Dechra Veterinary Products has awarded two prizes to Veterinary Nurse students at Myerscough College in Bilsborrow, near Preston.
The winners of the Dechra prizes were Rebecca Farrow, from Helmsley, North Yorkshire, who was the RCVS Equine Veterinary Nursing Level 3 top student, and Louise Adamson, from Farnworth in Bolton, RCVS Equine Veterinary Nursing Level 2 top student. The awards recognise the exceptional dedication and commitment that they have put into their studies.
Kathy Kissick, Learning Manager for Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough College, says: "We are grateful to Dechra for supporting our Veterinary Nurse students and awarding these prizes. We are pleased with the high levels our students continue to achieve. Both Rebecca and Louise can be very happy with their efforts during their time at the College."
Patrick Markey, Marketing Manger at Dechra Veterinary Products, says: "We recognise the important role Veterinary Nurses have in a vet practice and are pleased to have been involved in sponsoring these awards. We wish the winners every success in their future careers."
Following last weekend's Mail on Sunday revelation that a number of well-known organisations have been routinely serving meat from animals which have not been humanely slaughtered, the BVA has written to the companies involved, both to express concerns about animal welfare and to renew calls for clearer labelling.
The Mail on Sunday found that meat slaughtered under certain religious rules without pre-stunning (including kosher and some halal meat), is entering the mainstream food chain without being labelled as such. The investigation found that the meat is being used in schools, hospitals, pub chains and sporting venues.
The investigation follows news reports that GateGourmet, one of the largest airline caterers, is considering making the majority of its meals halal.
The BVA is concerned that consumers are confused by existing food labels and supports moves by the European Parliament to introduce mandatory labelling of meat from non-stunned animals, including use of the meat in other products. The BVA also supports the concept of one clear EU-wide label that would indicate higher welfare throughout the food chain.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Whilst we understand the need to respect religious freedoms the BVA believes that all animals should be stunned before slaughter to ensure the highest possible welfare for the animals.
"The exemption for religious slaughter should therefore be kept to a minimum. Meat from animals slaughtered according to these religious rules should not used in the mainstream market, particularly if it is not labelled as such.
"Earlier this year the European Parliament voted in favour of the compulsory labelling of meat from non-stunned animals and the British Veterinary Association strongly welcomed this move.
"We believe that consumers do want to make choices based on higher animal welfare and not cause unnecessary suffering. They should have the right information to make those pro-welfare choices."
Companion Care is launching a new division to develop a network of joint venture surgeries on high streets around the UK.
Thus far, 62 out of the company's 66 surgeries have been located inside Pets at Home stores. The company says it plans to more than double the number of surgeries over the next 5 years, both within Pets at Home stores and on the high street.
The new surgeries will be branded Companion Care Vets. According to the company, they'll be full service practices featuring the latest equipment, situated in locations which offer clients easy access. Managing director, Jane Balmain, said: "The in-store model we operate has been very successful and offers a unique business proposition based around the customer footfall in Pets at Home stores. We will continue to accelerate the growth in numbers of in-store surgeries as the Pets at Home store footprint expands. "While in-store has been hugely successful and the driver in our growth, we know that there are many vets and veterinary nurses who are interested in a joint venture partnership but whose preference is to have a more traditional looking standalone surgery. To enable us to launch partnerships with these professionals we are developing a standalone surgery network plan. We already have 4 very successful standalone surgeries and we feel now is the right time to develop the stand alone concept as a mainstream business proposition." While the new surgeries will be standalone, Companion Care says they will be affiliated with local local Pets at Home stores to drive client registration and business development.
Jane added: "These stand alone surgeries will offer a unique business proposition due to our Pets at Home relationship. We believe that with this new venture we can offer any potential partner the best of both worlds: a superb in-store surgery with footfall of thousands of customers a month, or a standalone new surgery linked to local store(s) to develop the business. I don't believe any other company can offer this unique proposition."
Is this the warm up for the mother of all high street battles between Companion Care and Vets4Pets?
Fidavet has launched Surosolve, a vet wholesaler exclusive, non-prescription ear cleaner for cats and dogs.
