28 November 2008

A leading pet association is aiming to reduce the numbers of animals infected by bugs when they travel internationally.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has reissued its leaflet entitled Taking Your Pets Abroad – Your Guide To Diseases Encountered Abroad.

Carl Padgett, chairman of the BVA's Animal Welfare Foundation, reported that the resource has been relaunched due to the increasing numbers of pets who are returning from international trips with diseases.

Mr Padgett has encouraged animal owners to research their destinations and check what bugs pets could be exposed to.

"Our leaflet outlines some of the more common diseases of pets that can be encountered outside the UK along with details of measures that can be taken to prevent them," he said.

"It also explains the criteria that animals must meet under the UK's Pet Travel Scheme."

Pet owners can also find advice on dealing with ticks and what to do if they suspect their dog has contracted rabies.