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BSAVA publishes new document on use of CBD oil in dogs and cats
"This document aims to provide a broad overview of the available evidence base and legal position in the UK for veterinary team members." - Caroline Kisielewicz, author.

Association outlines UK legal position and current scientific research

BSAVA has released a new scientific document for the veterinary profession on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in companion animals.

The document has been published in response to an increased interest in the use of CBD to treat cats and dogs. It was written by members of the BSAVA Scientific Committee, alongside specialists in internal medicine and neurology.

Included in the document are details on the legal position regarding the use of CBD oil in companion animals in the UK, as well as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CBD in humans and dogs and an overview of current scientific research.

Author and BSAVA Scientific Committee member, Caroline Kisielewicz, said: “Information regarding the effects of cannabinoids on animals is predominantly at the stage of pre-clinical testing of individual substances in mice, rats and guinea pigs. There are limited clinical studies looking at the effects of CBD in dogs, and no reported studies in cats.

“There are many reports describing possible beneficial effects and therapeutic potential in humans, and subsequently pet owners may ask their vet about using cannabinoids to treat veterinary patients. This document aims to provide a broad overview of the available evidence base and legal position in the UK for veterinary team members.”

The Use of cannabidiol (CBD) in dogs and cats information document is available for free on the BSAVA website.

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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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Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.