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Background: Rabbits are popular pets, but research into their welfare is limited. This study analysed the potential association(s) between the provision of suitable housing and owner demographic factors. Methods: Data from 2017, 2018 and 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report surveys gave a sample of 1333 UK rabbit owners. Whether the rabbit housing was adequate or inadequate was ascertained by asking owners to indicate images of hutch and run size or indoor environment type that were similar to their own. The owner demographic factors collected included gender, education, household income and deprivation. Chi‐squared tests and binary logistic regression (univariable and multivariable) were used to investigate factors associated with adequate/inadequate housing. Results: One‐third (31.2%) of rabbits lived in inadequate housing and half were housed alone (51.4%). Male owners were more likely to report providing inadequate housing than females (odds ratio [OR] = 1.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.319–2.441, p < 0.001). Compared to owners over 55 years old, those aged 25–34 years were more likely to house their rabbits inadequately (OR = 2.050, 95% CI 1.286–3.267, p = 0.003). Owners with a household income below average were more likely to report providing inadequate housing compared to those with a household income above average (OR = 1.406, 95% CI 1.025–1.928, p = 0.035). Conclusion: The findings identify that inadequate rabbit housing is provided by owners of all ages, genders and deprivation levels but highlight some particular owner demographics that could be useful to target if resources are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While most cattle and sheep in the United Kingdom are stunned before slaughter, non‐stun methods are permitted to supply meat to specific consumers. This study aimed to identify the existing literature that compared animal welfare indicators during stun and non‐stun slaughter, using a scoping review framework. Method: Following a structured search strategy, including the establishment of a PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcomes) question, a comprehensive literature search of the CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, was conducted. A total of 962 papers were identified, of which 16 were selected for data extraction. Results: Fourteen papers concluded that welfare at slaughter was negatively impacted at non‐stun slaughter in comparison to stun slaughter; two papers were inconclusive. Welfare indicators identified included biochemical parameters, brain activity and visual signs of consciousness. Limitations regarding inconsistent restraint method, neck cut position and non‐standardised measures of welfare at slaughter are highlighted. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence that stunning is an effective method to improve the welfare of sheep and cattle at slaughter. Animal welfare advisors, politicians, religious communities and others interested in animal welfare could use the findings to further discuss and establish new dialogues for producing updated guidance on animal welfare at slaughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-warning surveillance provides an essential component of the evidence required to protect animal health. Assessing the proportion of the population included in surveillance systems (coverage) provides a measure of the effectiveness of early-warning surveillance, and contributes to ensuring that these systems are efficient. This paper describes an investigation of methods used for assessing the coverage and representativeness of the 'FarmFile' early-warning surveillance system. This system uses information collected with samples submitted to diagnostic laboratories by private veterinary practitioners in England and Wales. Available data on pig holdings and veterinary practices in four English counties, selected to represent a range of diverse population characteristics, were supplemented using surveys of veterinary practices. Coverage assessments were based on submissions made to FarmFile in 2009. The proportion of holdings covered varied from 5-62 per cent in Devon and Cumbria, and 16-97 per cent in Norfolk and East Riding of Yorkshire. The results suggest that while the proportion of individual pigs covered by the current early-warning surveillance system is high, small and breeding-only holdings in some regions may be poorly covered. Coverage assessments vary depending on the methods used for their assessment, and multiple assessment methods can provide a 'range' within which coverage lies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pig health schemes based on abattoir inspections provide an integrated system to optimise the postmortem detection and the reporting of pathological lesions. In Great Britain, two initiatives have been implemented by the pig industry: Wholesome Pigs Scotland (WPS) and the BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS). These schemes record the presence of a range of pathological lesions detected by means of detailed inspection of the pluck and the skin of the slaughtered pigs. The lesions are those associated with a reduction in performance traits or are indicators of animal welfare problems. This paper aims to provide an overview of the objectives behind the BPHS and their activities, outlining similarities and differences between WPS and BPHS on five main operational topics: the lesions monitored, the administration of the schemes, flow of the information, inspection strategies and the major idiosyncratic characteristics of the schemes. These initiatives inform individual producers and their veterinarians of the occurrence of pathological conditions affecting their pig herds. Additionally, they offer the added value of providing nationwide disease monitoring information and have the potential to be a useful surveillance tool for emerging and enzootic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent outbreak of ischaemic teat necrosis (ITN) on mainland UK has resulted in large economic losses for dairy farmers. Typical cases start as an area of dry, thickened and encrusted skin on the medial aspect of the base of the teat, where the teat joins the udder, often with a fetid odour. The erosion spreads down the teat, often causing intense irritation, which in turn leads to more severely affected animals removing the entire teat. Due to the severity of ITN and the substantial economic costs to the industry, analyses were undertaken to ascertain if an infectious agent might be involved in the pathology. The study has considered a role for digital dermatitis (DD) treponemes in the aetiopathogenesis of ITN because, as well as being the prime bacteria associated with infectious lameness, they have been associated with a number of emerging skin diseases of cattle, including udder lesions. A high association between presence of DD-associated treponemes and incidence of ITN (19/ 22), compared with absence in the control population is reported. Furthermore, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of treponeme isolates supports the hypothesis that the identified treponemes are similar or identical to those isolated from classical foot DD lesions in cattle (and sheep). Further studies are required to allow effective targeted prevention measures and/or treatments to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected demographic features and trends in bovine tuberculosis (BTB) from 1995 to 2010 are described for the countries of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, using standardised definitions and measures. All countries experienced a reduction in the number of cattle and herds and in the proportion of dairy herds, while average herd size increased. In general, the trends indicate a stable situation of very low BTB prevalence in Scotland and, over most of the period, a rising prevalence in England and Wales. The prevalence in the Republic of Ireland declined while Northern Ireland experienced both a rise and fall. Differences in demography, BTB programme structure and test results were noted, particularly between the island of Ireland and Great Britain. Further investigation of these differences may provide valuable insights into risk factors for BTB and optimisation of existing BTB programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Animal Welfare Foundation Discussion Forum held on May 14, 2012 on the use of animals for human benefit is presented. Topics include the manipulation of the appearance of dairy cattle, educating children about animal welfare in schools in Austria, and animal welfare problem. The forum featured several speakers including David Pritchard, Andrew Coe, and David Martin.

