees celsius warmer than the 1981-2010 average.

‘Veterinary professionals must be prepared to see increasing numbers of pets infested with fleas, with increased numbers of fleas per pet, if adequate control programmes are not put in place,’ the forecast says.

It adds that warmer weather is also likely to favour intermediate host numbers and transmission of A.vasorum.

‘Veterinary professionals should continue to be vigilant for cases of lungworm in their area and advise preventative treatment for high-risk dogs,’ it continues.

ESCCAP’S Parasite Forecast outlines changing parasite activity over the last three months and predicts which parasites may present a risk in the coming months.

Published quarterly, each issue includes the parasite forecast, an analysis of topics which ESCCAP UK & Ireland has received enquiries about and a sample case report outlining a particular parasite or risk.

The current issue (January - March 2017) presents the spring parasite forecast and includes a case report of leishmaniasis in a boxer dog from Italy.

To sign up to future editions of the forecast, email info@esccapuk.org.uk. Each edition will also be published on the ESCCAP website.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.