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Concerns over rise in ‘anti-vax’ remedies online
“We are very concerned to see unlicensed, potentially dangerous and ineffective treatments being sold online."
Investigation uncovers misleading claims about 'nosodes' 

Millions of dogs and cats are said to be at risk from a rise in the number of ‘anti-vaccination’ remedies being sold online.

A recent Sunday Telegraph investigation revealed misleading claims that products made from the diseased flesh of animals could offer immunity from fatal conditions.

Online retail giant Amazon last week agreed to remove advertisements for such products, which are known as ‘homeopathic nosodes’.

According to The Telegraph, these treatments included Herpes Combination 50mg, which was described online as offering immunity to litters of puppies if tablets are administered to pregnant mothers.

Vets and animal welfare charities have raised concerns that owners opting for homeopathic remedies instead of vaccines could cause a rise in serious preventable diseases such as parvovirus and leptospirosis.

“This is truly frightening,” veterinary surgeon Danny Chambers told The Telegraph. “Safe and effective vaccines exist for these diseases. Using unregulated and scientifically implausible remedies bought from Amazon will leave your pet with no protection and at a high risk of contracting them.”

RSPCA veterinary director Caroline Allen added: “We are very concerned to see unlicensed, potentially dangerous and ineffective treatments being sold online and would urge people to report these products to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

“While there does seem to be an increasing amount of ‘anti-vax’ material online, this is not supported by a genuine evidence base.”

After being alerted to the Telegraph’s findings, a Defra spokesperson said: “It is illegal to sell products making false medicinal claims and we work closely with companies such as Amazon to stop this. We will bring these products to their attention immediately.”

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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 

Click here for more...
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."