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Vaccine uptake project receives funding boost
"It is essential that we understand the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the UK" - Dr Gina Pinchbeck.

Researchers to investigate vaccine hesitancy in the UK's pet population.

The Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) has been awarded £50,000 from PetSavers – the charitable arm of the BSAVA – to develop strategies to improve vaccine uptake in companion animals.

The University of Liverpool-based project, A mixed-methods approach to quantifying and characterising vaccine uptake and vaccine hesitancy in UK companion animals, will combine quantitative analysis of existing data from electronic health records with qualitative approaches.

It will involve focus-group discussions and interviews with vets and owners to gain an in-depth understanding of patterns of uptake of vaccination in the UK. Researchers also aim to investigate the perceptions and behaviours around the uptake of vaccination and the rise of vaccine hesitancy.

The funding will be matched by the University of Liverpool, and potential PhD students are invited to submit applications to work with the researchers.

Project lead Dr Gina Pinchbeck commented: “Vaccination is a vital component of preventive healthcare and it is well acknowledged that sub-optimal vaccination uptake may be associated with re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases in populations.

It is essential that we understand the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the pet population so that we can use the best methods to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake and this will be the primary focus of the study.”

SAVSNET maintains an ongoing collaboration with the BSAVA to harness electronic health and environmental data for rapid and actionable research and surveillance.

This latest project comes in response to the declining rates of pet vaccination. According to research conducted by the PDSA in 2017, only 75 per cent of dogs had received a primary vaccination course when young, and a further fall was noted by the charity in 2019 (72 per cent).

BSAVA president Professor Ian Ramsey added: “This project will be of great value to the veterinary profession and continues the co-operation between BSAVA and the University of Liverpool to build on the successes of the original SAVSNET partnership.”

For information on how to apply for the PhD, contact Dr Gina Pinchbeck (ginap@liverpool.ac.uk) or visit findaphd.com

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.