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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st November 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Two new Babesia cases in Romford
Babesiosis is transmitted to dogs by infected ticks and symptoms include fever, jaundice and a lack of appetite.
Dogs had no history of foreign travel or links with Harlow

Two new cases of Babesia have been confirmed in dogs from Romford, Essex. The dogs had no history of foreign travel and no known connection with the Babesia cases in Harlow earlier this year.

An 11-year-old Labrador was brought to the Best Friends Veterinary Group in Romford as an emergency, but was dead on arrival. When asked about ticks, the owner reported finding two on the dog a fortnight previously. Testing revealed Babesia gibsoni.

In the second case, a male Labrador named Ben was brought to the surgery after his owner had found and attempted to remove two ticks from his body.

Veterinary surgeon Alina Ancuta said Ben presented with a fever and lethargy but had a good appetite and was drinking normally. She discussed the possibility of Babesia with the owner but as the incubation period is 12-14 days after a tick bite, any tests would come back negative.

After 12 days Ben returned to the practice with high fever, lethargy, pink gums and capillary refill time of less than two seconds. Blood tests revealed anaemia and infection, and a blood smear was positive for Babesia.

Treatment with fluids and Clyndamicin was commenced immediately, followed by Imizol, which was received after three days. Blood smears were repeated every three days but after one week the dog had not shown any improvement and was referred to the RVC's Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, where he has made a full recovery.

Earlier this year, a cluster of babesiosis cases in dogs with no history of foreign travel were traced to a popular dog walking area in Harlow, where a survey confirmed the presence of an infected population of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. The two new cases have renewed concerns about the disease, as they occurred around 20 miles away from the original site in Harlow.

Babesiosis is transmitted to dogs by infected ticks and symptoms include fever, jaundice and a lack of appetite.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) issued a statement in May owing to concerns about the availability of treatments for babesiosis.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.