Latest news with #vets
Irish Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Supply risk identified for some UK animal medicines shipped to North
Vets, farmers and pet owners in Northern Ireland will continue to have post- Brexit access to animal medicines from the UK in the 'vast majority of cases', the UK government has said. However, it warned of a 'risk of disruption' remaining for a small number of critical products. The comments were contained in a policy paper on Britain's approach to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, published by Northern Secretary, Hilary Benn, on Thursday. From January 1st, 2026, veterinary medicines from Britain distributed in Northern Ireland must comply with EU rules agreed between London and Brussels as part of the Windsor Framework . READ MORE Concerns had been raised by vets and politicians that up to half the veterinary medicines used in Northern Ireland could become unavailable because firms in Britain would choose to stop supplying them rather than carry out the additional retesting and relabelling required to sell them in the North after the cut-off date. [ DUP leader: Windsor deal is an opaque mess Opens in new window ] The paper said London's current expectation was that there would be 'very limited disruption, with fewer than 20 products due to face discontinuation that we consider are likely to result in significant adverse impacts if not addressed.' It announced two schemes which it said would provide additional resilience and 'plug any emerging critical gaps' by allowing vets to continue to access medicines from Britain. The UK government said these were within the scope of the Windsor Framework so did not require negotiation with, or approval from, the EU. It is understood the bloc is aware of, and comfortable with, the move. From January 1st, the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme will 'permit the use of suitable alternative products from outside Northern Ireland' by professionals without any additional red tape 'if the situation of animal or public health so requires'. A separate Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme will allow vets use specific individual medicines not authorised or available in Northern Ireland when needed, again without any additional administrative burden or certification. The UK government also said any veterinary medicines already on the market in Northern Ireland can remain so until their expiry date, even if it is after the cut-off from January 1st. The move was strongly criticised by some unionist parties. DUP MP Carla Lockhart said the 'stark reality' was that the UK government had 'chosen to prioritise placating the EU' over protecting the interests of animals, vets, farmers and the wider agri-food sector in Northern Ireland. Instead of resolving the problem, she said, London had 'simply issued another paper and acquiesced to EU law that does not deal substantively with the concerns raised by the industry and does not enjoy cross-community consent'. Traditional Unionist Voice leader, Jim Allister, said that 'instead of standing up for Northern Ireland, the [UK] government has largely rolled over, devoting its energy to encouraging reorientation of our supplies so that they come from the EU, not GB.'
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Brexit: New schemes to secure veterinary medicine supplies to NI
Two new schemes to help guarantee the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland are to be introduced by the UK 2026, the supply of those medicines will be covered by EU rather than UK rules, a requirement of Northern Ireland's Brexit led to concerns that many medicines could become unavailable in NI as they have traditionally been supplied from elsewhere in the government now believes the majority of medicines will remain available due to suppliers adapting their supply lines. What is covered by the schemes? Those remaining medicines which are at risk of withdrawal will be covered by the new schemes, allowing them to be supplied from Great a statement, the government said that out of about 3,000 products licensed for supply in Northern Ireland, its "current expectation is that there will be very limited disruption, with fewer than 20 products due to face discontinuation that we consider are likely to result in significant adverse impacts if not addressed".The main measure to address those impacts is the Veterinary Medicine Internal Market Scheme under which vets can order medicines from GB if it is impractical to get them from the can also hold stocks of products made available under that scheme rather than having to order them for each patient. The government said vets would be able to buy a limited amount of products under the scheme pre-emptively where, in their professional judgment, the products may become necessary in the course of their treatment of specific new arrangements are not a negotiated outcome with the EU, rather they are unilateral actions taken by the it is understood the EU has been kept aware of what the UK was developing and that the new schemes are compliant with EU Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the government was confident that Northern Ireland would continue to have access to the veterinary medicines necessary to protect the health and welfare of said further guidance would be issued "in due course" and the government would continue to "monitor emerging risks to animal health and veterinary medicine availability". "Intensive engagement will continue through 2025 and beyond to address any gaps," he added.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Dog owners urged to avoid ‘hidden danger' this week as vet reveals breeds most at risk
DOG owners are being warned not to take their pets out for walks during key times this week as the UK braces for a summer heatwave. Vets say that while many owners believe a stroll in the fresh air is a good idea, the risks to dogs are much greater than just leaving them in a hot car. 2 Across the UK, with temperatures set to exceed 25°C and possibly reach 30°C in some regions, veterinary experts are urging owners to rethink their walking routines. According to Pet Health Club, which represents over 800 vet practices, the danger isn't just the sun — it's the ground beneath your dog's feet. In places like London, Manchester, Birmingham and parts of the South East, surfaces such as pavements and artificial grass can retain extreme heat long after the sun has started to dip. These hot surfaces can soar to more than 50°C — easily enough to burn sensitive paw pads and trigger overheating in just minutes. Holly McKinley, senior vet at Pet Health Club, explained: 'Many owners assume it's safe to walk their dogs once the sun dips, but pavements often stay dangerously hot well past 5pm, and on some days, the air does too. "That's why we're calling it the hidden 'danger hour'.' While heatstroke in dogs is a well-known risk in parked cars, the latest research suggests that walks during hot spells are an even bigger danger. A staggering 74 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are caused by exercise, compared to just 5 per cent from being left in vehicles. 'Dogs don't sweat like we do, and their ability to cool down is limited. So even when it feels bearable to us, it can still be risky for them,' said Holly. