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New BVA resources to help vets report illegal pet importation
Many veterinary surgeons have stated that they found reporting suspected cases to be difficult.

Guidance documents outline what to do with suspected cases

In an effort to combat the growing illegal pet trade, the BVA has released new resources designed to help veterinary surgeons in the UK report suspected cases of illegal pet importation.

The new suite of resources has been created in response to the BVA’s recent Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys, which found that many veterinary surgeons are unsure about how to report suspected cases of illegal importation, or have had difficulties in contacting the relevant authorities with past concerns.

Following a positive response to BVA’s compliance flowchart and guidance document released last year for veterinary surgeons in England, this new suite of downloadable resources clearly summarise what should be done if a veterinary surgeon wishes to report an illegally imported pet, including whom to contact, where to find the relevant contact details, what action to expect and how to navigate client confidentiality and data protection.

Veterinary surgeons in Scotland will have access to an online reporting form, which has been developed by Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) and Trading Standards Scotland (TSS).

BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said: “Veterinary teams can often be the first to suspect that an animal may have been illegally imported when an owner takes their pet for its first check-up. But our surveys have identified a compelling need for clearly defined routes and mechanisms for vets to more easily report suspected cases of illegal importation.

“Our flowchart and supporting guidance for vets in England last year were very well received by the profession and we are happy to be expanding them to empower vets across the UK to report any such cases.

“I’d encourage colleagues to use the resources if they wish to report any suspicions to relevant authorities and thereby help tackle the scourge of illegal importation.”

The new resources have been developed in collaboration with local authorities and organisations from across the UK. Please click below to access the relevant information pages for each country.

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.