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: 5th May 2010
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
National Ferret Day
Today is National Ferret Day, and the BVA is using this to remind pet owners and vets about the availability of the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation’s (BVA AWF) practical guide designed to enable owners to provide the very best of care for their pet ferrets. 

Produced in association with the Ferret Education & Research Trust (FERT), the ‘Caring for your ferret’ leaflet reflects the growing popularity of these intelligent and curious animals as household pets.
 
Carl Padgett, Chair of the BVA AWF Trustees, commented: “The ‘Caring for your ferret’ leaflet covers the basics such as housing, feeding, health care and toilet training. It also offers advice on ‘ferret-proofing’ your home and garden, advice on games – ferrets particularly love hide-and-seek – and, very importantly, breeding and neutering as well as vaccination against canine distemper should owners be tempted to take their ferret for a walk on a lead and harness.”
 
The growing popularity of ferrets was highlighted in a recent survey which showed that almost half of owners acquired their ferret in the last five years and a significant majority of ferrets were now kept as pets rather than working animals.
 
“A high level of commitment and care is needed when taking on any pet and our guide should ensure that even the novice owner has all the information necessary to ensure their ferret’s health and welfare,” Mr Padgett added.
 
National Ferret Day aims to ensure issues such as welfare, care, nutrition and ownership are all highlighted in a positive light and to educate the public to respect these animals.
 
Speaking on behalf of the Trustees of FERT Ian Kearns said: “One of FERT’s major concerns is that many ferrets are now ending up in rescue centres, because people haven’t read up on them before taking on one.  We’d urge anyone to consider a ferret as a pet - but do your homework first, make sure you understand their housing and dietary needs, and of course register with a vet. As well as vaccination, your vet can also microchip your ferret.”
 
‘Caring for your ferret’ is available to download from the BVA AWF website and veterinary practices can obtain batches of leaflets for the waiting room by emailing the BVA AWF. Members of the public can also request individual copies.

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
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.