Fidavet says the product has multiple uses for complete cat and dog ear cleaning:
Surosolve maintains healthy ears by acting as an antibacterial flush1, 2 and antibiotic potentiating agent2, 3 while contributing to restoring the normal microbiological balance of the ear canal.
According to the company, the product has already received positive feedback from veterinary practitioners that have used it: 79 per cent liked the appearance of the formulation and over 80 per cent appreciated the fragrance.
Helen Goldberg, marketing manager for Janssen Animal Health, said: "Surosolve has a unique, powerful yet non-irritant formulation, ideal for the ears of cats and dogs. This non-irritating solution with an almost neutral pH of 6.8 allows cleaning while respecting natural ear physiology.
"Surosolve also contains Tris-EDTA, which gives extra power to concurrent topical antibiotics. EDTA is a chelating agent, active in damaging the cell surfaces of bacteria, while Tris enhances the effect of EDTA by buffering the pH, ensuring the solution is not irritating to the ear and maximising the anti-bacterial effect."
Marion Lannegrace, Janssen Animal Health international product manager for Fidavet said: "The Fidavet range is only available through veterinary wholesalers because we firmly believe these products should be used only with veterinary advice. This gives clients peace of mind that their pet is receiving the best care."
For further information on Fidavet Surosolve, visit www.fidavet.com.
References:
1 Cole LK. Anatomy and physiology of the canine ear. Veterinary Dermatology, 2010, 20 (5-6), 412-4212 Cole LK, Nuttall TJ. Pseudomonas otitis. Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, Proceedings of the Fifth World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, 2005, (5), 324-3303 Roberts NA, Gray GW, Wilkinson SC. The bactericidal action of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbios, 1970, (7-8), 189-208
Vetoquinol is introducing Equistro Kerabol Biotin, a complementary feeding stuff for horses which the company says can help maintain healthy hoof and hair growth when used daily.
Equistro Kerabol Biotin will replace Biometh Z and will be automatically supplied in its place when wholesaler stocks of Biometh Z are exhausted.
Equistro Kerabol Biotin is a complex of D-biotin, methionine and Ipaligo zinc in combination with organic selenium and Ipaligo manganese.
Available as a powder in a 3kg bucket which will last 200 days, Vetoquinol says Equistro Kerabol Biotin offers a cost-effective method of ensuring good quality hoof horn.
For more information about any Equistro product, please call 0800 169197 or speak to your local equine territory manager.
The Daily Mail has today published an interview with the 'nurse' who worked undercover at Medivet for tonight's Panorama documentary: It shouldn't happen at a vets (tonight, BBC1 9pm).
Looks like the communications departments at the RCVS, BVA and BSAVA will be run off their feet today. So far, the following radio stations and newspapers have run stories:
BBC Online has published a longer trailer for the programme here.BBC Radio 4 Today - interview with the mole, followed by Sandy Trees (in the recording of the entire programme, it starts at 1:09:05 on the iPlayer timeline)BBC Radio 5 live - interview with Jacquie Molyneux (not available on iPlayer)BBC Radio Tees - 7:50am interview with Bill Reilly (BVA)BBC Radio Somerset - 8:00am interview with Bill Reilly (BVA)BBC Radio Shropshire - 8:40am interview with Bill Reilly (BVA)Aberdeen Press & JournalBBC TwitterChina News (in Chinese)BBC Radio 2 - Jeremy Vine interviews Steve Leonard (starts at 1:10:56 on the iPlayer timeline. Continues through at least a couple of songs. At one point, Jeremy Vine says there are lots of reports coming into the show of good vets too!).dogmagazine.netThe Guardian (TV Review)
I'll be updating the list of news reports over the course of the day.
And reaction to the story elsewhere on the Internet ...
UK Labradoodle forumDigital SpyYahoo AnswersPet forumshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31MgikMLneU (well worth watching, this one).Horse & Hound forums
Incidentally, in case anyone is asked for an interview, BVA has produced an advice sheet on the subject for its members, plus a briefing document. The association has also published a response to the Daily Mail story on its website.
Medichem International has produced an A4 sized laminated poster which illustrates the correct way to wash and disinfect hands thoroughly.
The poster has a sticky back enabling it to be placed near to hand washing facilities in the practice.
