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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th June 2022
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Rabbit Awareness Week 2022 begins
Each day of RAW will focus on sharing information on different aspects on rabbit environment.

Organisers are encouraging vet practices to support the initiative.

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) has gotten underway for 2022, with veterinary practices encouraged to take part and promote this year's theme – Room for Rabbits.

The UK's largest campaign dedicated to rabbit welfare, RAW 2022 (27 June - 1 July) is focused on educating owners to provide their rabbits with a suitable environment, after the latest PDSA PAW Report found that 49 per cent of UK rabbits live alone, and a quarter of UK rabbits are kept in inadequate housing conditions.

The organisers of RAW will share content on its Facebook and Instagram pages, including Q&A sessions with veterinary professionals, blogs and videos on creating great environments for rabbits, including adapting housing for all seasons.

With plenty of time to get involved, RAW organisers are encouraging veterinary practices to download a free RAW pack and speak to clients about rabbit housing and welfare.

Beginning with information on keeping rabbits' housing clean and in good condition, the first day of RAW is providing owners with a cleaning schedule for rabbit housing, with plenty of top tips offered throughout the day.

Creating a suitable set-up in both indoor and outdoor environments, including enrichment ideas and litter training, will be the focus of days two and three, and adapting rabbits' housing for all seasons will be the focus of day four.

On RAW's final day, it will focus on creating or extending a welfare-rich environment on a budget.

Promoting the Room for Rabbits theme, the RSPCA is marking Rabbit Awareness Week by highlighting the large number of rabbits coming into its care.

Dr Jane Tyson, RSPCA rabbit welfare expert, said: “It’s more important than ever on this Rabbit Awareness Week that we spread the message to people to do their research before taking on a pet.

“Rabbits can live for a long time and can be costly, they need much more than just a hutch at the end of the garden - they need space, companionship and enrichment to live happy and healthy lives.”

 

Images (C) Rabbit Awareness Week/RAAG

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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...
News Shorts
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.