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave 'Walking your dog in 25-degree heat is like running a marathon in a fur coat. "It might not seem extreme to humans, but for dogs, especially those with thick coats or flat faces, it can be life-threatening.' She added that breeds with short snouts — known as Brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, bulldogs and boxers — are particularly at risk. Their compromised airways mean they struggle more to breathe and regulate their body temperature during even mild exertion. Dog owners are urged to check pavements before heading out by using the back-of-the-hand test. 'If you can't comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws,' Holly said. 'If in doubt, skip the walk and focus on indoor play or enrichment instead.' Symptoms of heatstroke can come on quickly and include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting and even seizures. If untreated, it can result in collapse or death in a matter of minutes. Dog breeds most susceptible to overheating In general, there are six groups of dogs who struggle most in hot weather... Firstly, those with underlying health problems. Dogs can't sweat like we can, so rely largely on panting to cool down. However, if they have airway or lung impairments, or suffer from fluid balance or hydration issues, then this is more difficult, and their ability to lose heat is reduced, meaning they are at a higher risk of heat-stroke. Overweight animals find it harder to ventilate, and their core temperature rises faster than you'd expect for a lean dog. Very young dogs or very old dogs are also at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. Dogs with very thick coats, who are adapted to a colder climate. Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute - and even the Chow Chow - have been bred to keep heat in. However, this comes at the price of being less well able to cope in hot weather. Their thick double coats effectively trap heat, making it the equivalent of us going out in the July heat wearing a fur coat and thermal underwear: they get very hot, very quickly. This problem can be alleviated by clipping (NOT shaving), however, the coat can take a long time to grow back. In a heatwave, though, if you're struggling to keep your dog cool, I'd personally rather have a dog with a thinner coat who's alive than a luxuriously coated dog in the morgue. Short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. These dogs have been bred to look "cute", with big eyes and flat faces. Unfortunately, the result of this has been a narrowing of the airways and a profusion of soft tissue in the nasal chambers and pharynx - we call this Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and it profoundly affects their ability to pant and lose heat. Like a dog with any other respiratory disease, most members of these breeds are highly prone to heatstroke, and as they are often overweight as well, are at very high risk in hot weather Sean McCormack, head vet at said: 'A dog's ability to regulate heat is very different from ours. This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable.' Even short walks in the midday sun can be dangerous. Vets recommend walking early in the morning — ideally before 8am — or late in the evening, well after sunset, when both the air and surfaces have had time to cool down properly. Eve, a veterinary nurse from the UK, echoed the warning on social media. She said: 'The temperatures are rising and taking your dog on a walk is not worth risking their life. "Do it responsibly – 6am in the morning, 8pm at night when it's nice and cool.' She added: 'This applies to every single dog breed, but especially Brachycephalic breeds. If you can hear your dog breathing heavily on a normal day, that's a sign they're already under respiratory stress. "Add heat to that, and it can become dangerous very quickly.' Eve also warned of symptoms like vomiting and regurgitation, particularly in flat-faced breeds, which can lead to aspiration — where fluid enters the lungs and causes serious complications. During heatwaves, the safest place for your pet is indoors in a cool, shaded area with good airflow. Owners are advised to provide plenty of fresh water, use fans or cooling mats, and avoid overexcitement or vigorous play. 2
South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Write a funny caption for this naughty elephant
A team of doctors and vets in Pakistan have developed a novel treatment for a pair of elephants suffering from tuberculosis that involves feeding them at least 400 pills a day. The jumbo effort by staff at the Karachi Safari Park involves administering the tablets hidden inside food ranging from apples and bananas, to Pakistani sweets The amount of medication is adjusted to account for the weight of the 4,000kg elephant. Agence France-Presse Can you think of innovative ways to feed the medicine to the elephant? Send us a funny caption by filling out this form. The deadline is at 12pm on June 11. We'll publish the best ones next week. Last week's top caption Participants wearing costumes take part in an attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of Smurfs. Photo: AFP Emma So (aged 8), Man Kiu Association Primary School: Where's Papa Smurf?
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Dog owners warned not to let pooches near garden essential this summer – not avoiding it could lead to infection
OUR four-legged friends could be in danger over the summer months. Vets have urged dog owners to beware of a harmful garden enhancer that can cause serious issues for our beloved furry sidekicks. 2 Professionals have warned over the dangers of simple grass seeds causing major health implications for dogs who are at risk of getting the dangerous seeds wedged in their fur. A poorly pooch was rushed into surgery last year in Norwich after inhaling a grass seed which caused a punctured lung. The seeds can get stuck in ears, paws, armpits, chests and even eyes. Symptoms to look out for include excessive head shaking, paw licking, swollen paws, holding its head to one side or lameness. The PDSA has advised: 'If your dog likes to run around in long grass, it's important to always check them for grass seeds afterwards. "You'll need to remove any that you find and if you find one stuck, or a wound/swelling that looks like it could contain one, you'll need to take your pooch to the vet. 'If not removed quickly, grass seeds enter the body and start causing problems such as infections and abscesses.' Look out for painful, weeping eyes or excessively licking or nibbling paws, limping or constant sneezing. Bloody discharge from the nostrils might be the sign of grass seed stuck up its nose. It is likely to cause symptoms such as non-healing wounds, low energy and a constant high temperature. I tried 'magic' Lidl garden hose - you need to get it, it's perfect for summer But it's not just in your own back garden that you need to be cautious. The animal professionals continued: 'Prevention is always better than cure. Always check your dog for grass seeds after walks in long grass. 'And try to prevent your dog from running around in long grass, sticking to paths instead.' It comes as June is a great time to be sowing grass seed. With the weather currently wet and warm, it's optimal conditions for germination. But should the weather get any hotter and drier, you should avoid sowing in the middle of summer. How to sow lawn seed 2 Rake the lawn and soil so it is level and smooth. Sow seeds evenly. Keep lawn moist with occasional watering. Withing 10 days, the grass should have established roots. During this time you can protect the seeds with straw to keep pests and birds at bay.
