Screening and testing of imported pets is not only crucial to the health of the animals and to their owners where there is zoonotic risk, but also to maintain UK biosecurity. Here, Lisa Martin provides an overview based on a recent HORIBA webinar on the subject.
The number of pets imported to the UK has risen sharply throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with puppy prices reaching levels previously unseen and giving rise to many being imported illegally. Pets imported via official routes typically undergo a series of detailed tests and prophylactic treatments to prevent the transmission of exotic diseases. However, many of the current tests in place can be troublesome and laborious, with veterinary clinicians waiting extended periods of time for test results from reference laboratories. This can increase the risk of poor outcomes and zoonotic disease transmission.
To help understand and combat this issue, HORIBA recently offered an online CPD meeting, delivered by parasitology expert Ian Wright MRCVS, the head of ESCCAP (European Scientific Council for Companion Animal Parasites) UK & Ireland.1 The webinar aimed to provide education and support to veterinary professionals to highlight the importance of testing in imported pets, particularly dogs.
This article provides an overview of the discussion around emerging veterinary diseases with a particular focus on detecting exotic parasites and associated diseases. It also discusses the need for, and emergence of, accurate rapid testing protocols and equipment in a time of exponentially increasing imported diseases, some of which can present zoonotic risk, principally to the immunosuppressed.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register
