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BVA highlights welfare needs of reptiles
"If you are uncertain or have any questions about how to care for your reptile, do speak to an exotics vet" - Justine Shotton, BVA president.
The #ThinkTwice campaign asks potential reptile owners to ensure they are prepared.

The BVA is urging pet owners '#ThinkTwice' before buying a reptile, and ensure that they are meeting the welfare needs of any current reptiles on National Reptile Awareness Day (21 October).

Infographics with facts on common exotic pets are being used by the BVA to encourage pet owners to ensure that they are fully capable of caring for an exotic pet and aware of their needs. 

On its webpage on exotic pets, the BVA outlines its stance on reptiles as pets: “Non-traditional companion animals (NTCAs), or exotics, are those not traditionally kept as pets in the UK and whose welfare needs are so specialised they can rarely be met in a domestic environment. 

“Reptiles, for example, have very specific requirements for humidity, lighting, nutrition, and temperature, and birds have complex social, cognitive, and nutritional needs.

“Many owners take on NTCAs without first discussing their plans with a vet, seeking out well-informed species-specific pre-purchase information, or giving enough thought to how they can provide for the animal's welfare needs.
“By law, all pet owners must make sure they meet their animals' 5 welfare needs.
“The welfare of NTCAs can be improved through education and knowledge sharing. Stakeholders should work in partnership to develop an evidence base to endorse and promote agreed husbandry practices.”

Justine Shotton, BVA president and top zoo veterinary surgeon, said: “When considering buying a reptile as a pet, it is so important to #ThinkTwice, to do your research and to make sure you can meet all of their welfare needs before making a decision. 

“Proper environments for reptiles can be expensive, and will need regular maintenance, such as monitoring temperatures and regularly replacing UV bulbs.

“Without the proper care in captive environments reptiles may suffer serious health issues – which can be fatal.

“It’s also important to remember that while reptiles can start off life very small, they can often grow significantly, so you need to ensure you will be able to look after your pet throughout its entire life, which for some reptiles can be many years.

“If you are uncertain or have any questions about how to care for your reptile, do speak to an exotics vet.”

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.