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Welfare focus for exotic pets
BVA and BVZS produce exotics trade position statement

Members of the British Veterinary Zoological Society's (BVZS) have agreed to a "discussion document" on the wild-caught exotics trade, and the future of public and veterinary exotic pet education.

The agreement came at the society's annual meeting, with the document suggesting risk assessments for individual species, judging welfare and public and environmental health considerations, and the creation of a list of species appropriate for being kept as pets.

BVZS has said it wants of a full-scale evidence review to gauge the situation of exotic pet-keeping in the UK, tighter regulation of the exotics trade across Europe and greater public education drives on exotics, with targeted species-specific education programmes for those working in the pet trade.

The society are working with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to produce a joint position statement on the exotics trade.

BVZS President Matt Brash said: "Channels are now being created so BVZS and BVA can move forward on these really difficult ares and I want us all working together on this."

The statement recommends that BVA and BVZS should cooperate with the RCVS and the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education to evaluate the benefits and encourage the inclusion of an exotic animal clinical service in all veterinary teaching colleges/universities.

Also at the meeting, the society set up working groups to look at incorporating welfare recommendations into the Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) Act and pet shop inspections. As a result, BVZS is currently developing a standardised documentation.

Mr Brash added: "These are really important areas that need sorting out - there are big ethical issues here and we all agree the health of individual animals is what we care about."

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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. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.