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Rabbit awareness collective reveals 2017 theme
The #HopToHay campaign aims to address the fact that rabbits remain one of the most misunderstood pets in the UK.

#HopToHay campaign 'biggest and best yet'

The lack of pet owner understanding around the importance of a hay-led, fibre-rich diet is the focus of this year's Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), it has been announced.

Taking place from 17-25 June, the #HopToHay campaign aims to address the fact that rabbits remain one of the most misunderstood pets in the UK.

In 2016, the PDSA's Animal Wellbeing Report highlighted that only 30 per cent of owners gave their rabbits constant access to hay for eating.  

Through this new campaign, the Rabbit Awareness Collective (incorporating Burgess Pet Care, BSAVA, PDSA and the RWAF) wants to ensure that rabbits are being given good quality feeding hay, which is more palatable and will help support their digestive and dental health.

The aim is to make sure that owners feed their rabbits diets containing 85-90 per cent grass or fresh, high-quality feeding hay, they said.

Now in its eleventh year, Rabbit Awareness Week helps encourage rabbit owners to visit practices and get their rabbit's health-checked. During this time, practices offer an array of initiatives and activities to help better the lives of rabbits including free dentals, free weight checks and reduced fees on neutering.

"Each year, we're delighted to see the new and innovative ways practices are making the most out of each week," said a RAW spokesperson. "We want this year's RAW to be the biggest and best yet!"

To support practices, the collective has put together a PR toolkit specifically for vets. This includes information about this year's campaign, as well as lots of ideas on how to co-ordinate activity and maximise coverage.

The toolkit also includes PR and social media tips, press release templates, campaign information and lots of RAW materials to help promote the week.

For further information about RAW and details on how you can get involved visit http://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk/hop-to-hay/

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'