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RAW 2023 to highlight benefits of neutering rabbits
Neutering prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits.
Vets urged to support the campaign.
 
The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) has announced the theme for Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 2023, which is taking place from 26-30 June. This year's theme is ‘Neutering: Protect and Prevent’.

RAW will highlight the importance of neutering, which prevents unplanned litters, and helps to prevent uterine cancer in female rabbits; a disease that affects approximately 80 per cent of unneutered females over the age of three years.

Throughout the week, RAAG will release blogs, videos, and downloadable packs containing resources for veterinary practices to create their own RAW campaigns. 

RAAG was established 15 years ago with an objective of improving the welfare of pet rabbits. It comprises some of the UK’s largest animal welfare organisations and is led by Burgess Pet Care.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director at Burgess Pet Care said: “RAAG decided to adopt neutering for the theme of this year’s RAW campaign, as we want to raise awareness of its benefits among owners. As well as the health benefits, neutered rabbits are generally calmer too. If you have indoor rabbits, you’ll find that neutered bunnies are less likely to exhibit marking behaviours around the home.”

RAAG says that rabbits' needs are often misunderstood, particularly with regard to neutering. It would like veterinary practices to support the campaign to help educate as many owners as possible.

Alison Speakman, president at the BSAVA said: “The BSAVA is once again delighted to support RAW and the important theme of the awareness of neutering. Rabbits are wonderful sociable pets and thrive in the companionship of other rabbits, but neutering is a critical part of responsible rabbit ownership and welfare to prevent unwanted litters and protect against diseases of the reproductive tract. BSAVA is confident that vets across the UK will get behind his important campaign to improve the health and welfare of pet rabbits.”

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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.