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3,700 pets injured in road accidents each year
It is recommended that dogs and their owners wear high-visibility clothes.
PDSA issues advice during Road Safety Week.

PDSA is raising awareness of the dangers traffic poses to pets as Road Safety Week (17 November- 23 November) continues.

The charity reports that it treats around 3,700 pets each year that have been involved in road traffic accidents, which costs it over £1 million a year.

Although the charity advocates regular winter walks to keep pets exercised, it has warned of the dangers that dark and busy roads pose to pets and their owners. Pets which are seriously injured in traffic accidents frequently require specialist or intensive veterinary care.

PDSA veterinary nurse Gemma Renwick has shared advice for pet owners to keep safe when walking near roadsides.

If you are unable to walk your dog during daylight hours, she recommends that owners wear high-visibility clothing and equip their dog with an LED collar or high-visibility dog coat. As always, dogs should be microchipped and have a collar with accurate identification details.

Cats should also be wearing high-visibility collars, which must always be ‘quick release’. Ideally cats should only be let out in daylight hours, which can be encouraged by timing their mealtimes to take place just before it gets dark. This creates a schedule, so they always return before nightfall.

Dog walks should avoid busy roads where possible, but it is also possible to train them to be cautious near roads. When you reach a road, ask your pet to ‘sit’ and ‘wait’ before crossing a road. This should teach them to always wait when they reach a road.

During winter, keeping dogs on a short and strong lead instead of an extender lead gives the extra assurance that they will not run off – even if they are generally well-behaved.

Ms Renwick said: “Sticking to these tips will help keep your beloved pets safe from the dangers of roads and traffic – as well as avoiding any unexpected veterinary costs. Remember, a little preparation and training can go a long way in ensuring that your walks are safe and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

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.