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Reports on a paper prepared by the British Equine Veterinary Association on the horse passports due to come into force in England on November 30, 2003. Value of the passport system in preventing medicines not intended for use in animals used for food from entering the food chain; Difficulties that could arise in identifying horses.

The lungworm, Angiostrongylus vasorum, was first reported in indigenous dogs in southwestern England in 1980 and has since been recorded in Wales, southeastern England and, more recently, in the West Midlands, northern England and Scotland. The nationwide distribution of the parasite was evaluated using a postal questionnaire sent to 3950 small animal practices during 2009. Information was sought on the location of each practice, awareness of the parasite locally, number of cases diagnosed over the past year and whether diagnosis was based on clinical signs alone or supported by additional tests. 1419 practices returned a usable response, the majority being located in a city/town. Nearly one-third of responding practices were aware of the parasite locally, 20.7 per cent had seen at least one confirmed case and 0.3 per cent >20 confirmed cases over the past year. The most widely used tests were faecal examination and any type of imaging. Existing clusters of infection were detected in southeastern England and south Wales; infection was also found to be widespread in central England, though patchy in northern England and Scotland. Using distribution of clinical cases as an indicator of parasite distribution, this study confirmed that A. vasorum has spread beyond traditional UK endemic foci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cause for the high prevalence of cefotaximase-producing Escherichia coli reported in dairy calves is unknown but may be partly due to the selective pressure of antimicrobial residues in waste milk (milk unfit for human consumption) fed to the calves. Antimicrobial use and waste milk feeding practices were investigated in 557 dairy farms in 2010/2011 that responded to a randomised stratified postal survey. The mean number of cases of mastitis per herd in the previous year was 47, and 93 per cent of respondents used antibiotic intramammary tubes to treat mastitis. The most frequently used lactating cow antibiotic tubes contained dihydrostreptomycin, neomycin, novobiocin, and procaine penicillin (37 per cent), and cefquinome (29 per cent). Ninety-six per cent of respondents used antibiotic tubes at the cessation of lactation ('drying off'). The most frequently used dry cow antibiotic tube (43 per cent) contained cefalonium. Frequently used injectable antibiotics included tylosin (27 per cent), dihydrostreptomycin and procaine penicillin (20 per cent) and ceftiofur (13 per cent). Eighty-three per cent of respondents (413) fed waste milk to calves. Of these 413, 87 per cent fed waste milk from cows with mastitis, and only one-third discarded the first milk after antibiotic treatment. This survey has shown that on more than 90 per cent of the farms that feed waste milk to calves, waste milk can contain milk from cows undergoing antibiotic treatment. On some farms, this includes treatment with third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Further work is underway to investigate the presence of these antimicrobials in waste milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1989, the Nature Conservancy Council and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds commenced reintroduction of the red kite (Milvus milvus) according to International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Following 22 years of intensive effort, the red kite reintroduction programme has been a success with an estimated 1000 pairs now breeding in England. Post-release health surveillance is ongoing and has been achieved through radio-tracking, monitoring breeding at nest sites and pathological examinations of any red kites found dead. Tail-mounted radio transmitters were fitted from 1989 with harness-mounted radio transmitters being preferentially used since 2000. Since 2000, 180 individuals have been recovered for postmortem examination. Eighteen of these birds had previously had a harness-mounted radio transmitter fitted and four of these (22 per cent) had moderate to severe lesions associated with the presence of the harness and radio transmitter including chronic necrogranulomatous inflammation, deep muscular exposure and distorted muscular conformation. Failure to breed was also reported in two of these individuals over the preceding year(s), although it is not known whether the presence of the harness contributed to this failure. Duration of deployment may have been a significant factor in the formation of these lesions as those with lesions (n=4) had a statistically significant (P=0.009) longer duration of deployment compared to those without lesions (n=14). No lesions were reported in those red kites fitted with tail-transmitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the 2004 British Veterinary Association's annual awards ceremony on October 1, 2004 as part of the Association's congress in London, England. Presentation of the Dalrymple-Champneys cup and medal to Paul Flecknell whose main clinical and research interests and anesthesia and analgesia of all species of animals; Designation of Nigel Harcourt-Brown as the William Hunting Award recipient for his paper "Development of the Skeleton and Feathers of Dusky Parrots"; Recipient of the Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Travel Scholarship.

