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: 6th January 2023
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

Hong Kong set to end ban on hamster imports
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department intends to lift the import ban in mid-January.
Authorities are planning to resume importation from mid-January.

Hong Kong authorities are set to lift a year-long ban on the import of hamsters amid a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in the city.

Hamster importations were banned in Hong Kong last year after a worker at the Little Boss pet shop tested positive for the Delta variant of the virus. Tests conducted by authorities on the animals in the shop revealed that 11 hamsters imported from the Netherlands were infected. 

Owing to the zero-tolerance COVID policy in China, Hong Kong subsequently ordered the culling of some 2,000 hamsters, prompting a backlash from animal rights campaigners and pet owners against the measures.

Speaking to BBC News, a spokesperson from the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said it intends to lift the import ban in mid-January.

"Our staff will arrange to collect samples from hamsters and other small mammals for Covid-19 testing. They can only be sold if the test results are negative," the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong added: "If such imports are to resume, the hamsters need to be handled with consideration [and] given the best care possible during transport and quarantine.”

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.