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80 per cent of vets saw cases of chocolate poisoning during Easter 2019
"As we are all spending more time indoors, it is worth remembering to not leave treats lying around." Daniella Dos Santos, BVA.

BVA urges pet owners to be mindful of hazards during Easter break.

The BVA has issued a warning to pet owners ahead of the Easter weekend; reminding them to keep chocolate out of reach of pets in order to avoid cases chocolate poisoning.

The Association's recent Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 80 per cent of veterinary professionals working in companion animal practice saw at least one case of chocolate poisoning in the lead up to Easter 2019. More than half (54 per cent) of respondents had seen three or more cases in this period.

Veterinary practices typically see an increase in cases of chocolate poisoning around Christmas and Easter. But, with COVID-19 restrictions leading to more people spending time at home together, the BVA says that there is an increased risk with sweets and chocolate being more easily accessible to animals.

The Association also reminded pet owners to be mindful of the dangers of raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes.

BVA senior vice president, Daniella Dos Santos said: “Many of us will be looking forward to indulging over the long Easter weekend, but keep any sweet treats out of reach of curious pets.

“As we are all currently spending more time indoors, it is worth remembering to not leave treats lying around. Cats and other pets may be less inclined to sniff out and eat chocolate than dogs, but they can also suffer with chocolate poisoning.”

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.