Highlights the international conference on exotic and wild animal medicine held in London, England. Topics covered in the event; Investigation on animal disease, diagnosis and treatment; Presentation of papers related to animal health.

The clinical, anaesthetic and surgical records of 142 bitches admitted into the primary care clinic at the Small Animal Hospital, University of Liverpool, between January 2002 and August 2004 for routine ovariohysterectomy by final-year students were analysed for complications during and after the surgery. The time taken to perform the surgical procedure was recorded, to allow assessment of the time involved in one-to-one surgical teaching during live-recovery surgeries of client-owned pets. The types of complications were similar to those reported in earlier studies: nine bitches suffered haemorrhage of the ovarian arteries during surgery, and there were four cases of haemorrhage after surgery, 12 cases of wound inflammation and four other types of complication. The rates of intraoperative, postoperative and total complications were 6.3, 14.1 and 20.6 per cent, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A questionnaire was designed to investigate calf health and welfare on dairy farms in the south west of England with regard to the degree of compliance with the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000. The level of veterinary involvement in calf rearing and management on dairy farms in the south west of England was also assessed. The questionnaire was sent to 32 large animal practices in the catchment area of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency-Langford. Compliance with the regulations was found to be variable. The requirements for the isolation of sick calves, provision of bovine colostrum within six hours of birth, the provision of fresh, clean water and restrictions concerning tethering were not well complied with. However, the requirements for twice-daily feeding and inspection, visual and tactile contact between calves, access to forage and the provision of clean, dry bedding were well complied with. The results also suggested that there was some lack of veterinary input into the health and welfare of calves on dairy farms visited by the practices routinely and non-routinely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the British Equine Veterinary Association congress from September 14-17, 2005 in Harrogate, England. Alteration of Veterinary Medicines Directorate's advice on the use of medicinal products in horses; Importance of the awareness of veterinary surgeons and horse owners on the change of advice; Discussion of veterinary medicines on the press conference.

How can practitioners make a greater contribution to clinical research? How can research findings be transferred more effectively into practice? And how can practitioners improve their research understanding to support current demands for clinical audit and evidence-based veterinary medicine? These were just some of the questions posed at a day-long seminar held at the RCVS headquarters in London on September 20. The key aim of the seminar, entitled ‘Research into practice … practice into research …’, was to explore, in both directions, the boundary between clinical research and veterinary practice. It was hoped that the issues and ideas that arose during the day could be incorporated into an action plan, drawn up by the RCVS through its research committee, to facilitate more practitioner involvement in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the British Equine Veterinary Association congress in Birmingham, England. Theme of the event; Attendees; Programs and activities.

In this article the author focuses on the educational challenge presented by the government's proposed reforms of higher education in England. It says that the response of the British Veterinary Associarion (BVA) on the reform is indicating that its impact on specialised subject areas such as veterinary medicine and science will not be entirely positive. It adds that the courses can be more vocational in nature without emphasizing on science and research.

The article provides information on the guidelines for the election of members of Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in England. This election is intended for six members who will serve on RCVS council for four years and will take effect during its annual meeting. Information about the nomination form, voting papers and the election process had been provided.

Reports on various developments in the field of veterinary medicine in Great Britain as of March 2003. Election of John Parker to succeed the office of junior vice president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; Plans of Nottingham University to establish a veterinary school; Recognition of Glasgow University's Veterinary School.

Information on various topics discussed at the 50th anniversary meeting of the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) held at the Carden Park Hotel in Chester, England on November 12-13, 2011 on veterinary medicine is presented. Topics include the clinical herpetological medicine, presentation on bees, and the society's achievements over 50 years. The event featured several participants such as Lee Durrell of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and doctor Ian Keymer. INSET: Working with wildlife and zoo animals.

Information about several papers discussed at the meeting of the Institute for Animal Health that was held at the Royal Society in London, England on May 9, 2008 is presented. Topics include the tracking of the emergence and global spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), the difficulties presented in controlling FMD outbreaks in South Africa, the difficulties of dealing with endemic FMD and advances in FMD diagnostics.

The article highlights lectures on evidence-based veterinary medicine during the British Small Animal Veterinary Association's congress (BSAVA) held in Birmingham, England on April 3-6, 2008. Doctor Mark Holmes, from the University of Cambridge, introduced a series of lectures. The lecturers include Doctors Vicki Adams, Rob Christley and Gina Pinchbeck.

