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Experts urge greater surveillance of exotic parasites
Experts are reporting rising numbers of worms and worm-like parasites in imported dogs
Practices asked to submit samples to the APHA for identification.

Veterinary practices in England and Wales are being urged to submit samples of suspected exotic worms and parasites to the APHA for identification.

The call from the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCAPP) UK and Ireland and the APHA comes in response to rising numbers of worms and worm-like parasites in dogs being imported from southern and eastern Europe.

Among the parasites being reported include the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda, skin worm Dirofilaria repens and nasal pentastomid Linguatula serrata.

In a letter to Vet Times (Vol.52 Issue 10), Ian Wright, head of ESCAPP, said: “The APHA and ESCAPP UK and Ireland are collaborating to encourage diagnosis and reporting of these parasites and to map the distribution of cases. This will help inform their distribution and prevalence. As well as helping to identify where autochthonous transmission may be occurring.

“We encourage veterinary practice to submit any samples that may be one of these parasites to the APHA for identification. Samples should be posted to the APHA Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre. Sample submissions must be accompanied by full clinical history to qualify for free testing.”

More details on how to submit samples are available on the APHA website.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.