Background: End‐of‐life decision making for animals happens daily in veterinary practice. However, access to such discussions as they happen is difficult, in view of the highly emotional circumstances of end‐of‐life consultations. Despite the expanding literature on euthanasia, few studies have explored the circumstances of euthanasia disagreement or delay. Methods: To explore euthanasia discussions in veterinary practice, consultations recorded in electronic health records in a UK veterinary surveillance database (SAVSNET) were examined. From a sample of 2000 identified consultations, 69 canine and 76 feline consultations were purposively sampled for detailed thematic analysis. Specifically, consultations were selected if they involved a decision to delay euthanasia, including disagreement about the timing of euthanasia. Results: Reasons identified for euthanasia refusal or delay included client‐related factors (e.g., allowing other family members to say goodbye, differing opinions on the quality of life) and veterinary surgeon‐related factors (eg, the wish to carry out further investigations or to try a new treatment). In the instance of refusal or delay, palliative treatment was commonly provided to preserve animal welfare. Conclusion: This study illustrates some of the processes used to negotiate end‐of‐life decision making in dogs and cats. Its findings shed light on the importance of palliative care in providing owners with time to decide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the issues discussed at the council of the British Veterinary Association's meeting on December 8, 2004, in London, England. Intention of the association to pursue a more proactive role; Updates on the British government's animal health and welfare strategy; Veterinary Medicines Directorates' proposals on the classification of veterinary medicines.

The article reports on the publication of the papers based on the Freedom of Information Act of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in Great Britain. The papers outline proposals to meet modern requirements to improve management of information. The papers would be available to Council members and non-council members of the relevant committee.

A letter to the editor is presented about the development of the One Welfare platform in Great Britain which aims to cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration in order to improve both human and animal welfare internationally, increase productivity in the farming sector, and maintain resilience and security for rural communities.

The article reports that most of slaughterhouses inspected in Great Britain were operating to animal welfare standards, according to the Food Standard Agency (FSA). Topics discussed include the commonly areas for improvement in animal welfare such as verification, monitoring, and documentation, the animal welfare breaches, and the insights of Jason Feeney, chief operating officer of FSA, on slaughterhouse inspections.

The article reports on the issue regarding the increase of retention fee as part of the budget plan for 2008 of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in Great Britain. The issue started when Roger Eddy of RCVS questioned the 5 percent recommended annual increase of retention fee. However, the Farm Animal Welfare Council agreed to increase the retention fees by only 3 percent.

