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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th June 2024
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Practices urged to get involved with Rabbit Awareness Week
Forty-two per cent of veterinary professionals felt diet was a top five welfare issue for rabbits.

This year’s theme is ‘Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies’.

The organisers behind Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) have released a free veterinary resource pack, as they urge practices to discuss rabbit diets with clients.

The theme of this year’s RAW, which runs from 24-28 June, is ‘Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies’.

Practices across the UK will be educating clients about the importance of a healthy diet for rabbits, and the health problems that can result from a poor diet.

The topic follows the publication of the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, which revealed that only 73 per cent of owners feed their rabbit hay as its main food. Not feeding rabbits enough hay can be linked to rabbit obesity, and can also affect their natural behaviours.

Instead, 13 per cent of rabbit owners were giving their rabbit a muesli mix as its main type of food.

Feeding rabbits muesli-based diets is linked to several different health problems, including obesity, dental disease and gastrointestinal disease. It can also reduce a rabbit’s water intake.

The PAW report found that 42 per cent of veterinary professionals considered diet to be among the top five welfare issues affecting rabbits.

The free RAW resource pack provides practices with a collection of rabbit care guides, health logs and printable posters that they can use throughout the week. It also provides other tips and advice on neutering, environment and companionship.

This is the 18th year of the campaign, led by Burgess Pet Care, which is supported by the RSPCA, Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Blue Cross and Raystede. It is also endorsed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house veterinary surgeon at Burgess Pet Care, said: “The good news is our research found that 98 per cent of vets believe RAW continues to have a positive impact on the care of the UK’s pet rabbits. However, as the latest PAW report shows, there’s still work to be done to educate owners about rabbits’ diet and other key welfare needs.

“This is why we’re committed to helping these unique creatures live the happy life they deserve.”

The resource pack can be downloaded for free here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.