Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th June 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Rabbit Awareness Week 2022 begins
Each day of RAW will focus on sharing information on different aspects on rabbit environment.

Organisers are encouraging vet practices to support the initiative.

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) has gotten underway for 2022, with veterinary practices encouraged to take part and promote this year's theme – Room for Rabbits.

The UK's largest campaign dedicated to rabbit welfare, RAW 2022 (27 June - 1 July) is focused on educating owners to provide their rabbits with a suitable environment, after the latest PDSA PAW Report found that 49 per cent of UK rabbits live alone, and a quarter of UK rabbits are kept in inadequate housing conditions.

The organisers of RAW will share content on its Facebook and Instagram pages, including Q&A sessions with veterinary professionals, blogs and videos on creating great environments for rabbits, including adapting housing for all seasons.

With plenty of time to get involved, RAW organisers are encouraging veterinary practices to download a free RAW pack and speak to clients about rabbit housing and welfare.

Beginning with information on keeping rabbits' housing clean and in good condition, the first day of RAW is providing owners with a cleaning schedule for rabbit housing, with plenty of top tips offered throughout the day.

Creating a suitable set-up in both indoor and outdoor environments, including enrichment ideas and litter training, will be the focus of days two and three, and adapting rabbits' housing for all seasons will be the focus of day four.

On RAW's final day, it will focus on creating or extending a welfare-rich environment on a budget.

Promoting the Room for Rabbits theme, the RSPCA is marking Rabbit Awareness Week by highlighting the large number of rabbits coming into its care.

Dr Jane Tyson, RSPCA rabbit welfare expert, said: “It’s more important than ever on this Rabbit Awareness Week that we spread the message to people to do their research before taking on a pet.

“Rabbits can live for a long time and can be costly, they need much more than just a hutch at the end of the garden - they need space, companionship and enrichment to live happy and healthy lives.”

 

Images (C) Rabbit Awareness Week/RAAG

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.