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Experts urge greater surveillance of exotic parasites
Experts are reporting rising numbers of worms and worm-like parasites in imported dogs
Practices asked to submit samples to the APHA for identification.

Veterinary practices in England and Wales are being urged to submit samples of suspected exotic worms and parasites to the APHA for identification.

The call from the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCAPP) UK and Ireland and the APHA comes in response to rising numbers of worms and worm-like parasites in dogs being imported from southern and eastern Europe.

Among the parasites being reported include the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda, skin worm Dirofilaria repens and nasal pentastomid Linguatula serrata.

In a letter to Vet Times (Vol.52 Issue 10), Ian Wright, head of ESCAPP, said: “The APHA and ESCAPP UK and Ireland are collaborating to encourage diagnosis and reporting of these parasites and to map the distribution of cases. This will help inform their distribution and prevalence. As well as helping to identify where autochthonous transmission may be occurring.

“We encourage veterinary practice to submit any samples that may be one of these parasites to the APHA for identification. Samples should be posted to the APHA Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre. Sample submissions must be accompanied by full clinical history to qualify for free testing.”

More details on how to submit samples are available on the APHA website.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.