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GPAW 2023 theme announced as ‘Rescue & Rehome’
The theme follows data showing a surge in guinea pig abandonment.

The week will focus on guinea pigs in rescue centres.

Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) 2023 has been confirmed for 25 – 29 September, with the theme announced as ‘Rescue & Rehome’.

The week-long event will be highlighting the number of guinea pigs that are in rescue centres in need of rehoming, as well as sharing information on guinea pig care.

The theme follows data showing a surge in guinea pig abandonment, with RSPCA reporting that they had already received 235 guinea pigs by mid-August this year, compared to 253 guinea pigs taken during the whole of 2022.

The campaign is led by Burgess Pet Care and endorsed by the British Veterinary Association and British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

They are encouraging veterinary surgeons and nurses to get involved by accessing free online resources that will help them organise and promote their own digital GPAW events.

They will be sharing content across GPAW digital channels, including blogs and videos about welfare needs, enrichment ideas and a dedicated rescue page.

Burgess Pet Care are hoping that this week of events will raise awareness for guinea pigs, and promote better care of the animal.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house veterinary surgeon at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We are so thrilled that GPAW is returning for a third year. We’ve filled our digital GPAW vet packs will lots of ideas and advice on how practices can host their own digital events and engage with guinea pig owners in their region.

“GPAW is a great opportunity for vets to raise the profile of their practices, showcase their guinea pig expertise and actively engage with their clients, communities and fellow practitioners online.”

“As vets’ practices are often the first port of call for owners seeking help and advice, it would be fantastic to see as many as possible getting involved and downloading GPAW packs.

“The more we can all help owners understand and learn about guinea pigs, the happier and healthier the nation’s guinea pigs will be!”

Any veterinary professionals who wish to get involved can sign up for notifications of when the GPAW digital packs are available here.

Image (C) Burgess Pet Care

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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.