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New standards for equine dental technicians
Tooth care standards to come into force next month

New standards coming into force in February aim to transfer some tooth care from the vet to equine dental technicians (EDTs).

Currently all dental work except basic tooth rasping should only be carried out by vets according to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. In reality however, EDTs undertake a large amount of dental work with the agreement of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

The new standards will help horse owners decide who to contact in order to care for their horses' teeth. Gemma Lilly, chairman of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) said: "It's good news for EDTs, owners and horses."

The national occupation standards have been drawn up with training organisation Lantra, and will clarify those procedures that can be carried out by a qualified EDT, and those that must be carried out only by a vet. The standards will also define the qualifications required by EDTs.

BEVA president Keith Chandler said: “There is a misconception that vets want to stop dental technicians from undertaking tooth care, but this could not be further from the truth.

“We and the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians [BAEDT] have been working for a number of years with Defra to create an exemption from the Act for suitably qualified EDTs.”

Mr Chandler concluded that he believes the exemption will be achieved within two years.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.