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New Caudata rules set to come into force in July
Bsal has been detected in different species of salamander across the UK, both kept as pets and in the wild.
Rules to prevent spread of deadly fungus amongst newts and salamanders

New rules on the import of Caudata amphibians are to be implemented across the UK following a decision by the European Commission.

The new rules come into force on the 1 July, 2018 and seek to prevent the spread of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) amongst newts and salamanders.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, Bsal has been detected in different species of salamander across the UK, both kept as pets and in the wild. Cases have been reported in Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK. In some salamander species, Bsal has been shown to cause high mortality.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has urged anyone involved in the import, export or sale of Caudata species to familiarise themselves with the new rules and to ensure any animals they buy and sell conform.

The rules cover the whole of the UK and, to import Caudata or move between EU countries, individuals must:
  • use the custom code 0106900000
  • have the appropriate health certificates
  • pre-notify APHA of non-EU imports (CVED) or FHI for EU imports (BSAL2). They will also need to do this if they wish to export Caudata to the EU or if the import is from outside the EU
  • quarantine animals at a Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) registered appropriate establishment and get a written authorisation from them for release once the animals have completed the quarantine period.
Pets, defined as five or fewer animals accompanied by their owner, are excluded from the rules. Acquiring animals from a trade show, shop or hobbyist to become part of a collection is not defined as moving a pet.

Further information can be obtained from the Fish Health Inspectorate: fhi@cefas.co.uk

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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
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.