If you would like copies of the poster, they are available free of charge by emailing info@medichem.co.uk and stating your name, practice, address and postcode.
The Recruitment Investment Group (RIG) has established a new recruitment agency that specialises in the supply of skilled professionals to the veterinary animal health market.
The newly formed RIG Animal Health Recruit will be working in the "industry" side of the profession to provide a permanent and temporary recruitment service in areas such as sales, technical product, academia, and laboratory work. The company's activities will not be confined to the UK alone, but, due the nature of this work, it will also operate in Europe.
The new company is headed up by James Roadnight, who has over 14 years' experience in working in specialist recruitment within professional and high integrity industries.
James said: "There comes a time in some vets or vet nurses' careers when they can want a change from working in practice and would like to move their skills to industry or academia. And we can help with this transition. Similarly, companies and institutions have a need to recruit personnel and will benefit from working with an agency that specialises only in this sector and should therefore have the strongest candidates available."
For more information, see www.rigahr.co.uk
In order to prevent tail injury in one dog you'd need to dock 500, according to research published in this week's Veterinary Record.The study1 was based on 138,212 dogs seen by vets at 52 veterinary practices across Britain between March 2008 and March 2009. 281 were treated for a tail injury - a rate of 0.23%, adjusted for sampling. The owners of 224 of these injured dogs, as well as a random sample of 799 owners whose dogs had not been treated for tail injury were sent a questionnaire on dog tail injuries and docking.Only 97 of the owners whose dogs needed treatment and 227 of those whose dogs had not been injured replied.Their responses indicated that around one in three tail injuries (36%; 35 cases) had occurred at home as a result of the dog knocking its tail against a wall, kennel wall or other household object.A further 17.5% (17 cases) were sustained outdoors, while 14.4% (14 cases) were caused by the tail being caught in a door. In 15 (15.5%) other causes were cited; and in 16 (16.5%), the cause was unknown. Almost half of the injuries (44%) were recurrent.Over half the cases were treated with drugs and dressings, but in almost one in three cases, amputation was required. Eleven dogs did not need any treatment.Certain breeds seemed to be more at risk, with springer and cocker spaniels almost six times as likely to sustain a tail injury as labradors and retrievers. Greyhounds, lurchers, and whippets were almost seven times as likely to do so, possibly because of the lack of protective hair on their tails, say the authors. Dogs with a wide angle of wag were also almost four times as likely to be injured in this way, while dogs kept in kennels were more than 3.5 times as likely to sustain a tail injury. Only 35 owners said their dogs had had their tail docked, and on the basis of their overall findings, the authors calculated that tail docking would reduce the risk of injury by 12%.But in absolute terms, 500 dogs would need to have their tail docked in order to prevent one tail injury.
Reference1Risk factors for tail injuries in dogs in Great Britain. G. Diesel, D. Pfeiffer, S. Crispin, and D. Brodbelt. The Veterinary Record 2010 166: 812-817.
Members of Parliament have recognised the British Veterinary Association's contribution to the promotion of microchipping dogs and the campaign for compulsory microchipping through an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled by Andrew Rosindell MP (Conservative, Romford).
The EDM is gaining signatures from across all political parties as MPs show their support for a compulsory microchipping scheme that would have a significant and positive welfare impact on dogs by:
The EDM is also supported by Dogs Trust (who coordinated the EDM), Cats Protection, Blue Cross, and NOAH (National Office for Animal Health).
Earlier this week Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones AM announced proposals for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs and puppies sold or homed by licensed breeders, to improve traceability.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said: "Microchipping is part of responsible pet ownership and the BVA believes that all dogs should be permanently identified by microchip before the first change of ownership or at the first veterinary examination.
"Compulsory microchipping allows stray dogs to be reunited with their owners and would help the authorities to crack down on shameful puppy farms, where the health and welfare of both puppies and bitches is compromised, by improving the traceability of the animals.
"It could also assist with the reporting of hereditary health problems and surgical procedures to help us gain as much knowledge and research as we can to improve the health of all dogs.
"I would urge all Members of Parliament to show their support for dogs and their owners by signing this EDM."
I know it's a little way off yet, but if you feel like a good night out and contributing to a good cause, VetNurse member Leigh Fisher is organising the "Moon Bear Dinner Dance" which is to be held in Warwickshire later in the year.
