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Vets join passive smoking campaign
ashtray
"Stopping smoking completely is the best option to keep pets fit and well"
Councils working alongside vets to improve pet welfare
 
A campaign to highlight the harmful effects of smoking around pets has seen local councils joining forces with vets to combat the issue.

Vets from across South Yorkshire have partnered Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster councils to encourage pet owners to protect their pets by keeping their homes smoke-free.

Recent research by the University of Glasgow found that passive smoking puts pets at risk of a range of health problems, including cancer, cell damage and weight gain.

Sheffield vet Phil Tricklebank is supporting the campaign: "I have seen many cases of chronic bronchitis in dogs and feline asthma in cats, which can often be aggravated by exposure to second-hand smoke," he explained. "I would urge all animal lovers not to smoke around their pets."

In Sheffield, 17.7 per cent of the adult population smoke. In Rotherham, the figure is 18.4 per cent, and in Doncaster, 22.7 per cent.

Doncaster councillor Pat Knight, said: "Many people are already aware of the risks of second-hand smoke when it comes to babies and young children, while pet owners are often surprised that animals can be harmed too."

In fact, the Glasgow research team found pets face an even greater threat from passive smoking than humans as they spend more time in the home and are closer to carpets where cancer-causing particles may remain. Cats are particularly at risk, perhaps due to extensive self-grooming.

"Reducing the amount of smoke pets are exposed to by smoking outdoors can help," councillor Knight added, "however stopping smoking completely is the best option to keep pets fit and well. There is plenty of free help and support available locally for smokers who want to quit."

Members of the public in South Yorkshire are being urged to make their cars and homes smoke-free as part of a wider campaign. More information can be found here: http://www.breathe2025.org.uk/

Details of local help and support available can be found by calling the stop smoking service on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles), or by visiting http://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/

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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.