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Vets issue chocolate warning to pet owners
The majority of vets still see urgent cases of chocolate poisoning over the Easter period.
One in eight vets treated five or more cases over Easter 2017

The BVA has issued a warning to pet owners about storing chocolate safely, as new figures show that 62 per cent of vets saw at least one case of chocolate poisoning over the Easter holidays last year.

The organisation’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey found that the majority of vets still see urgent cases over the Easter period because chocolate treats have not been kept out of reach. Whilst most vets saw an average of two cases of chocolate poisoning, an average of one in eight treated five or more cases - more than double the figure reported over the previous two years.

Commenting on the findings, BVA president John Fishwick said: “Easter is a time of great fun for the whole family, but chocolate treats meant for humans can be poisonous for our pets. Dogs, in particular, have a keen sense of smell and can easily sniff out sweet treats, so make sure any chocolate goodies are stored securely out of reach of inquisitive noses to avoid an emergency trip to the vet.”

He continued: “If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate, don’t delay in contacting your local vet. The quicker the animal gets veterinary advice and treatment, the better. Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your dog has eaten and what type. If possible, keep any labels and have the weight of the dog to hand.”

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey is a bi-annual survey of vets drawn from BVA members. It captures the profession’s views and experiences by asking questions about animals health and welfare, public health and trends in the veterinary practice.

The May 2017 Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey asked 372 vets across the UK if they saw any cases of chocolate poisoning in companion animals over the 2017 Easter holidays.

Information for owners on pets and poisons can be found at www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice/pets-and-poisons

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.