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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th June 2022
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Rabbit Awareness Week 2022 begins
Each day of RAW will focus on sharing information on different aspects on rabbit environment.

Organisers are encouraging vet practices to support the initiative.

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) has gotten underway for 2022, with veterinary practices encouraged to take part and promote this year's theme – Room for Rabbits.

The UK's largest campaign dedicated to rabbit welfare, RAW 2022 (27 June - 1 July) is focused on educating owners to provide their rabbits with a suitable environment, after the latest PDSA PAW Report found that 49 per cent of UK rabbits live alone, and a quarter of UK rabbits are kept in inadequate housing conditions.

The organisers of RAW will share content on its Facebook and Instagram pages, including Q&A sessions with veterinary professionals, blogs and videos on creating great environments for rabbits, including adapting housing for all seasons.

With plenty of time to get involved, RAW organisers are encouraging veterinary practices to download a free RAW pack and speak to clients about rabbit housing and welfare.

Beginning with information on keeping rabbits' housing clean and in good condition, the first day of RAW is providing owners with a cleaning schedule for rabbit housing, with plenty of top tips offered throughout the day.

Creating a suitable set-up in both indoor and outdoor environments, including enrichment ideas and litter training, will be the focus of days two and three, and adapting rabbits' housing for all seasons will be the focus of day four.

On RAW's final day, it will focus on creating or extending a welfare-rich environment on a budget.

Promoting the Room for Rabbits theme, the RSPCA is marking Rabbit Awareness Week by highlighting the large number of rabbits coming into its care.

Dr Jane Tyson, RSPCA rabbit welfare expert, said: “It’s more important than ever on this Rabbit Awareness Week that we spread the message to people to do their research before taking on a pet.

“Rabbits can live for a long time and can be costly, they need much more than just a hutch at the end of the garden - they need space, companionship and enrichment to live happy and healthy lives.”

 

Images (C) Rabbit Awareness Week/RAAG

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.