The RCVS has announced the candidates standing in the RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses Council elections this year and is inviting veterinary surgeons and nurses to put their questions to them directly for a video reply.
There are eleven candidates standing for election to RCVS Council in 2015. Overall there are six men and five women, which include two existing Council members eligible for re-election and nine new candidates. They are:
Three veterinary nurses are standing in this year's VN Council elections, including one existing VN Council member eligible for re-election. They are:
Ballot papers and candidates' details are due to be posted to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote during the week commencing 16th March, and all votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday, 24 April 2015.
Once again the College is inviting members of both professions to 'Quiz the candidates' by putting their questions directly to all those standing for election. Each candidate will then be invited to choose two questions to answer from all those received, and produce a video or audio recording of their answers. All recordings will be published on the RCVS website on Thursday 19 March.
Vets and nurses should email their question (NB one per person) to vetvote15@rcvs.org.uk or VNvote15@rcvs.org.uk, or post it on twitter using the hashtags #vetvote15 or #VNvote15, respectively, by midday on Monday 9 March.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar said: "It's important that members of the veterinary professions choose who they want to sit on their governing Councils, so we always try to make the elections as interesting and engaging as possible.
"This year, we hope the provision of short videos, to accompany the usual written information, will encourage people to find out a little more about all those standing for election, and then use their vote."
Burgess Pet Care has announced that it'll be running Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) from 9th - 17th May.
Last year, almost 3,000 veterinary practices signed up to participate in the initiative by offering free health checks for rabbits for the whole of May.
Burgess points to a study published at the end of last year: The current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of the English pet rabbit population, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol for the RSPCA. Dr. Jane Tyson, Rabbit Behaviour and Welfare Expert at the RSPCA, said: "The study showed that 59% of rabbits live in hutches and less than a quarter of rabbits have continual access to an exercise area*. Rabbits should have constant access to an appropriate exercise area to allow them to exhibit their natural behaviours and for their mental and physical wellbeing."
The report highlights the need to educate rabbit owners on the housing, exercise and foraging needs of rabbits, so the focus of RAW this year is on improving rabbits' environment.
Other organisations partnering with Burgess for the initiative include: MSD Animal Health - the producers of Panacur Rabbit, the RSPCA, the PSDA, the Blue Cross, Wood Green and the RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund).
Suzanne Moyes, Veterinary Manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: "It is fantastic that RAW keeps on growing and is going from strength to strength. We hope to increase the number of vet practices, rescue centres, schools and retailers signing up this year and attract new corporate partners to make it even bigger and better.
"The sole aim of RAW is to educate owners about responsible rabbit ownership and improve the wellbeing of one of Britain's most popular pets. It couldn't be easier for vets to sign up to offer free health checks and help us educate the nation on rabbit health and welfare."
Vets, rescue centres, schools and retailers can sign up to RAW 2015 by visiting, www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk. Supporters will receive free support kits which include posters and leaflets.
Reference
The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the veterinary division of International Cat Care, has published Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats to help veterinary teams deliver optimal management for the diabetic cats presented in practice.
The guidelines were produced by an expert panel of veterinary clinicians and academics who reviewed clinical research studies to collate the best available evidence. They've been published in the March 2015 issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) and are available to download free from http://jfm.sagepub.com/content/17/3/235.full.pdf+html.
The guidelines focus on the most important aspects of managing diabetic cats including weight control, use of an appropriate diet, insulin therapy (highlighting the value of longer acting insulin preparations) and close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations (including in the home environment).
The ISFM says the guidelines recognise that good diabetic control requires a long-term commitment and one of the keys to success is finding a treatment protocol that best fits in with owners' daily lives. Furthermore, owners may give up on treatment, or even elect for euthanasia of the cat, if the disease impacts too negatively on them and their relationship with their cat. However, with appropriate support and guidance from their veterinary practice, an owner can play an invaluable role in managing diabetes. A well-regulated cat will have a better prognosis and may also be more likely to go into diabetic remission, no longer requiring ongoing insulin therapy.
Among the resources available to assist owners of diabetic cats is a series of short videos produced by International Cat Care (available at http://www.youtube.com/iCatCare) demonstrating blood glucose sampling, insulin injection, and urine collection and testing.
Norbrook Laboratories has launched Cefimam DC intramammary ointment, a new dry cow preparation containing the 4th generation cephalosporin, cefquinome.
