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Rabies confirmed in the Netherlands
Robin Hargreaves, BVA president

Cases are "deeply worrying", says BVA president

Reports that rabies has been confirmed in two puppies imported from Bulgaria to the Netherlands have been termed "deeply worrying" by BVA president Robin Hargreaves.

Since changes to the Pet Travel Scheme in January 2012 increased the mobility of pets around Europe, there has been some concern that this could lead to a rise in disease incidence.

Commenting on the recent news from the Netherlands, Mr Hargreaves said this "must be a wake-up call to UK authorities to ensure that enforcement of pet movements into the UK remains a priority."

He added: "We have been raising concerns with the Government that the changes in legislation last year had significant unintended consequences in boosting the number of puppies and kittens coming to the UK for sale.
 
"Although the pet travel scheme is not intended to cover commercial movements, the fact that animals can enter the UK at a younger age has meant that people are abusing the legislation for this purpose with potentially grave consequences.
 
"The Government must review current enforcement of the legislation and be certain that we have the right measures in place to protect the UK's rabies-free status.
 
"The news from the Netherlands should also be a serious wake-up call to potential pet owners who must always ask about the animal's background and ask to see it with its mother.

For further information, see the report from Dr Christianne Bruschke, chief veterinary offer for the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in the Netherlands.


www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review?page_refer=MapFullEventReport&reportid=14271
 

Image courtesy of BVA

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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.