Vet Times Podcast

Épisodes

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  Ep 144: Defining overtreatment, with Elizabeth Mullineaux and Caroline Allen 14.09.2026 35min

  In June, BVA Live’s Interactive Zone hosted the packed session “When is enough, enough? How do we define overtreatment?”, which made for lively and thought-provoking debate. The session’s chairs, BVA senior vice-president Elizabeth Mullineaux and Caroline Allen, director at Pet Lighthouse and former chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA, sat down with Chris Simpson to take the discussion further. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Vet Times Extra: Accessible veterinary care and charity support, with Paul Manktelow 08.09.2026 21min

  In this Vet Times Extra podcast, supported by Animal Friends Pet Insurance, Paul Manktelow, veterinary services director at Blue Cross, discusses the vital role of long-term supporters, equine welfare, and strategies for navigating and relieving the impacts of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis across the veterinary sector. The podcast episode highlights the multi-year support provided by Animal Friends Pet Insurance. The pet insurance provider, founded in 1998 to support animal welfare, has donated more than £10 million to help support more than 830 animal welfare charities in the last 28 years*. The episode also explores how funding helps to empower charities to deliver essential services for UK pet owners, expand volunteer networks, and relieve pressure on veterinary teams. At the core of the discussion is the critical need for accessible veterinary care. Paul explains how Blue Cross supports vets through initiatives like the Veterinary Care Fund, which now engages approximately 1,500 practices across 92% of the UK to help owners who cannot afford immediate treatment. He also addresses the introduction of discounted fees at Blue Cross hospitals to ensure long-term service sustainability, alongside the expanded role of the Pet Loss Support line in assisting owners through pet relinquishment, loss and financial strain. For more details on the charity’s work and services, visit: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/ Paul Manktello has worked in the veterinary sector for 25 years, predominantly within the charity field alongside ongoing engagement in private practice. Having previously worked with the PDSA, he now serves as veterinary services director at Blue Cross. In his role, Paul oversees hospital operations and strategic planning to address evolving societal and industry challenges – notably driving initiatives around contextualised care, affordable treatment models, and equine rehoming expansion. *The charitable work undertaken by Animal Friends Insurance is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Vet Times Extra: How speaking cat changes care: understanding lifestyle, behaviour, and well-being in the modern cat – with Séverine Tasker 04.09.2026 22min

  As the leading global charity dedicated to feline welfare, iCatCare provides trusted, evidence-based support for veterinary professionals and cat owners. Vetoquinol UK, an animal health pharmaceutical company, shares iCatCare's commitment to improving cat health and welfare through education and engagement. Together, iCatCare and Vetoquinol UK will support feline health initiatives, promote best practice in cat care, and raise awareness of cats' unique needs among veterinary teams and owners. SPONSORED: Podcast funded by Vetoquinol UK (Felpreva). Information on iCatCare education and CPD courses: Global cat charity iCatCare runs courses including those to help us understand cats – listed on https://icatcare.org/courses. The Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional https://icatcare.org/courses/cat-friendly-veterinary-professional and Cat Friendly Veterinary Receptionist https://icatcare.org/courses/cat-friendly-veterinary-receptionist on-demand courses are particularly useful for vet teams to help them think ‘CAT’ and reduce stress for feline patients and caregivers. General information • Information highlighting different feline needs: https://icatcare.org/articles/the-different-needs-of-different-cats • Information on the 'Five Pillars' of a healthy feline environment from iCatCare & FelVMA: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X13477537 • iCatCare info on Cat friendly handling & cat friendly interactions (CFI): https://icatcare.org/articles/handling-and-interactions • iCatCare & FelVMA 2022 Cat Friendly Vet Interaction Guidelines: Approach & Handling Techniques: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X221128760 iCatCare & FelVMA 2022 Cat Friendly Vet Environment Guidelines: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X221128763 • Feline Grimace Scale for pain recognition is validated for non-vet professionals to use too (acute pain): https://www.felinegrimacescale.com/ • iCatCare carer guide on acute pain: https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-acute-pain.pdf • Chronic pain may be more challenging, but for osteoarthritis caregivers can fill out mobility checklist: https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-friendly-clinic/cat-friendly-clinic-mobility-checklist.pdf • Signs of pain for caregivers iCatCare infographic: https://icatcare.org/articles/physical-health • iCatCare information on kittens e.g. https://icatcare.org/articles/helping-your-new-cat-or-kitten-settle-in and taking your cat to the vet https://icatcare.org/articles/taking-your-cat-to-the-vet? • iCatCare information on giving cats medications: https://icatcare.org/articles/how-to-give-a-cat-medication • iCatCare information on Cat Friendly Clinics (CFC): https://icatcare.org/cat-friendly-clinic/becoming-a-cat-friendly-clinic About the speaker Séverine Tasker is an RCVS recognised specialist in feline medicine and EBVS European veterinary specialist in small animal internal medicine. After graduation from the University of Bristol veterinary school, Séverine spent time in practice before taking an iCatCare residency in feline medicine at Edinburgh’s vet school. She then returned to Bristol and completed a PhD in feline haemoplasmosis before undertaking an academic career, becoming professor in feline medicine in 2016. In 2018, she became a medical leader for a group of veterinary clinics in the UK and Ireland, developing a medical strategy incorporating quality improvement, education and clinical research. In 2025 she joined the charity iCatCare where she is global veterinary advisor, helping to advance feline veterinary science internationally. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Vet Times Extra: Discussing Vets Now ECC Congress 2026, with Marlaina Hrosch 21.08.2026 15min