The company has also released a Polish language version of its Best Practice Guide for On-Farm Mastitis Control, in response to demand from producers with non-English speaking farm-hands.
Norbrook vet Chris Geddes said: "I believe this is the first time that such a guide has been produced to cater for farm-hands of a different nationality working within the UK. Good mastitis management starts with good education; giving everyone on the farm the same opportunity for learning the best techniques for prevention means that we help minimise incidences of mastitis, which costs the dairy industry millions of pounds in lost revenue every year.
"This prevention includes a thorough and consistent approach to dry cow management. The early drying off period is often a risky time, when pre-existing subclinical infections can bed-in. The cow is also at increased risk of gaining new infections due to lack of udder hygiene procedures that would normally occur at milking, and weakened immunity as she approaches calving. Our new cefquinome preparation is a valuable addition to have in the treatment armoury for dry cow management. It has broad-spectrum activity and high cellular penetration to help tackle hard-to-manage cases with the aim of returning to maximum productivity by the start of the milking season."
Cefimam DC will be available at all veterinary wholesalers in packs of 24x and 120x 8g intramammary tubes. Vets can obtain both English and Polish versions of the Best Practice Guide for On-Farm Mastitis Control from Territory Managers.
For further information or copies of the Best Practice Guide for On-Farm Mastitis Control in English or Polish, contact your Territory Manager or call Norbrook GB head office on 01536 741 147.
BCF Technology has launched a series of free canine X-ray positioning guides which are now available to download from www.bcftechnology.com.
The company says the guides are designed to provide a quick, easy-to-use reference to help you get the best radiographic views possible, every time.
BCF in-house radiographer Kat Evans said: "At BCF, we understand that capturing a great X-ray isn't just about having the best equipment; good positioning is crucial, these easy-to-use guides will help vets and vet nurses to create the very best radiograph."
BCF in-house vet Ben Sullivan added: "At BCF we are committed to improving the standards of radiography in the veterinary profession. We aim to help our customers make the very most of their equipment. This is why we are committed to supporting ongoing education and training. You will find a huge range of learning materials on our website aimed at helping you to develop further your veterinary ultrasonography and radiography abilities.
Full small animal and equine positional guides are in-built into the software of all CR X-ray systems available from BCF.
For more information, visit www.bcftechnology.com or call +44(0)1506 460 023.
Suffolk veterinary surgeon Gerhard Putter is appealing for support for a gala evening on 14th March 2015 to raise funds for a bucket list set up by his colleague, vet Lisa Milella, who has been diagnosed with incurable Motor Neurone Disease.
Lisa, one of the world’s few specialist animal dental surgeons, has volunteered for charity International Animal Rescue (IAR) for many years. She is also a trustee of the charity. During her time working with IAR, she has worked in countries including India and Indonesia, treating animals including abused bears, orangutans and slow lorises, which have suffered cruelty at the hands of humans. Now, as her health deteriorates, she is unable to work herself, but she is devoting her remaining time to fundraising for IAR to ensure her work can continue when she is no longer here.
Gerhard, who works at the Mulbery Court Veterinary Centre in Sudbury and is also a specialist veterinary dental surgeon, has worked with Lisa many times. He is now hosting the gala evening at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club to support her fundraising efforts. Tickets cost £25.00 per person and include a buffet, entertainment, raffle and other attractions.
He said: "Lisa helped 'dancing bears' which had had their teeth knocked out with iron bars to make them easier to control; slow lorises which had their teeth clipped off by illegal traders before being sold as pets and even orangutans, which are sometimes beaten by their captors, leaving them with broken teeth and bruises. I've seen at first-hand how important her work is and have worked with her on a number of volunteer projects.
"Her diagnosis with MND is a terrible personal tragedy for her but she is focusing on the positive and trying to do what she can for these animals while she still can. The teams at Mulberry Court and the All Animal Dental Centre are determined to support her but the success of our Gala Evening depends on the generosity of people willing to support Lisa’s Mission to raise as much money as possible.
"We hope everyone will get behind us and buy tickets. We would also welcome gifts for our raffle and any other offers of help."
For more information, please email Gerhard Putter, at Mulberry Court Vet Surgery, allanimaldentalcentre@gmail.com or contact him on 01787 881888.
