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iCatCare launches new campaign
Cat
"The overall message of our campaign is that prevention is better than cure" - Claire Bessant, iCat Care chief executive.

'Keeping Cats Safe' to cover all areas of cat safety

International Cat Care (iCatCare) is joining forces with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) and Agria Pet Insurance to launch a new 'Keeping Cats Safe' campaign.

Launching this month, the campaign will run throughout 2015 and into 2016, covering all aspects of cat safety. Dangers such as poisons, accidental injuries and cats eating strange things will be highlighted, as well as which diseases can be prevented by vaccination and parasite control. The campaign will also feature the safe use of collars and microchipping.

There will be advice for owners on each topic, covering what the risks are, what the signs of injury/poisoning are, what to do and how risks can be minimised.  For veterinary professionals, there will be in-depth advice on clinical signs, treatment and prognosis. The information will be made available both on the charity's website and in the charity's publications.

Claire Bessant, iCatCare chief executive, said: "The overall message of our campaign is that prevention is better than cure. Our goal is to spread the word by alerting cat owners to some of the most common dangers, as well as providing expert advice to help those professionals dealing with these distressing cases."

iCatCare will also work with its supporters and members, including members of its veterinary division the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), to gather information about their experiences.

The campaign gets underway by pointing out the dangers of disinfectants, with advice for owners on their safe use. For vets and nurses, there is an introduction to toxicology, and detailed advice on presentation and treatment of benzalkonium chloride exposure in cats. 

For more information visit www.icatcare.org.

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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.