  This episode is brought to you by Vets Now ECC Congress 2026. Taking place 5 and 6 November at Leeds Royal Armouries, it features more than 30 world-class speakers and up to 80 hours of CPD across seven dynamic streams. Whether you're looking to level up your emergency skills, explore practical clinical workshops or connect with peers, head over to vets-now.com/congress-2026 to book your ticket today. In this podcast, we speak to one of the international speakers, Marlaina Hrosch, about the sessions she will be presenting across the two days. Marlaina Hrosch became an RVT in 2014 and earned her VTS (ECC) in 2020. She works for VEG ER for Pets as the director of field nursing programmes to provide impactful training opportunities for veterinary nurses and assistants across hospitals. She is currently the treasurer for the Academy of Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses and lectures nationally and internationally on ECC topics including triage, toxicology and commonly seen emergencies. Marlaina is passionate about inspiring veterinary nurses and technicians to stay curious, keep learning, and share their knowledge with their team to elevate patient care. SPONSORED This podcast is sponsored by Vets Now. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 143: Low-intensity focused ultrasound, with Mandy Moody 11.08.2026 8min

  The first clinical trials for veterinary application of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) are getting underway in the United States to generate clinical evidence on its potential as a non-invasive for chronic pain management. Texas-based veterinarian Mandy Moody, director of clinical research at Pelara and SecureDX, which have partnered to launch the trials, joins Chris Simpson to explain the science behind LIFU and where she hopes it might fit into the future of veterinary medicine. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Vet Times Extra: Antimicrobial stewardship work in Wales, with Amelia Sidwell and Hannah Jarman 31.07.2026 23min

  In this Vet Times Extra podcast, in association with Arwain DGC, Amelia Sidwell and Hannah Jarman discuss the valuable work of Arwain DGC, a Welsh government-funded programme that brings together veterinary professionals, farmers, researchers and industry partners to tackle antimicrobial resistance in livestock and the environment. The programme promotes responsible antimicrobial stewardship through training, research, data collection, technology adoption and knowledge exchange across Wales. At the heart of the programme is the Veterinary Prescribing Champions, or VPC, network. This network, which now covers 90% of the country, consists of veterinary surgeons from livestock practices across Wales who act as leaders and advocates for responsible antimicrobial use within their practices and farming communities. VPCs receive ongoing training and participate in workshops, discussion groups and peer learning activities, working collaboratively to maintain high prescribing standards and encourage evidence-based decision-making. For more details, visit the website: https://mentera.cymru/arwaindgc/ Amelia Sidwell grew up on a dairy farm in Derbyshire, where her interest in antimicrobial use (AMU) and stewardship first developed. She graduated cum laude from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest in 2016, and began her career in mixed practice, later focused on equine dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. She completed specialist training in this field through an EVDC residency. During this time, she led antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, published on AMU in equine dentistry, and presented internationally on the subject. Following the defence of her Master’s thesis on pain behaviour in equids, she now works as veterinary development manager for Arwain DGC, where she is conducting research to support AMU decision-making in farm animal practice. She continues to undertake clinical work in both small animal emergency and critical care and the equine sector alongside her role. Hannah Jarman is a director and veterinary prescribing champion (VPC) at Prostock Vets, leading the practice's antimicrobial stewardship work. Passionate about responsible medicine use, she runs farmer education programmes, leads flock health discussions, and has secured funding for innovative technologies that support targeted treatments and reduce antibiotic use. Known for her energy and enthusiasm, Hannah is committed to preventive herd and flock health, mentoring the next generation of vets, and driving practical solutions that improve animal health, farm productivity and antimicrobial stewardship. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 142: Gut microbiome research, with Phil Watson 28.07.2026 14min

  Earlier this year, a landmark study [https://www.vettimes.com/news/vet-nursing/small-animal/study-offers-dramatic-increase-in-knowledge-of-canine-microbiome] offered a “dramatic increase” in our understanding of the canine microbiome. One of its authors, Phil Watson, senior research manager at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, sat down with Chris Simpson to discuss the study’s findings and how they might be used to help vets tailor treatments to animals’ individual gut microbiomes in the future. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Vet Times Extra: Ten years compulsory UK dog microchipping – with Steve Leonard and Fiona Cooke 04.06.2026 43min

