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.
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
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?

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'