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Possible Schmallenberg vaccine confirmed
VMD provides information on MSD application

After renewed calls from the farming industry the Veterinary Medicines Directive (VMD) has released information regarding a possible vaccine for Schmallenberg.

The directorate has taken the unusual step of sharing information regarding the MSD's application for its 'Bovilis SBV' vaccine. Usually the directorate is unable to comment on any applications it has received, or their current status, for reasons of commercial confidentiality. However in light of the media interest surrounding the possible vaccine, MSD has allowed the VMD to release certain information.

The VMD has confirmed it received an application for a provisional marketing authorisation at the end of August 2012. The application was then completed and validated in mid September 2012 following the provision of further data.

According to the directorate the initial assessment was completed, and further enquiries were sent to the company in question towards the end of November 2012. After receiving a response at the end of January 2013, the VMD are now assessing this information.

A VMD spokesman said: "Despite the good progress, at this stage it is not possible to provide an indication of when the vaccine may be authorised.



"The VMD recognises the impact on individual animals and farmers a disease such as Schmallenberg can have.

"The VMD will operate timelines for the remaining stages of consideration of the application mindful of this while ensuring, through our rigorous scientific assessment process, that proper care is taken to ensure that any vaccine is safe for the relevant livestock."

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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.