Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th May 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RAW 2023 to highlight benefits of neutering rabbits
Neutering prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits.
Vets urged to support the campaign.
 
The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) has announced the theme for Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 2023, which is taking place from 26-30 June. This year's theme is ‘Neutering: Protect and Prevent’.

RAW will highlight the importance of neutering, which prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits; a disease that affects approximately 80 per cent of unneutered females over the age of three years.

Throughout the week, RAAG will release blogs, videos, and downloadable packs containing resources for veterinary practices to create their own RAW campaigns. 

RAAG was established 15 years ago with an objective of improving the welfare of pet rabbits. It comprises some of the UK’s largest animal welfare organisations and is led by Burgess Pet Care.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director at Burgess Pet Care said: “RAAG decided to adopt neutering for the theme of this year’s RAW campaign, as we want to raise awareness of its benefits among owners. As well as the health benefits, neutered rabbits are generally calmer too. If you have indoor rabbits, you’ll find that neutered bunnies are less likely to exhibit marking behaviours around the home.”

RAAG says that rabbits' needs are often misunderstood, particularly with regard to neutering. It would like veterinary practices to support the campaign to help educate as many owners as possible.

Alison Speakman, president at the BSAVA said: “The BSAVA is once again delighted to support RAW and the important theme of the awareness of neutering. Rabbits are wonderful sociable pets and thrive in the companionship of other rabbits, but neutering is a critical part of responsible rabbit ownership and welfare to prevent unwanted litters and protect against diseases of the reproductive tract. BSAVA is confident that vets across the UK will get behind his important campaign to improve the health and welfare of pet rabbits.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."