  Ten years on from the introduction of compulsory dog microchipping in the UK – how much has really changed for pets, vets, charities and owners? As one of the UK’s leading pet microchip providers, Identichip brings together leading veterinarian Steve Leonard and Fiona Cooke, associate director of policy and impact at Woodgreen Pets Charity, for this Vet Times podcast. Together, they explore the impact of the legislation, ongoing challenges, registration compliance, success stories from practice and charity work and the importance of keeping details up to date. SPONSORED This Vet Times Extra podcast is sponsored by Identicare – the suppliers of Identichip microchips and the Defra-compliant pet database Identibase. Identicare supports vets and animal charities with high-quality microchips, scanners and a dedicated team to help with the full pet protection journey, from implantation and registration to keeping owner details up-to-date. For microchipping support and resources, contact Identichip or visit https://identichip.co.uk/ Steve Leonard qualified from the University of Bristol in 1996. His final year at university was filmed by the BBC for a documentary called “Vet School”. He went on to make many wildlife and veterinary documentaries taking him all over the globe and working alongside some of the planet’s most iconic species. Steve has remained a passionate small animal vet and passed his BSAVA Certificate in Small Animal Medicine with distinction in 2017. He is the co-founder of Phoenix Vet Practice, a new independent practice in Nantwich, Cheshire that opened in May 2026. Fiona Cooke is associate director of policy and impact at Woodgreen Pets Charity, where she leads the campaigns, policy, research and insights teams. With a background in animal welfare law and policy, she works on issues including pet identification, responsible ownership, and improving outcomes for pets and their owners. Fiona is also a registered clinical animal behaviourist, bringing practical and scientific expertise to her role. She’s passionate about animal welfare and keeping pets and people together and has published widely on animal welfare and issues affecting pet owners.
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  Ep 141: Brachycephalic dog breeds, with Dan O’Neill and Rowena Packer 28.05.2026 50min

  Amid falling Royal Kennel Club registrations of key brachycephalic dog breeds, RVC academics Dan O’Neill and Rowena Packer join Chris Simpson to discuss the efforts of the UK’s Brachycephalic Working Group. Prof O’Neill and Dr Packer provide updates on their latest research, the launch of the Innate Health Assessment tool [https://www.innatehealthassessment.org/] and discuss the role vets have to play in bringing an end to animals with extreme conformation. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 140: Mentorship and NAVC plans, with Jon Townsend 14.05.2026 17min

  Chris Simpson sits down with new president of the North American Veterinary Community’s (NAVC) board of directors, Jon Townsend, to discuss his plans to expand mentorship opportunities across the profession during his presidential year. Dr Townsend also discusses the latest updates on the outbreaks of avian influenza in dairy herds across the United States and offers his take on veterinary telemedicine. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 139: Thoughts on CMA measures and process, with VMG president Rebecca Robinson 01.05.2026 7min

  A month on from the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) publication of its final remedies for the UK pet sector, vet leaders gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for VMG Congress. VMG president Rebecca Robinson joined Chris Simpson to discuss the feeling among delegates about the measures and give her own thoughts on the CMA process. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 138: Cats with extreme conformations, with Claire Roberts and Madison Rogers 02.04.2026 19min

  With purebred and pedigree cats becoming increasingly popular among pet owners, Cats Protection feline welfare researcher Claire Roberts speaks about her recent welfare review of concerns associated with purebred cats with extreme features. Meanwhile, the charity’s associate director of advocacy, campaigns and external affairs, Madison Rogers, discusses Cats Protection’s campaign for cat breeding to be regulated across the UK. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 137: US veterinary issues, with AVMA president Michael Bailey 13.03.2026 29min

  Chris Simpson sits down with Michael Q Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), to discuss the issues facing veterinarians in the United States. Dr Bailey discusses rural veterinary workforce shortages and the AVMA-sponsored legislation set to tackle the issue, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, and the latest efforts to combat the re-emerging threat of New World Screwworm. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Vet Times Big 6 2026: How sector moves on post-CMA 06.03.2026 59min

  Allister Webb and James Westgate welcome a panel of industry experts to examine how the veterinary sector can move forward after the CMA investigation in a discussion recorded at SPVS Congress in Birmingham. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 136: Mixed practice life and award win a year on, with Leah Hunter 03.03.2026 14min