Highlights the meeting of the Council of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in London, England. Discussion on the future and role of the BVA's territorial divisions; Attendees; Identification of priority areas for policy development in veterinary medicine.

Information regarding the autumn conference of the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS), held in Malvern, Worcestershire, England in September 2011 is presented. Topics include health planning, parasite control, and further education for veterinarians and farmers. The symposium featured several guest speakers including Peter Baber, Anne Gibbs, and Phil Scott.

The article presents news briefs related to veterinary records in Ireland. It mentions that a series of videos related to bovine viral diarrhea has been posted at the web site of the BVA. The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) has published its annual report. A mass dog walk in line with the 2009 National Pet Month will be held in London, England.

Information on several papers discusses at the annual conference of the Association for Veterinary Teaching and Research Work (AVTRW) held in Scarborough, England on May 18, 2008 is presented. Topics include the activities of AVTRW in 2007 to 2008, the new cycle of roadshows promoting veterinary research to students, and the election on new officer team. Professor Malcolm Bennett of Liverpool veterinary school was elected president , while Doctor Adrian Philbey was elected honorary secretary.

Orf, a viral disease which causes proliferative skin lesions around the mouths of lambs and on the teats of ewes, has long been assumed to have production-limiting consequences. This case-control study involved the collection of data from naturally occurring outbreaks of orf in young lambs on eight commercial farms in north-east England. Measurements of weight were taken and orf lesions were scored on a numerical scale for 44 orf-affected lambs, matched to unaffected controls within the same group. Data from corresponding ewes were available from five farms. Paired t tests showed that affected lambs weighed approximately 10 per cent less than their unaffected controls for a period of at least five weeks following the start of the outbreak. The effects were highly significant whether the orf lesions affected the mouth or were found elsewhere on the body. If a lamb had orf, then there was a 82 per cent chance that its mother also had orf on its udder or teats. The financial consequences of orf in young lambs were estimated using average UK figures and conservative assumptions based on the results of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on programs of various veterinary schools in Great Britain which aims to extend the access of students from disadvantaged backgrounds on their courses. It mentions Royal Veterinary College (RVC) whose "Gateway" programme aims to increase diversity in their courses and bursaries for students. It states that "Reach" project of Glasgow veterinary schools to support high school students that are willing to pursue veterinary courses. INSETS: VENET lifelong learning network;New fees regime - what it means for students.

The article reports that the meeting of the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) will be held at the RCVS at 62-64 Horseferry Road in London, England on December 11, 2007. The hearings will be conducted in public and subject to limitations of space. The paper provides contact information for interested parties.

The article reports that British government officials are hopeful that the latest outbreak of influenza of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza on Norfolk/Suffolk, England border has been contained only on two sites. Initial tests on samples taken from birds culled on a site that had been declared a fifth dangerous contact had not given positive results for the virus.

The article provides information about the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in London, England. The officers of the BVA is listed, as well as its address. The president's activities include the giving of presentation of rural veterinary services, his meeting at the Kennel Club and at the Cornwall Veterinary Association's annual dinner.

The article highlights the annual congress of the British Veterinary Nursing Association which took place from October in Warwickshire, England. The event offered three lecturers on veterinary nursing research. Veterinarian Mark Holmes discussed on the fundamental definition of evidence-based practice and research. The lecture delivered by registered general nurse Lynne Henshaw, contrasted the principles of quantitative and qualitative research. The focus of the lecture given by veterinary surgeon Tania Dennison on the costs and benefits of research and the things needed to be considered before proposing a research program.

Provides information on grants for research and other projects that were awarded to the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool, England in the six months to the end of July 2004. Study of the application of field programmable gate arrays to eliminate bottlenecks in near-instrument proteomics; Evidence-based approach to equine colic surgery; Scholarship in conservation medicine.

