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'Micro' pigs - Farm animals or pets?
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Defra produces guide for 'Micro' pig owners to remind people that the pigs are still classed as farm animals.

Many owners and potential owners consider these animals as pets similar to dogs and cats but actually they are farmed animals in the eyes of the law and subject to the same rules and regulations as pigs kept in commercial livestock herds.

Defra's guide discusses certain regulations that are in place to deal with contagious diseases which pigs are highly susceptible to. If anyone is thinking about keeping a 'micro' pig as a pet, this leaflet asks you to consider whether your home environment will allow you to properly cater for its needs and welfare.

For more information check out the leaflet here.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'