BBC PANORAMA PROGRAMME – 22 JULY 2010
STATEMENT IN RESPONSE FROM THE BRITISH SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARY ASSOCIATION (BSAVA)

The BSAVA is taking part in the Annual VMR Consultation which will come in to force in December 2010.

BSAVA recently took part in the Defra consultation that asked, “Does current dangerous dogs legislation adequately protect the public and encourage responsible dog ownership?”.

As a result of the consultation, BSAVA has produced the following joint response with the BVA on behalf of our members. 

The mission of World Rabies Day is to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies, how easy it is to prevent it, and how to eliminate the main global sources.

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service has a new website at www.vpisuk.co.uk where you can find their seasonal newsletters offering helpful advice about common poisons.

Organisations around the world will be aiming to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of rabies prevention on the third annual World Rabies Day on 28 September 2009.
 

It is recognised that dogs may show signs of fear or phobia of the loud noises associated with fireworks. It is the duty of veterinary surgeons to recommend and support evidence-based therapies for this noise fear or phobia in order that they may improve the welfare of animals under their care. A new policy statement has been added to the BSAVA site with this in mind.

The use of cytotoxic drugs is justified for the treatment of neoplastic disease in companion animals where there is evidence that such agents have a beneficial effect on quality of life/survival. However, many of these drugs have toxic properties which must be taken into consideration when undertaking chemotherapy. A new policy statement has been added to the BSAVA site with this in mind.

The VMD inspections, due to start in July/August are fast approaching and the new BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines which provides a comprehensive guide to a wide variety of veterinary medicines issues that affect small animal practice is the ideal aid to get you through your inspection.
 

The BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines has been developed to provide a comprehensive guide to a wide variety of veterinary medicines issues that affect small animal practice. Edited by Fred Nind and Pam Mosedale, with contributions from experts in the field, this online resource will prove a valuable tool for all members of the practice team.

As you will be aware the issue of dog breeding is high on the agenda at the BVA. For more information on what the BVA has been doing, please see the BVA website.