The article describes the findings of a research project that involved a survey of people's opinions on badger populations and the control of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle in Great Britain. Eighty-three percent of respondents agreed that badgers are an important wildlife species in the country. It was found that the willingness to pay for reduced numbers of cattle slaughtered due to bTB and its impact on farming, wildlife, the welfare of cattle and risks to human health.

The article focuses on the government involvement in animal health surveillance in Great Britain and discusses whether the surveillance benefits give value for money. It focuses on the need of surveillance for protecting public health against zoonotic diseases, to promote animal welfare, to protect interests of animal producers and related products industry, and to comply with international trade rules. It also focuses on the cost of surveillance, and allocation of resources to these programs.

The article refers to the developments in the British Veterinary Association (BVA). The BVA responded to the Environment and Rural Development Committee's call for evidence on the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. Peter Holmes, professor of veterinary physiology at the University of Glasgow, has become a member of the new Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education. A tribute was given to veterinarian Philip George Francis who died.

The article discusses the highlights of the meeting of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) that was held at Mansfield Street in London, England, on July 22, 2015. Topics covered include the progress with developing an animal welfare strategy for the BVA, the emerging key themes and ambitions, and the governance review of the BVA. Also mentioned is the relationship between the BVA and its specialist units.

The author discusses the use of neutering to avoid the unwanted litters of cats in Great Britain. Topics discussed include the cats neutering performed by welfare charity Cats Protection to ensure the animal welfare of the cats, the use of veterinary procedure such as prepubertal gonadectomy (PPG), and the health issues concerning the used of PPG.

In the article, the author discusses the move by the British government to reconstitute the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) into an expert committee called the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) as of April 2011. He claims that the committee will be responsible in providing impartial and independent advice to the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales about farm animals. He cites the 2010 paper issued by the British Animal Welfare Advisory Bodies' Liaison Group.

The article focuses on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in Great Britain. The RCVS discusses their responsibilities in terms of the registration and inspection of practice premises required by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. The MOU requires RCVS inspectors conduct medicines inspection on behalf of the VMD under the Practice Standards Scheme.

The article focuses on the revised advice note from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Advisory Committee regarding domicialiary visits in Great Britain. The note aims to clarify guidelines on visits, whether they happened during or beyond normal working hours. Council member Barbara Saunders believes that there is a need for veterinary surgeons to consider clients' conditions when deciding a home visit. Bradley Viner states that small animal practices do not provide home visits.

The article comments on issues concerning the Veterinary Surgeons Act in Great Britain. According to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRACom), the Act must safeguard the health and welfare of animals and also protect them and their owners, from those who offer potentially dangerous treatments without sufficient knowledge or training. EFRACom adds that Act is in urgent need of updating to bring in line with modern concepts of professional regulation.

Reports on the British Veterinary Association's scrutiny of the British government's animal health and welfare strategy. Funding of the strategy; Comments from veterinarians about the strategy.

Presents examples suggested by the president of the British Veterinary Medicine in which the association could achieve results in the short and medium term. Animal welfare; Reduction of the spread of bovine tuberculosis; Deregulation of the veterinary profession.

Reports that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon Trust will provide fund for a range of educational programs at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Great Britain. Amount of fund allocated to the program of residencies in production animal medicine, canine studies and other disciplines of veterinary medicine; Inclusion of a research program enabling veterinarians to explore and test innovative ideas for the advancement of veterinary science and animal welfare.

Focuses on the development of a new animal health and welfare strategy due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Great Britain. Importance of veterinary health planning; Reluctance of the government and other stakeholders to invest in animal health; Effects of introducing veterinary judgment into the contiguous cull in Cumbria.

The article focuses on the role of farm assurance schemes in animal welfare in Great Britain. It is said that these schemes were developed as a means for assessing on-farm animal welfare by focusing on specific details of farm production and conditions. It is said that another purpose of such schemes is to ensure the quality of the end animal products and food safety.

The article comments on the events and activities in the field of veterinary medicine in Great Britain in 2005. In January, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate issued a consultation which details its proposals for new regulations on veterinary medicines. Attempts continued to move forward with the development of Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. In April, the State Veterinary Service was launched, in line with the government's agenda of separating the development of policy from policy delivery. The following month, animal welfare received a potential boost when the World Organisation for Animal Health have agreed new international guidelines.

Reports updates on the activities of the Companion Animal Welfare Council in Great Britain. Effort to understand the role of companion animals in society; Assessment of legislation affecting the welfare of companion animals; Scientific evidence for the benefits of animals in institutions.

Comments on the British government's animal health and welfare strategy. Emphasis placed on partnership; Concerns over the availability of veterinarians and veterinary services.