Leigh says the aim of the evening is to bring veterinary personnel from around the country, together to celebrate the role of the veterinary nurse as well as raise much needed funds and awareness for BVNA's charity of the year: the Animals Asia Foundation. Intervet Schering-Plough and Bayer Animal Health are both lending their support with sponsorship.
Although being publicised throughout VN Week, the event itself is being held on Saturday the 2nd of October at The Cameo Suite, Coleshill Hotel, 152-156 High Street, Coleshill, Warwickshire, B46 3BG. It's open to all veterinary personnel, Animals Asia supporters and the general public. Tickets are £25 per person which includes:
Raffle tickets will be sold on the evening for fantastic prizes including free days out, wonderful artwork, meals at an array of different restaurants and beauty vouchers to name but a few! Guests are asked to arrive for 7pm in order for dinner to be served promptly at 7.30pm.
If you would like to book tickets or have any further questions please contact Leigh at moonbeardinnerdance@hotmail.com or ring 07834 267053.
The University of Liverpool's CPD Vets has designed and set up a new online course: Professional Skills for Veterinary Nurses, which it says covers many vital areas of professional development.
Jill Macdonald from the University said: "This course provides veterinary nurses with a sound background in many key areas, helping them to effectively manage other staff, create new practice policies, make informed decisions on a welfare and ethical issues, advance their own professional and personal development and ultimately enable them to be more effective in their role and deal with the everyday stresses that practice places upon us!"
She added: "You will work alongside other nurses throughout the course, which provides a valuable opportunity for fellow professionals to share problems, ideas and solutions. We use novel, exciting, practical and applicable learning and teaching methods such as discussion boards, formation of new protocols and information sheets for practice, critical reflection and journal clubs to name a few. The course is delivered and assessed 100% online over a 23 week period, which is great for busy VNs who need the flexibility to study around work and home life."
The module is also University of Liverpool approved at level 7 (Masters) and is credit bearing, meaning that credits can be accrued towards ultimately achieving a Masters degree. According to Jill, this level of CPD paves the way and opens up new opportunities for VNs to really push forward their education and career.
For more information, either contact Jill on 0151 795 6005 / jillos@liv.ac.uk or visit the CPD Vets website: www.liv.ac.uk/cpdvets
CEVA Animal Health has announced the results of a survey which found that nearly half a million UK cat and dog owners never go on holiday for fear of upsetting their pet's routine.
In addition, the research revealed that half³ of pet owners who do take holidays experience guilt as a result of leaving their animal at a kennel or cattery, with nearly two-thirds (62%) considering the experience to be just as stressful or even more stressful for them than for their pet.
Cat behaviour counsellor Vicky Halls said, "We plan holidays in order to relax, yet they are actually a common cause of stress for all concerned - particularly for the pet cat. Even a stay at the best cattery can be unsettling, as their patterns of feeding, play and social interaction will be disrupted. They also have to adapt to a different environment and its new smells, noises and other animals. Of course, cats may experience similar issues if staying with a neighbour."
Indeed, 63% of respondents claim to have noticed a change in their pet when they've returned from holiday, with many animals becoming unsettled and showing signs of confusion or nervousness without their owners around.
According to the survey, going on holiday is one of the most stressful events that a pet can experience, although there are measures that people can take to relieve some of their animal's stress.
Juliet Penaliggon, small animal business unit manager at CEVA Animal Health, said: "Many people become anxious at the thought of leaving their pet in someone else's care while they are away. For some, this means they feel unable to go on holiday at all, even for a weekend, but there are excellent kennels and catteries available.
"It's advisable that owners research the facilities in their area and they shouldn't be afraid to ask questions when they visit the kennels or catteries. Once pets are there, some familiar items and the use of pheromone products D.A.P. and Feliway can help the animal to settle in."
For further information, please visit http://www.dapfordogs.com/ or http://www.feliway.com/.
¹ Survey carried out by Opinion Matters on behalf of CEVA Animal Health, March 2010. Sample size: 1,100.² 464,000 UK cat or dog owners³ 46% of pet owners
Avid, the maker of pet microchip indentification products has developed its registration system so that Avid MicroChips can now be registered via practice management software using the VetXML schema.
