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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th July 2022
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Expert group to surveil new and emerging small animal disease threats
The group is currently working in collaboration with ESCAPP on the surveillance of exotic worms or worm-like parasites.
The Small Animal Expert Group is offering free morphological identification of exotic worms or worm-like parasites. 

A new Small Animal Expert Group has been established by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to surveil new or re-emerging threats for small animal diseases.

Led by veterinary epidemiologist Dr Gillian Diesel, the group was formed at the beginning of 2022, comprising members of the APHA's One Health Team and the Surveillance, Epidemiology and Data Analysis team. 

Other non-APHA members of the group include BSAVA, SAVSNET, VetCompass, Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, RSPCA, SSPCA and the VMD. 

Currently the group is working in collaboration with ESCCAP on the surveillance of exotic worms or worm-like parasites, and the APHA is offering free morphological identification of these worms where they are suspected. 

The group is also keen to connect with veterinary practices to which they can send any information about the project and act as a contact point for any unusual cases where a vet suspects a new or re-emerging threat.

Dr Diesel said: “For many years, APHA has had species expert groups for livestock and wildlife which sit within our Surveillance Intelligence Unit and form integral parts of the scanning surveillance network in England and Wales. I have now been able to set up the small animal group to provide the same function for small animals. 

“Scanning surveillance and the need to monitor diseases in animal populations is of critical importance for the government in order to detect new and re-emerging threats and protect animal and human health. These threats can include notifiable diseases, new pathogens or new strains of a known disease, a change in the patterns of an endemic disease or resistance to a veterinary medicine.”

For more information about the project, visit defra.gov.uk

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.