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RAW 2023 to highlight benefits of neutering rabbits
Neutering prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits.
Vets urged to support the campaign.
 
The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) has announced the theme for Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 2023, which is taking place from 26-30 June. This year's theme is ‘Neutering: Protect and Prevent’.

RAW will highlight the importance of neutering, which prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits; a disease that affects approximately 80 per cent of unneutered females over the age of three years.

Throughout the week, RAAG will release blogs, videos, and downloadable packs containing resources for veterinary practices to create their own RAW campaigns. 

RAAG was established 15 years ago with an objective of improving the welfare of pet rabbits. It comprises some of the UK’s largest animal welfare organisations and is led by Burgess Pet Care.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director at Burgess Pet Care said: “RAAG decided to adopt neutering for the theme of this year’s RAW campaign, as we want to raise awareness of its benefits among owners. As well as the health benefits, neutered rabbits are generally calmer too. If you have indoor rabbits, you’ll find that neutered bunnies are less likely to exhibit marking behaviours around the home.”

RAAG says that rabbits' needs are often misunderstood, particularly with regard to neutering. It would like veterinary practices to support the campaign to help educate as many owners as possible.

Alison Speakman, president at the BSAVA said: “The BSAVA is once again delighted to support RAW and the important theme of the awareness of neutering. Rabbits are wonderful sociable pets and thrive in the companionship of other rabbits, but neutering is a critical part of responsible rabbit ownership and welfare to prevent unwanted litters and protect against diseases of the reproductive tract. BSAVA is confident that vets across the UK will get behind his important campaign to improve the health and welfare of pet rabbits.”

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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. 

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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.