Vets mark “World Rabies Day” September 28th 2009
Rabies kills 55,000 people per year worldwide, but yet these deaths are entirely preventable.

“With the last recorded case in Ireland being 1906, Ireland is officially ‘Rabies Free’, a status afforded only 24 other countries worldwide.”, according to Alan Rossiter, Chairperson of Veterinary Ireland’s Companion Animal Society (VICAS). “Whilst only 3 countries in mainland Europe are also afforded this coveted status, rabies in domestic and wild animals is all but eliminated from the EU. This is one of the great but unsung achievements of the EU project and, with appropriate resources, is a success that could be replicated worldwide. Tens of thousands every year could be saved from a slow, agonising and inevitable death in often squalid circumstances from this most terrible of diseases. These deaths, which mostly occur in the developing world, are entirely preventable through vaccination of humans and susceptible wild and domestic animals. In theory, rabies could be eliminated worldwide.”

These matters arise in the context of VICAS’ marking of World Rabies Day 2009. “The veterinary profession in Ireland fully supports the aims of World Rabies Day, namely to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies, how easy it is to prevent it, and how to eliminate the main global sources. However whilst the risk to Ireland is low we should never become complacent. In particular we must ensure that any susceptible animals traveling into Ireland do so legally, having satisfied all necessary vaccination and/or quarantine requirements. Illegal importation of pet animals is probably the greatest threat to our rabies free status and any suspect cases of illegal importation should be immediately reported to the Gardai or local Department of Agriculture offices”, Mr. Rossiter concluded.

A more extensive summary of the VICAS concerns please click here
For further comment or interview please contact
Alan Rossiter VICAS Chairperson on 086 8250067 or Veterinary Ireland on 01 4577976.

Issued Thursday 24th September 2009

Note to editors: The Veterinary Ireland Companion Animal Society (VICAS), with 400 members, is the representative body for companion animal (pet) vets in Ireland and is a constituent part of Veterinary Ireland, which in turn represents all vets in Ireland. www.veterinaryireland.ie

Equine Piroplasmosis Alert
For Further Information - CLICK HERE

Veterinary Ireland Rota Formation Project
For Further Information - CLICK HERE

2009 VIVA Golf Classic
For Further Information CLICK HERE

Equine Htbreakerpesvirus Paralysis Alert
An ou of the neurological form of Equine Herpesvirus disease has been identified.
To read more CLICK HERE

North American Influenza
The Pig Veterinary Society has produced an informative leaflet on the North-American Influenza A H1N1 virus. It includes information about the virus strain and a series of recommendations for veterinary practitioners. The document can be accessed through the below link.
To read more CLICK HERE

World Veterinary Day - FVE holds Photo Competition
World Veterinary Day to highlight role of veterinarians in society - FVE - holds Photo Competition
To read more CLICK HERE

ITBA Policy Officially Launched
The ITBA has officially launched their policy on Horse Welfare.
To read more CLICK HERE


VetAEGIS launched
Veterinary Ireland has launched a new web-based service to provide Advice, Education, Guidance, Information and Support on stress, addiction, health, family and other life-event matters.
To read more CLICK HERE

Waste from vet clinics under scrutiny
A number of local authorities across Ireland have begun to focus on enforcing regulations concerning waste produced by veterinary practices.
To read more CLICK HERE

St. John’s graduates eligible for Veterinary Nurse Register
October 22 marked an historical occasion for the students of Animal Care at St. John’s Central College in Cork.
To read more CLICK HERE

First woman vet commemorated
The first woman recognised as a veterinary surgeon in both Ireland and Britain was commemorated in Co. Roscommon last month with a plaque.
To read moreCLICK HERE