Reports that the British government has denied that it has been complacent in its approach to implementing the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy (AHWS). Response of Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs undersecretary Lord Whitty to a written parliamentary question from Lord Morris of Manchester; Partnership between the government and the British Veterinary Association in developing the AHWS.

Reports on the grant received by the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) from the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs over a three-year period from 2005. Launching of the CAWC in 1999 to meet the need for an independent advisory body for companion animal welfare; Call of the CAWC for evidence to support a report on the standards and codes of practice that exist to promote or protect the welfare of companion animals.

Comments on the Great Britain government's response to the report from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on the availability of veterinarians and veterinary services. Changes in the farming industry; Government's comment that payment to the services of veterinarians by clients is a private matter and it has no reason to intervene; Government's lack of interest on the viability of the veterinary practice; Role of veterinarians in animal health and welfare.

Discusses developments in the teaching of animal welfare in Great Britain. Role of the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation; Impact of domestication; Availability of specific animal welfare courses; Importance of changing people's attitudes through education; Role of science, ethics and law.

Reports on the Companion Animal Welfare Council's call for the introduction of regulation of animal welfare establishments in Great Britain. Concerns about perceived variations in the standards of animal welfare in such premises; Facilities covered by companion animal welfare establishments; Role of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare.

Comments on the British government's policy towards animal health and welfare strategy published in the December 20-27, 2003 edition of "The Veterinary Record" journal. Coverage of the issues including cost sharing, prevention and control of animal diseases and partnership with the veterinary profession; Plan to ensure more financial responsibility for the industry on animal disease risks; Transparent fund allocation.

Reports on the codes of practice revised by the Horserace Betting Levy Board for the control of equine venereal diseases. Recommendations on how to prevent and deal with contagious equine metritis, herpesvirus, viral arteritis and Klebsiella infections; Classification of stallions based on potential risk for transmission of venereal diseases.

Comments the British government's animal health and welfare strategy developed by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Investigation of the Competition Commission on the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines and the effort of DEFRA to develop the strategy; Public consultation launched by DEFRA on the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

Reports on the animal health and welfare strategy released by the British Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in July 2003. Standards of farm animal health and welfare; Initiatives on animal health and welfare; Role of the veterinary profession in policy-making and implementation. INSET: New initiatives outlined by DEFRA..

Focuses on the topic of unnecessary mutilations in animals discussed during the meeting of British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare trustees. Tail docking in dogs and pigs; Beak trimming; Cattle dehorning.

Comments on the proposals published by the government for developing an Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain. Opportunities sought by the development of the strategy; Necessity for the strategy to clearly reduce the risk to public health from animals according to critics.

The article reports on the priority areas for the animal welfare strategy of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in 2015 including animal welfare assessment, legislation, and advocacy.

The article reports on the recommendation of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) in Great Britain regarding the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) by all approved slaughterhouses in the country. Topics discussed include the benefits offered by CCTV to the food chain and food business operators (FBOs), prevention of individual occurrences of animal abuse and mistreatment, and the CCTV could contribute to the respect and maintenance of animal welfare standards.

The article offers the author's perspectives as a young veterinarian about the many issues that may affect the future of the profession in Great Britain. The author is critical on issues such as the lack of jobs for graduates and the removal of veterinarians from creation of policy that may affect them. She stresses the need for professionals to demonstrate their values beyond the walls of the clinic amid the growing internal pressures such as food security and animal welfare protection.

In this article, the author discusses the issue concerning the impact of devolution on the management of animal health and welfare in Great Britain. It highlights the report of Calman Commission regarding devolutionary issues in Scotland such as devolved taxation. It says that the report also offers relevant recommendations on animal health. The author also talks about the topics to be discussed during the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Congress in Cardiff, Wales on September 24-26, 2009.

The article provides information on the regulations of Great Britain's Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) on animal welfare and veterinary welfare. It presents the 24-hour emergency coverage for animal care wherein the RCVS suggests that animals too need 24/7 care. According to the survey conducted by RCVS, more veterinary practitioners work outside the Working Time Regulations (WTRs), and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is already doing their job to clarify the issue.

The author reflects on the launch of consultation on responsibility and cause sharing by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in Great Britain. The author argues that the consultation acclaims a significant change in the arrangements for safeguarding animal health in the country. However, it found a lack of clarity over roles and responsibilities during a major disease outbreak and the proposals, as the organizations appear to put at risk for a rapid response.