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Safety concerns over fenbendazole in pigeons
Fenbendazole has a low margin of safety for pigeons and overdose is likely have severe consequences.
Drug can no longer be used in pigeons under Schedule 6  

The anthelmintic drug fenbendazole can no longer be used in pigeons under Schedule 6 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, the VMD has announced.

Peer-reviewed research has indicated that fenbendazole has a low margin of safety for pigeons and overdose is likely have severe consequences. These include low white blood cell count, damage to the rapidly dividing cells of the crop and small intestinal epithelium and, ultimately, death.

As a result the VMD has concluded that fenbendazole must only be used in pigeons under the direction of a veterinary surgeon and should no longer be exempt from the provisions of Schedule 6.

From 15 July 2019, fenbendazole products that list pigeons as the only target species must cease to be manufactured. Products that target a number of species must no longer list pigeons as a target species in the product literature.

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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.