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RWAF Launches Christmas Appeal
Charity issues care advice for rabbits.

 The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) have appealed in the spirit of the season for owners to pay more attention to their pets.

Rabbits are the most neglected pets in the UK. Many live in cramped hutches with no space to exercise, an inadequate diet, and no companionship. A sedentary lifestyle often leads to muscle weakness and a fragile spine, which can lead to a vulnerability to injury when handled. Fly strike and other medical problems are rife.

The RWAF recommends that a rabbit should have a suitable hutch connected to a safe exercise area, plenty of warm and dry bedding that should be replaced regularly, and a healthy diet with a strong emphasis on grass.

They also recommend that a rabbit should be neutered and bonded with another neutered rabbit, because rabbits never live alone in the wild and the domestic rabbit values companionship as much as food. And what better time for companionship than Christmas?

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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.