ESCCAP warns vets on PETS
The European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) has advised that vets should educate owners about the changes in pet travel rules following the harmonisation of UK Quarantine Laws with EU legislation on January 1st 2012.
The harmonisation of the laws means that the six month quarantine period first instituted in 1897 has been reduced to 21 days in the case of vaccinated and microchipped animals from certain listed countries. Animals from non-listed countries now only need to spend three months in quarantine.
However, travelling pets are still at risk from parasites and diseases. The UK will maintain pre-existing controls against canine tapeworms, notably Echinococcus multilocularis (EM). The requirement for treatment before travel remains, but the treatment window has been extended to a period of up to five days before travel.
ESCCAP has also expressed particular concern about the lifting of requirements for tick treatment in animals coming into the UK from abroad and has warned UK owners to exercise caution and diligence when bringing their animals back from overseas.
Commenting on the new state of affairs, Anna Judson of ESCCAP said: "Veterinary professionals must take on board the changes to PETS that take effect on January 1. We cannot afford to shut our eyes to the issue as doing so risks the health of today's and tomorrow's pets."
“ESCCAP UK hopes that all vets and VNs will share this thought and will want to do their bit by helping to educate clients about the risks posed by parasites to traveling pets." she added.
ESCCAP recommends that veterinary practitioners make themselves aware of the ramifications of the changes in the law and update their knowledge and client materials accordingly. It is also recommended that one person per practice should be appointed as a dedicated 'pet parasite champion' to disseminate the relevant information to colleagues and clients.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
