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Sandringham Estate warns of mystery dog illness
woodland dog
SCI affects dogs during the autumn, with cases usually being seen between August and November. (stock photo)
Seasonal canine illness has affected dogs at the estate in previous years
 
The Queen's Sandringham Estate has issued a warning about the risks of seasonal canine illness (SCI), a mysterious and sometimes fatal illness that can affect dogs that have been walked in woodland.

A statement on the estate's website reads: 'We are approaching the time of year when cases of Seasonal Canine Illness appear in some dogs walked in the Country Park. SCI symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea and some dogs have died of this illness.

'Dog owners should keep their dogs on leads and under close control, and may wish to consider topical spray treatments for mites. Dogs showing any signs of SCI symptoms should be seen by a vet immediately.'

Last year, it was reported that 15 dogs developed SCI after visiting the estate, prompting criticism from some owners, who say there were insufficient warnings.

SCI affects dogs during the autumn, with cases usually being seen between August and November. It causes dogs to become very ill soon after being walked in woodland, and can prove fatal.

The cause of the illness is unknown and there are no known methods of prevention. However, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) says dogs owners may wish to ask their vet about topical spray treatments for mites, which can be applied to the animal just before a walk.

A spokesman for Sandringham Estate is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "The estate makes every effort to spread awareness of seasonal canine illness with the public and to guide dog owners to keep their dogs on leads when walking on the estate."

Warning posters and flyers have been put up at the visitor centre and country park, including the main dog walking areas, car parks and camping and caravan sites.

The spokesman added: "We are not aware of any cases of seasonal canine illness on the estate this year."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.