This instantly registers the microchip directly on to the UK PETtrac Database, managed by Avid. All the implanter needs to do is add the microchip number to the client record, then click to register.
The practice has the option to print a receipt for the client before they leave the surgery, and a certificate confirming the registration will be posted to the client by PETtrac, usually the same day.
The microchip registration is completed in real time on the UK PETtrac Database, and is automatically checked to ensure the microchip being registered was sold to the practice completing the registration. In the event of any errors, the practice will be contacted by PETtrac to obtain the correct information.
Simon Clark, IT developer for Avid said "Avid already has direct registration via a number of practice management software packages and we are working with others to get this feature implemented as soon as possible. Registrations are now easier and quicker than ever before, and really can be completed with just one click!"
For full details about how the Avid microchip system can benefit your practice please contact the Avid sales office on 0800 652 7 977 or visit www.avidplc.com
Following the launch of Libromide, the only licensed formulation of potassium bromide in the UK for canine epilepsy, Genitrix has linked up with NationWide Veterinary Laboratories to offer a discounted blood test service to veterinary practices.
Genitrix says it is offering the discounted blood tests to help practices and encourage owners to test regularly, thus ensuring that the level of Libromide in dogs undergoing treatment remains within the recommended therapeutic range.
According to the company, factors which can cause the level to move out of therapeutic range include an increase in the chloride content of the diet or the administration of other drugs. Because Libromide takes a few weeks to reach a steady therapeutic state, testing at four, eight and twelve weeks is also recommended at the commencement of treatment to confirm that the rise to therapeutic level takes place.
To take advantage of the discount scheme, practices can download a test form from the Genitrix website (http://www.genitrix.co.uk/) or call its head office on 01403 786345. Copies are also available from wholesalers.
Rob Watkins, Marketing Director at Genitrix, said: "Regular blood testing of epileptic dogs is an essential element of a successful treatment regime and is recommended by all canine epilepsy specialists. Unfortunately, feedback from practices suggests that owners are sometimes reluctant to comply with this advice and that the cost of testing is frequently an issue.
"We've launched the scheme to help practices increase compliance by making it significantly cheaper. Taking advantage of this scheme for blood testing is also convenient for practices now that the test forms can be downloaded as well as ordered by phone.
"Recent data suggests that canine epilepsy affects four in every hundred dogs making it a common disease affecting dogs in the UK. Following on from the launch of Libromide, we hope that the discounted blood test scheme will be another step forward in the move to improve treatment approaches for this distressing disease."
Maverick Television is looking for three veterinary surgeons and two veterinary nurses to front a new Channel 4 television show.
Maverick, makers of Embarrassing Bodies and Bizarre Animal ER, says the new show will be about embarrassing animal behaviours and their bizarre or weird medical conditions.
For further information, contact Laura Wolf on 0121 771 1812, or email her your CV and a recent photograph: l.woolf@mavericktv.co.uk.
Bayer Animal Health reports that sales of Drontal have achieved double digit growth following the company's recent advertising campaign.
The company says its marketing push has been so successful that 83% of cat and dog owners now name Drontal ahead of any other wormer.
Apparently, vet practice waiting room posters are most commonly the way pet owners learn about Drontal, while approximately half of those regularly tuning in to the popular TV series The Dog Whisperer and GMTV were aware of Drontal's sponsorship of the programmes.
Dan White, Drontal's product manager said: "Bayer has invested heavily in advertising Drontal direct to pet owners effectively driving them into veterinary practice and producing accompanying practice support materials such as waiting room posters and wormer reminder cards which have really paid off. Three-quarters of pet owners surveyed stated they last purchased their wormer from their veterinary practice," comments.
"We will continue to support veterinary practices through advertising and sponsorship initiatives to help raise awareness of the importance of regularly worming pets with Drontal and boost sales further."
For further information or to order more Drontal practice support materials, please contact your local Bayer territory manager.
Anthony Chadwick, a referral dermatologist, has teamed up with other experts to offer a series of web-based seminars with the aim of bringing accessible and convenient CPD to vets and veterinary nurses. The first 50 VetNurse members to register can attend the webinars for half price. Just enter the word vetnurse in the discount box at http://www.thewebinarvet.com/ .