A total of 253 submissions from adult cattle 'found dead' in England and Wales were referred t! the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in 2004. Carcases accounted for 54 per cent of the submissions were of more diagnostic value than other types of sample. Whether the animals were beef or dairy, their distance from the laboratory and the number of deaths in the incident affected the likelihood of samples being submitted. The probability of reaching a diagnosis was influenced by the type of sample, the level of testing and the interval from sampling to receipt in the laboratory. Systemic disease was the most frequent cause of death in both dairy and beef cattle with hypomagnesaemia being the most frequent diagnosis (52 per cent) in beef cattle. In dairy cattle, 34 per cent of the diagnoses were for sporadic events, including haemorrhage and torsions of the digestive and reproductive tracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intervention study was carried out on 52 dairy farms in England and Wales to determine whether the implementation of a well-specified mastitis control plan in herds with an incidence of clinical mastitis of more than 35 cases per 100 cows per year would reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis, and also reduce the incidence of increases in the somatic cell counts of individual cows. A clearly defined plan for the diagnosis and control of mastitis was developed by two veterinary specialists from the research literature. The herds were randomly allocated to receive the plan either at the start of the study (intervention herds) or after one year (control herds). Data on mastitis management and the farm environment were collected during farm visits. After one year there was a significant 22 per cent reduction in the proportion of cows affected with clinical mastitis on the intervention farms compared with the control farms. There were also significant reductions of approximately 20 per cent in the incidence of clinical mastitis and in the occurrence of increases in the somatic cell counts of individual cows from below, to above 200,000 cells/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The records of 666 casualty collared doves examined at a wildlife hospital in south-west England over a period of five years were reviewed. Signs of metabolic bone disease were recorded in 51·2 per cent of the juvenile birds but in only 9·6 per cent of the adults. The incidence of the condition was highest between December and February and decreased almost to zero between June and August. Histological lesions in 11 of the juvenile doves were consistent with vitamin D deficiency, possibly as a result of inadequate exposure to UVB light during the short winter days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the speech of Lynne Hill, outgoing president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons during its annual general meeting on July 7, 2006 at the Zoological Society in London, England. Hill stresses the internal and external challenges encountered by the association. She emphasizes the association to proactively seek for the answers on several questions related to the profession, as well as veterinary strategies for the innovation of the profession.

The annual general meeting of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons took place at Church House, Westminster, on July 8 despite the bombings in London the day before. Concerns that a quorum of members would not be achieved proved wide of the mark, and the meeting went ahead as planned. However, not all of those due to receive awards were able to attend the meeting, and a further awards ceremony will be held at Belgravia House on October 5. In his address to the meeting, the outgoing President, Mr John Parker, discussed progress during the year and highlighted the College's role in regulating the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites were extracted from the stomach and small intestine of 118 horses at slaughter. The most abundant species was the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata. Maximum likelihood analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the number of worms and their total weight, and the ability of an antibody-based ELISA to diagnose the level of infection. The total weight of tapeworms increased towards a maximum as the number of worms increased, suggesting a population density-dependent constraint on the weight. The number of A perfoliata present could be predicted approximately from the results of the ELZSA. Although wide variation in EUSA optical densities confound interpretation in individual animals, tests on groups of animals could provide a useful reflection of overall levels of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual general meeting of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was held on July 9, at Church House, Westminster, London. It marked the end of Professor Richard Halliwell's presidential year and, in his outgoing address, he highlighted some of the key areas of College activity over the past 12 months. It was time, he said, to better promote the achievements of the profession, and its contributions to the wider world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eyes from 88 otters found dead in south-west England between 1990 and 2000, were collected as part of a larger pathological study. Histopathological examination of 131 eyes revealed dysplastic changes such as rosetting and folding in the retinas of 26 of the otters. In the eyes of 42 of the otters there were postmortem and fixation-induced retinal detachment which complicated the differentiation of dysplastic from normal retina, but 11 eyes had folds which probably indicated a dysplastic pathology. The eyes of 18 of the otters had inflammatory or autolytic changes which precluded a definitive evaluation of their dysplastic status. Liver samples from 55 of the otters were analysed for a range of polychlorinated hydrocarbons and for vitamin A. The otters with dysplastic retinas had significantly lower concentrations of vitamin A and higher concentrations of dieldrin than the otters with normal retinas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of an investigation into improving the treatment and control of lameness in sheep flocks in England and Wales, a postal survey was conducted in November 2000. Farmers were asked to estimate the prevalence of footrot and interdigital dermatitis in their flocks. In the ewes the prevalence of interdigital dermatitis remained relatively stable throughout the year, but there was a large increase in lambs during late spring and early summer. Logistic regression models were used to assess statistically significant risk factors associated with prevalences of the condition of 5 per cent or more in ewes and 10 per cent or more in lambs. Factors that increased the risk in ewes were 'sometimes/never' catching lame sheep compared with 'always', farm land 100 m or less above sea level and renting-in winter grazing; factors that increased the risk in lambs were a prevalence of 5 per cent or more of footrot in ewes, 'sometimes/never' catching lame ewes compared with 'always', 'sometimes/never' treating ewes with footrot with parenteral antibiotics compared with 'always', showing sheep at agricultural events, farm land 100 m or less above sea level, and a prevalence of 5 per cent or more of interdigital dermatitis in ewes. Turning sheep on to a field which had been free from livestock for at least two weeks after footbathing decreased the risk of interdigital dermatitis in lambs. Footbathing without the use of a clean field compared with not footbathing did not significantly affect the prevalence of the interdigital dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Council meeting at the Mayfair Conference Centre in London, England on March 25, 2009 is presented. Topics include the structure of the BVA Council, approaches to extramural studies (EMS), and the improvement of the financial situation of the veterinary students. The meeting featured several people including Andrew Praill, Christine Shield, and Paul Roger.

