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Pets 'could save NHS £2.45b a year'
woman with dog
"Vets are well aware how important companion animals are to their owners."
Report explores the economic impact of UK pets
 
NHS costs could be reduced by nearly £2.5 billion a year, according to a new report that, for the first time in 40 years, has documented the economic impact of UK pets.

International animal welfare and business experts drew on multiple sources to explore the direct and indirect benefits and costs of companion animals to society - including their influence on human physical and mental health, illness prevention and well-being.

Their report, Companion Animal Economics, has been published by the not-for-profit CABI. It estimates that pet ownership may reduce the use of UK health services by £2.45 billion every year - a conclusion drawn by examining healthcare savings through reduced numbers of doctor visits.

Little has been published on this topic since the 1988 report, Companion Animals in Society, by the Council for Science and Society. Over the past four decades, trends in pet ownership and associated industries have changed greatly.

The authors of the new report aimed to capture this modern context, encompassing issues such as pet tourism, pet obesity and expanding veterinary services. Positive and negative impacts were considered, including the cost of NHS treatment for dog bites and strikes.

University of Lincoln professor, Daniel Mills, who developed the report, said: "Vets are well aware how important companion animals are to their owners, but it is important that they appreciate the impact that they can have on the physical, mental and social health of both individuals and society more widely.

"This book should help raise awareness of this and their economic importance in times of economic uncertainty."

The report concludes that further research is needed on companion animals and their economic impact on society, which should be supported by the government.

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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 

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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."