Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
RSPCA voices concern about rabbits
The majority of rabbits are badly cared for

A recent report by the RSPCA has suggested that three in four of the UK's pet rabbits are badly cared for, and are commonly misunderstood by their owners.

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and some two million are kept as pets across the country, but the report suggests that many owners unwittingly do not adequately provide for their rabbits, due to common misconceptions about the correct diet and housing.

Vets and rabbit specialists fear that many rabbits are fed a bad diet, kept in too-small hutches and are not given frequent health checks.

Vet Matt Brash, speaking in support of Rabbit Awareness Week, said: "We know that many owners are very attentive to their rabbits but don't always fully understand their complex needs. Along with diet, behaviour, environment, companionship and healthcare, regular vaccinations for rabbits are a necessity for them to live long, happy and healthy lives."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.