  With the nomination deadline for the 2026 BVA Awards looming on 16 March, last year’s BVA Young Vet of the Year winner Leah Hunter joins Chris Simpson to talk about her experiences of winning the accolade and life as a mixed practice vet in Orkney. Dr Hunter, of Flett and Carmichael Veterinary Surgeons, was recognised for her “extraordinary dedication; compassion; unwavering devotion to her patients; and professionalism in all aspects of her work”. She also discusses her work with multiple charities as an Orkney Nature Festival trustee, a British Divers Marine Life Rescue medic and Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme volunteer. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 135: Veterinary Surgeons Act reform, with BVA president Rob Williams 20.02.2026 23min

  With consultations on reforming veterinary legislation now finally underway, BVA president Rob Williams returns to the podcast to discuss his hopes and fears for the process with Allister Webb. The consultation (https://consult.defra.gov.uk/reform-of-the-veterinary-surgeons-act/consultation/) is open for submissions until 25 March.    Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 134: Veterinary legislative reform plans, with deputy CVO Ele Brown 17.02.2026 20min

  With a long-awaited consultation on veterinary legislative reform now finally underway, Allister Webb is joined by Defra’s deputy chief veterinary officer Ele Brown to discuss what change might achieve for the sector. The consultation (https://consult.defra.gov.uk/reform-of-the-veterinary-surgeons-act/consultation/) is open for submissions until 25 March.    Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Image: Defra / GOV.UK
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  Ep 133: Vets on the Ukraine front line, with Daria Ponomarenko and Mark Johnston 13.02.2026 39min

  As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine approaches, vets in the country – many of whom are fighting or serving as combat medics on the front lines as well as managing their clinics – are facing shortages of vital medicines and equipment. At the same time, rabies cases in wild and stray animals are on the rise, putting vets in further danger during the conflict. Ukrainian vet Daria Ponomarenko and ProSalus Foundation vice-president Mark Johnston, who visited the country last year, join Chris Simpson to discuss the issues facing vets as the war rages on and appeal for vital donations. Veterinary professionals can donate medicines, equipment and supplies, or make a financial donation, at the ProSalus website [https://prosalusfoundation.org/our-projects/#ukraine-section] or by emailing Dr Johnston at [email protected]. ProSalus is also holding a silent auction [https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/wellbeing-at-work/art-sale-aims-to-boost-ukrainian-veterinary-work] of Ukrainian art [https://prosalusfoundation.org/product-category/different-together-series-by-anna-khomchyk/], raising funds for the Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Ep 132: Vet nurse burnout prevention survey, with Angela Chapman 16.01.2026 18min

  Burnout, mental health issues and staff turnover are challenges that continue to affect the veterinary profession. Angela Chapman, senior veterinary nursing lecturer at Melbourne Polytechnic and graduate researcher at La Trobe University, joins Chris Simpson to discuss her new vet nurse burnout prevention survey [https://www.veterinaryburnout.com.au/workplace-survey]. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  Vet Times Extra: JAK inhibitors and veterinary dermatology, with Darren Berger 09.01.2026 28min

  Allergic dermatitis is one of the most challenging chronic conditions we face in practice. Not just clinically, but because owners expect their dogs to return to “normal.”   In this podcast with Darren Berger, US board certified dermatologist and Elanco’s head of allergy and dermatology, we’ll look at the science behind Zenrelia, the new JAK inhibitor helping dogs get back to normal, and how it’s changing how we manage itchy dogs and their owners. Dr Berger is a American board-certified veterinary dermatologist with extensive experience in clinical practice, research and education. He is an accomplished speaker and an author and editor, having written many journal articles and his own textbook. He has special interests in clinical pharmacology and the management of allergic skin diseases and prior to joining Elanco Animal Health, he was a tenured professor at Iowa State University. Dr Berger resides in Iowa with his family, but you will often find him sharing his passion for dermatology through speaking events around the country and internationally. SPONSORED This podcast is sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, the company behind Zenrelia. Zenrelia™ film coated tablets contain ilunocitinib. Legal category POM-V in UK, POM in IE. For further information call Elanco Animal Health on +44(0)1256 353131 or write to: Elanco UK AH Limited, Form 2, Bartley Way, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, RG27 9XA, United Kingdom. For further information, consult the product SPC. Zenrelia, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates.
©2025 Elanco or its affiliates

Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber prior to use. Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone. Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible or www.apha.ie
 References Forster S et al (2025). Comparative efficacy and safety of ilunocitinib and oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with atopic dermatitis, Vet Dermatol 36(2): 165-176. Olivry T, Bensignor E, Favrot C et al (2018). Development of a core outcome set for therapeutic clinical trials enrolling dogs with atopic dermatitis (COSCAD’18), BMC Vet Res 14(1): 238.   Links MyElanco: Zenrelia | New once-daily treatment for itchy dogs (https://my.elanco.com/en_gb/product-support/pet/zenrelia) Zenrelia SPC information can be found on MyElanco using the link above or on the VMD Product Information Database: Product Information Database - Home (https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/)