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Government announces support for Ukrainian refugees with pets
Ukrainian nationals will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government.
Costs of vaccination, microchipping and quarantine will be covered.

Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK with their pets will have their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs covered by the government, it has been confirmed.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced today (15 March) that it has introduced new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets.

A statement reads: 'Using an emergency licence, Ukrainian nationals can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government. 

'The government will also be covering their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs, recognising that many Ukrainian individuals will not have been able to complete the full health preparations required for their pet on arrival. '

A pet that has not been vaccinated against rabies may be quarantined for up to four months. Defra said that it will consider pets 'on a case by case basis, with a shortened quarantine period for those that are vaccinated.' 

'We are working with vets and quarantine facilities to make sure that the arrival of Ukrainians in the UK is not delayed by the process to make arrangements for their pets,' the statement continued.

Ukrainian nationals are encouraged to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at pettravel@apha.gov.uk or call +44 3000 200 301 option 2 before their arrival. They will then be able to confirm their approval for their emergency licence and arrange any quarantine stays required to complete the rabies risk management process. 

Owing to the limited number of quarantine facilities in the UK, those fleeing Ukraine with their pets will be prioritised over animals brought over on a commercial basis, which includes rescue imports.

Animal welfare minister Lord Goldsmith said: “Ukrainian nationals are in an appalling situation. I’m pleased that Ukrainian refugees will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs paid for by the Government.

“As part of our new streamlined process, any animals which have already received some treatment may also have their stay in quarantine reduced and be returned back to their owner as soon as possible.”

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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...
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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."