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.
Return to BSAVA Home page
Search Our Jobs
MRCVSonline on Twitter

BSAVA Congress News Archive
Zika will burn out within three years, scientists say
18th July 2016
New research suggests the Zika epidemic in Latin America is likely to 'burn out' within three years, as people are unlikely to be infected twice. Scientists from Imperial College London also concluded that the virus cannot be contained with existing control measures. Lead author Professor Neil Ferguson said the study used all available data to build a mathematical model of the current epidemic, giving an understanding of how the disease will unfold. For more information on the findings, visit: www3.imperial.ac.uk
Andrea Leadsom appointed environment secretary
15th July 2016
Following Theresa May's appointment as Prime Minister, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed as the new secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

Ms Leadsom, who was previously minister of state at the department of energy and climate change, said on Twitter that she was "Delighted to be Sec of State @DefraGovUK at this historic time!"

She replaces South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss, who has been appointed as justice secretary.

Image (C) Department of Energy and Climate Change
Dog fighting: RSPCA calls for tougher penalties
29th June 2016
The RSPCA says it investigated 511 calls about organised dog fighting last year. The figures were released ahead of a cross-party debate on the issue in Westminster on 29 June. The charity hopes to see MPs lending their support to tougher sentencing for this crime. In Northern Ireland, perpetrators face up to five years in prison, whereas in England and Wales the maximum is six months.
Zoo celebrates arrival of four dwarf crocs
23rd June 2016
Whipsnade Zoo are celebrating the arrival of Four West African dwarf crocodiles - the first to hatch in 18 years!

Zookeepers say the reptiles, which measure just eight inches long, are already exploring their tropical enclosure and pool within the Zoo's Butterfly House.

Classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the crocs will be added to the European Studbook (ESB) for West African dwarf crocodiles.
VMD makes changes to Special Import Scheme
15th June 2016
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has changed its online system for the Special Import Scheme, in order to reduce administrative burden. Import certificates can now be issued instantaneously for more products, including STCs. A number of other changes aim to make the application process easier. For a full list, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/special-import-scheme-changes
Vets to debate welfare of exotic pets
2nd June 2016
Vets will discuss the issue of legislation versus self-regulation around the ownership of exotic pets at the annual Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum in London on 6 June.

During the Forum, the AWF will also be holding sessions on the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Acts and debate the controversial topic of livestock welfare in intensive farming for meat production.

Tickets for the forum are available at www.bva-awf.org.uk/events/2016/6/6/2016-discussion-forum
New approach to newt conservation in Woking
11th May 2016
Habitats for great crested newts will be enhanced or created by Woking Borough Council prior to any development taking place. This will join up existing populations, making them healthier and more resilient.

A new organisational licence for the council will allow it to authorise operations that may affect great crested newts on development of sites. For more information see Natural England's website

Image: Wikimedia Commons/Rainer Theuer
New DNA testing scheme for German shepherds approved
10th May 2016
A new DNA test for chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy - DM (CDRM) in German shepherds has been approved by the Kennel Club following consultation with the German Shepherd Dog Breed Council.

To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, a worldwide DNA testing list is available at: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/breeding-for-health/dna-testing-simple-inherited-disorders/worldwide-dna-tests

Test results will be added to the dog's registration details and will be published in the next available Breed Records Supplement. Results will also appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog.
New DNA testing scheme for Labradors
20th April 2016
The Kennel Club has approved a new DNA testing scheme for hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK) in Labrador retrievers. Announcing the news, Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko, said: "The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog in the UK, so ensuring that the resources are available for breeders to make informed breeding decisions is paramount.

"We are pleased to be announcing this new DNA test for the breed, which will assist in responsible breeding and enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of an issue which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately protect and maintain the health of the breed."

A list of the laboratories the Kennel Club accepts results from can be found here: thekennelclub.org.uk
Zika is linked to Microcephaly, study concludes
15th April 2016
"Zika virus is a cause of Microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects," scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, describes a rigorous weighing of evidence using established scientific criteria.

Tom Frieden, director of the CDC said: "We've now confirmed what mounting evidence has suggested, affirming our early guidance to pregnant women and their partners to take steps to avoid Zika infection and to health care professionals who are talking to patients every day.

"We are working to do everything possible to protect the American public."
Major equine issues to be tackled in debate
7th April 2016
Key welfare problems being faced by Scottish equines will be discussed at an upcoming debate being held by the British Horse Society, Scottish government and World Horse Welfare.

Among the issues being debated are the risks posed by exotic diseases, the pressure being put on welfare charities as a result of indiscriminate breeding and the practical implications of the new equine ID regulations and central equine database. There will also be an update on problems with identity fraud in the trade of low value equines.

Anyone can attend the debate - tickets are 20 each for members of a charity or 50 for everybody else. Find out more at http://www.bhsscotland.org.uk/
More Zika funding for Glasgow
23rd March 2016
Scientists at the University of Glasgow have been awarded more funding to continue and expand their work on the Zika virus.

Zika has now been reported in nearly 40 US states and territories and has been linked with microcephaly in newborn babies and Guillain-Barre syndrom (GBS).

The funding is in addition to the 300,000 received from the Medical Research Council last month. It will cover work in three areas - Zika infection in GBS, virus transmission in Ecuador and Columbia and the characterisation of virus neutralisation with 3D reconstruction. These projects are among 26 others to receive a combined sum of 3.2 million.