The webinars can be viewed from a practice or office and cover key veterinary topics including:
The webinars will be broadcast between 9.00 pm and 10.00 pm in a series running from 22 April to 27 May 2010.
Anthony said: "Webinars are already proving popular as a convenient but effective form of CPD in many sectors so I'm hoping to help the veterinary profession share the benefits they offer. Certainly my own experience is that they are easy to access and offer excellent value without the hassle of travel and late nights."
To view the webinars, you need a fixed line broadband connection, a PC with a sound card and a headset. Once payment is made, delegates are given instructions online to enable them to view the webinar they have selected.
The cost for veterinary nurses to view the whole series is £50, discounted to £25 for the first 50 VetNurse members to register.
Further information, including the full course schedule, is available at http://www.thewebinarvet.com/ or by contacting Anthony Chadwick on 0151 270 1759.
The lives of pet rabbits in Britain, the UK's third most popular pet, are being drastically cut short due to owners' ignorance and misinformation, according to a survey for Rabbit Awareness Week (26th April - 2nd May 2010).
The survey revealed a widespread lack of knowledge about what pet rabbits need to live longer, healthier and happier lives. Almost half of the respondents believe that vegetables, fruit and carrots are the most important food for rabbits. In addition, 71% didn't know that fibre, in the form of hay and grass, is the most important food for rabbits, without which they can die.
More than 50% of those surveyed did not know that rabbits should be kept in pairs, and 90% of respondents didn't know that owning a rabbit is likely to cost more than £3,000 over the course of its lifetime.
Sean Wensley, senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA, said: "Despite more than a million pet rabbits currently being kept across the country, the results of this survey add to our concerns that their welfare needs are sadly misunderstood.
"It is vital that owners understand the commitment involved in owning pet rabbits, both financially and in terms of the time taken to care for them properly. It is also essential that owners understand their rabbits' welfare needs, including their need to be fed a suitable diet, to have a large hutch and exercise run, to have company and to receive appropriate health care, including vaccinations against deadly diseases."
For more information, see: http://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk
Vetoquinol has announced the winner of the Alfaxan Spring Challenge: Bury-based VN Sarah-Jayne Evans, of the Armac Veterinary Group.
Sarah-Jayne, pictured right, was presented with her prize of an Acer 531 Netbook, by Vetoquinol's Gerald Hegarty-Cooke.
The two runners-up prizes of an Improve CPD voucher for a one day course went to Sarah Rodgers of Seadown Vets, Southampton and Julii Elliott of Barton Veterinary Hospital, Canterbury. There were also five third prizes of an Alfaxan rucksack containing an oesophageal stethoscope and a nurse's Alfaxan fob watch. Vetoquinol donated 30p to the Blue Cross for every correct competition entry.
The ‘Ear essentials – a holistic approach to the treatment of canine otitis externa’ webinar will include a presentation by Jonathon Elgie, veterinary technical advisor at Dechra UK and Ireland.
Jonathon will talk delegates through case examples to help them make decisions that can be used in practice and take a clear, practical and holistic approach to treatment.
He will also update vet professionals on Dechra support including the Lifelong Ear Partnership which provides education, tips and assistance to achieve better clinical outcomes and owner satisfaction.
The BVA and the RCVS are inviting applications from veterinary surgeons to join the new Vet Futures Action Group, set up to drive forward the ambitions identified in the Vet Futures report launched at BVA Congress at the London Vet Show on 20 November.
The Vet Futures report, Taking charge of our future: A vision for the veterinary profession for 2030, was the culmination of a year-long joint project by BVA and RCVS designed to help the veterinary profession prepare for, and shape, its own future. The Action Group is a vital next step in the Vet Futures project, ensuring the delivery of the report’s six ambitions and 34 recommendations.
BVA and RCVS are seeking seven veterinary surgeons and one veterinary nurse to join the Action Group to ensure there is buy-in from across the professions and to drive forward workstreams of activity. The group will be co-chaired by the BVA and RCVS Presidents, and both Junior Vice-Presidents will sit on the group. Action Group members will be independent and will not represent, or be required to report back to, any particular organisation.
