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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th July 2011
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Tapeworm Freedom
Controls must be maintained to keep UK tapeworm free.

The European Union and UK Veterinary Profession are in agreement that controls for tapeworm (Echinoccus Multicularis (EM) need to be maintained.  Consequently, the European Commission has formed a regulation that will permit pre-movement treatment for dogs travelling between the UK, Ireland, Finland and Malta.

Despite Defra’s changes to European pet travel rules, which adds further protection against rabies, ticks and tapeworms, there is still a significant public health risk regarding EM tapeworms.  As BVA President Harvey Locke, explains:

“In our role as guardians of public health, vets were deeply concerned that the removal of tapeworm controls would see the introduction of EM tapeworm to the UK and Ireland.  Although relatively benign in dogs, the resulting disease in humans – alveolar echinococcosis – is an invasive, cancer-lie cystic stage of the parasite, and is invariably fatal if not treated.”

Thus, the BVA and BSAVA have been working with Defra to urge the European Commission to focus on controls specifically aimed at controlling tapeworms.   The commission’s regulation ensures that dogs must be treated by a veterinary surgeon 24 – 120 hours (1-5 days) before entering the partnered countries.   The BVA did stress there was scientific support that the window for treatment need only be 24-48 hours, but they accepted the commission's compromise as it does prevent pet owners from getting treatment at the last minute.

Both the BVA and BSAVA were ‘delighted’ that the European Commission had reached a stable resolution.  Andrew Ash, President of BSAVA stated they will continue to follow this issue, and gave an important reminder to pet owners:

“The BVA and BSAVA will continue to promote the best possible health and welfare advice for pet owners taking their animals abroad.  Our advice to owners is to speak to a vet as early as possible to make sure pets are protected from all diseases and parasites encountered abroad.”

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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. 

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.