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AHT Launched Investigation into Dog Deaths
A mystery illness which has claimed the lives of several dogs in Norfolk and Nottinghamshire is being investigated by the Animal Health Trust (AHT).

The veterinary charity is appealing to dog owners who have walked their dogs on the Sandringham Estate, in Thetford Forest, in Clumber Park or Sherwood Forest since the beginning of August 2010, to help with the investigation.
 
Peter Webbon, Chief Executive of the AHT, said: “We need the help of dog owners to gather information about this mysterious seasonal illness which is causing a number of dogs to become seriously ill.
 
“The illness comes on very quickly, usually within 24 hours, and causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. We are asking dog owners who have walked their dogs in any of the four sites to fill in a questionnaire – regardless of whether your dog was taken ill or not.”
 
It is very important for the charity to also hear from owners whose dogs didn’t get ill following walks at the sites. This will enable the AHT to discount various factors and, hopefully, lead to the identity of the mysterious dog killer.
 
If you have walked your dogs at any of the four sites since the beginning of August 2010, please download, and return, the relevant questionnaire and map from the AHT’s website. Alternatively, if you would like to request a copy of the questionnaire to be emailed to you or a hard copy sent in the post, please email info@aht.org.uk with the name of the site and your email or postal address. Please also report any other incidences of the illness to this email address.
   
To fund this investigation the AHT has established a Seasonal Canine Illness fund and is asking for donations towards the cost of the research.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.