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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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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com