Describes a study to obtain information on the prevalence and perceived importance of red mites in England. Detection of red mites as a major problem in egg-laying poultry in the nation; Association of loss poultry production with red mite infestations; Development of resistance to existing acaricides.

Focuses on the matters discussed at a meeting of the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on June 2, 2005 at Belgravia House, Horseferry Road in London, England. Emphasis on a shortened timescale for removing members from the Register for non-payment of fees, together with the introduction of punitive restoration fees for persistent non-payers; Concern over the transfer of animals to and from after hours service providers; Significance of the lay observers' report to the Preliminary Investigation Committee.

Reports on the outcomes of the British Cattle Veterinary Association's autumn meeting concerning the state of the development of a vaccine against bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Blackpool, England. Presentations; Testing of candidate vaccines; Speakers; Implications for veterinary medicine.

Reports on a talk given by Veterinary Practice Management Association president John Sheridan at the association's tenth annual congress in Leicestershire, England on February 6 to 8, 2004. Sheridan's '10-point plan for top-line growth'; Need for delivering better medicine and service; Monitoring of average transaction values.

Highlights the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons' conference for the final-year veterinary students, which was held in Lancaster, England from September 18-21, 2003. Theme; Topics covered; Sponsors.

Highlights the Association of Veterinary Students' congress held at the University of Bristol in Bristol, England from February 7-9, 2003. Featured speakers; Topics discussed.

The article reports on the developments and events related to veterinary medicine in 2011. It says that in 2011, the world was free of rinderpest as declared by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on May 25. It cites that consultation related to farm animal veterinarians (vets) was launched by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) in England in September 2011. Moreover, animal disease research has received a fillip from the British government in December 2011.

The article discusses two cases of suspected white-nose syndrome (WNS) in hibernating bats in Somerset, England. The first involved greater horseshoe bats found dead in a barn hiberculum during February/March 2009. The second case involved two brown long-eared bats found in a house roof space in April 2009.

Information about the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) congress held on January 22 to 24, 2009 at the Nottingham Belfry hotel in England is presented. Topics include the decreasing consumer spending due to the recession and credit crunch, financing strategies for a practice and combating decreasing clients and surviving the downturn. The speakers include Dennis Turner, Pippa Reffold and Steve Beddall.

The article highlights the poultry diseases discussed in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency's (VLA) disease surveillance report for England and Wales for August 2007. They include the identification of Amidostomum anseris in goslings submitted to Penrith; the diagnosis of Mycoplasma gallipsepticum infection in a group of 40 to 45 backyard chickens in Carmarthen; and the diagnosis of spironucleosis in pheasants in release pens in Bury Saint Edmunds.

The article presents an epidemiological investigation on avian influenza in birds in quarantine facility in Essex, England. The investigation describes how the quarantine facilities had last been used and a consignment of mixed species of birds was imported from Surinan, followed by the consignment from Taiwan. A number of birds in both groups were dead on arrival at the facility. The initial identification of the H5N1 virus was made from a pool of tissues derived from a blue-headed poinus parrot from Surinant and a mesia from Taiwan.

Highlights the 123rd annual general meeting of the British Veterinary Association at 7 Mansfield Street in London, England on October 2, 2005. Participants and attendees; Topics discussed in the meeting; Key note speakers.