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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th December 2014
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Pet travel rules change
dog
A new passport has been introduced to help prevent forgeries.
New regulations aim to crack down on abuse of the system

Changes to the Pet Travel Scheme come into force today, in a bid to clamp down on abuse of the system. From today (December 29), all pet passports issued will fall under the new rules.

The scheme allows people to travel in and out of the country with their cat, dog or ferret, assuming they meet the criteria. An undercover investigation by the Dog's Trust revealed widespread abuse of the system. Shocking footage shows European vets forging passports and rabies vaccination records and underage puppies slipping through the net undeclared.

In order to improve traceability and prevent passport forgeries, a new pet passport has been introduced from today. New passports contain laminated strips and the issuing vet is now required to provide more contact details.

Other changes include:
  • A minimum age of 12 weeks before pets can be vaccinated against rabies
  • All EU member states must now carry out checks on their borders
  • Owners who cannot travel with their pet when they enter the EU must do so within five days

Existing passports will remain valid for the lifetime of the pet, or until the treatment spaces have all been filled.

Since the rules of the scheme were relaxed in 2012, making it easier for pets to travel around Europe, many in the veterinary profession have raised concerns that this could lead to a rise in the number of illegally imported pets, and therefore the risk of disease.

Between 2011 and 2013, the number of declared dogs entering the UK from Lithuania rose by 780 per cent, and from Hungary, 663 per cent. The Dogs Trust has warned that these figures are merely the tip of the iceberg, due to the high number of illegally imported puppies.

Often, these puppies travel thousands of miles in appalling conditions, without the necessary treatments or vaccinations. The charity says this poses a very real disease threat to people and animals in the UK.

For further information on the Pet Travel Scheme, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-guidance-on-changes-to-the-eu-scheme-from-29-december-2014

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.