Veterinary surgeons or nurses keen to apply for an Action Group role should have experience of working as an active member of a group or committee and the ability to deliver, engage and inspire others. The veterinary surgeon members should have specific expertise, knowledge and experience in relation to at least one of the Vet Futures ambitions or the cross-cutting issue of veterinary education. The ambitions cover:
Successful applicants must be able to attend three all-day meetings in London (9 February, 17 March and 12 May) and an all-day Vet Futures Summit (20 June), with a time commitment totalling approximately seven days between February and June 2016. The group will be supported by BVA and RCVS staff. For the full Vet Futures Action Group role profile and terms of reference, please visit: www.vetfutures.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon, 31 December 2015.
Ceva Animal Health has announced its biggest ever TV advertising campaign, designed to highlight the benefits of using Adaptil and Feliway, will begin on Christmas Day.
The TV advertisement for Adaptil focuses on Meg and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dude, who is anxious when Meg is away from home. With the strapline ‘Best behaviour starts here’ the advertisement will help educate pet owners on the action they should take to keep their dogs happy when they are left at home alone and Dude’s experience taking Adaptil.
Feliway’s TV advertisement features the strapline ‘Experience the difference in your home’ and focuses on the real life story of Clare and her rescue cat, Mewsli, who was often scared and anxious, so much so that she would hide under the bed and scratch the side of the chair.
The TV advertising campaign, which is aimed at ABC1 women, runs from Christmas Day until 10 January 2016 and the advertisements will air throughout the family films over the festive period with Adaptil featured during ad breaks for Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs Christmas Special on Boxing Day.
Defra has announced a consultation which seeks to strengthen the regulations around dog breeding and pet sales in order to improve animal welfare.
The consultation proposes to make it a requirement for anyone producing three more more litters a year to be licensed, and to clarify existing rules that require breeding businesses to be licensed.
The consultation also seeks to formalise the adoption of existing model conditions on good breeding health and welfare by making it a requirement of breeders to comply with the conditions and for local authorities to use them.
It is hoped that a consequence of any new regulations would be that local authorities can better target their enforcement activity by directing less resource at responsible businesses, for example those who are controlled by the Kennel Club’s UKAS-accredited Assured Breeders’ Scheme. This will free up resources to follow-up on reports of poor welfare at backstreet breeding establishments.
For the first time, the consultation will also clarify that online retailers selling puppies should be treated in the same way as high street pet shops by local authorities – meaning they must abide by the same licensing and welfare regulations.
Animal Welfare Minister George Eustice said: "We are aiming to reform the licensing regime we have so that smaller puppy breeding establishments must abide by the same regulations and licensing rules as bigger breeders so that the worst offenders can be dealt with more quickly.
"We are also reviewing other animal related licensed activities such as pet sales to address problems associated with the growing trend for internet sales that can contribute to impulse buying."
BVA President Sean Wesley said: "We welcome the consultation to strengthen the regulations around dog breeding and pet sales. It represents a valuable opportunity to improve licensing regulations and ensure all breeding establishments are producing only healthy, well-socialised puppies. Vets see first hand the tragic consequences that can result from irresponsible breeding, as owners are faced with serious and avoidable health and behavioural problems in their new pets. "
To take part in the consultation online, visit: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/consultation-on-the-review-of-animal-licensing
Photo courtesy www.gov.co.uk Crown Copyright
The BVA has announced the results of a survey which found that 64% of small animal veterinary surgeons have been injured in the line of duty in the past year alone.
By far the most common injuries were scratches and bites (90% and 78% respectively), however 17% rated their injuries as either 'quite' or 'very' severe.
Whilst small animal vets were shown to be at the greatest risk of injury in clinical practice (compared to 61% of equine vets and 53% of production animal vets), the injuries sustained by production and equine vets were predictably more severe. 19% of production vets and 27% of equine vets rated their injuries as either 'quite' or 'very' severe.
BVA President John Blackwell said: Vets accept the daily risk of injury at work, but these figures highlight just how common injuries are for vets who care for pets. Rather than simply accepting this as an ‘occupational hazard’, veterinary teams should ensure they are taking all appropriate measures to mitigate the risks of working with animals whenever possible. BVA provides guidance for vets, for example on preventing and dealing with dog bites in the practice."