Veterinary nursing dominated the event held by the RCVS to celebrate the launch of its new Royal Charter at the House of Commons last week.
Over 200 guests attended the occasion, which was sponsored by the MPs Neil Parish (Conservative), Angela Smith (Labour) and David Heath (Liberal Democrats).
The new Charter, which came into effect on 17 February, sets out the objects of the College and underpins many of its core functions such as the Practice Standards Scheme. However, the main focus of the event was the impact the Charter has had on veterinary nursing. Specifically how it recognises veterinary nursing as a profession and empowers the VN Council to set standards for training and CPD.
Professor Stuart Reid, RCVS President said: “There is one more piece of this jigsaw that is missing. We would like to increase further the confidence of the public in veterinary nurses with formal statutory protection of the title veterinary nurse. It is simply unacceptable that unqualified individuals should be able to use the same title as a well-qualified, properly regulated professional.”
Kathy Kissick, a registered veterinary nurse and Chair of VN Council, commended the hard work it had taken to get a new Charter, adding: “I am so very proud to stand here as a registered veterinary nurse and an associate of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Registered veterinary nurses should wear their badges with pride.”
Nick Stace, RCVS CEO, closed the event by outlining how the College was fulfilling its strategy to become a first-rate regulator citing the streamlining of the complaints process, the new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) trial and the Mind Matters Initiative as just some of the ways in which the College is making a positive contribution to the welfare of animals, the public and the profession.
Picture shows (Left to right) RCVS President, Professor Stuart Reid, Neil Parish (Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton), Angela Smith (Labour MP for Penistone), Kathy Kissick RVN (Chair of VN Council) and RCVS CEO Nick Stace.
Improve International has launched four new modules towards achieving a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and Post Graduate Certificate (PgC) in Western Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management.
The company says the new modules are designed to enable veterinary surgeons in practice to use acupuncture confidently and safely for a range of clinical conditions.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve International, said: "These new modules build on the Foundation course which has already proved very popular. Once delegates have completed this, they can progress to these new modules which focus on the role of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain and can lead to attaining a recognised qualification."
The modules are scheduled to start on 5 August 2015 at Improve's training centre in Swindon. Further modules in the PgC programme will be released in 2016.
For more information or to book, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
Researchers from Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, the Royal Veterinary College and the University of Zurich are asking veterinary surgeons to take part in a survey designed to identify the rate of complications associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum (lungworm) infection or treatment in dogs.
The research, which is led by Drs Kieran Borgeat, Jose Matos and David Connolly, is the first step of a larger project, which hopes to culminate in the development of a set of consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of lungworm in dogs.
The researchers say that the guidelines are needed because there is currently no consensus amongst veterinary practitioners as to how dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (lungworm) are best treated. In addition, whilst there are anecdotal reports of adverse reactions after treatment, none are currently published in the literature.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and all participants who leave their email address will be entered into a prize draw for £100 worth of Amazon vouchers.
No pharmaceutical or food companies have been involved in the design or funding of the research, and approval has been granted by the RVC Ethics and Welfare Committee.
The survey will close on 1st May 2016, or when 1000 responses have been completed. All information entered into the questionnaire will be completely anonymous and contact information will be held in a confidential database and not shared with any third parties.
To take part, visit http://tinyurl.com/lungwormsurvey
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has announced that it will be launching Bovela, a new viral diarrhoea (BVD) vaccine, to farmers during April 2015.
Allan Henderson from Boehringer said: "BVD remains the most common viral disease affecting cattle throughout Europe, despite vaccines being available for over 15 years. We asked farmers why this was the case and, without exception, they remarked that current vaccine protocols are unwieldy, requiring precise timings making them hard to follow.
"Bovela is a unique one-shot vaccine that can be used in cattle from three months of age and also whether pregnant or not. Other, currently available vaccines require a two-dose primary course with boosters annually or even every six months thereafter."
BVD is spread within herds and to new herds through the presence of persistently infected (PI) animals. PIs can look relatively healthy and show no outward signs of infection but, as they were exposed to the virus as a foetus, have become virus carriers. If they are born alive, they will shed virus consistently throughout their lives so perpetuating the cycle of infection.
Alan said: "The foetal control delivered by Bovela gives absolute confidence that cows will not produce PIs. This, alongside the drastically improved convenience will undoubtedly make Bovela the natural choice for many farmers, both on beef and dairy farms."
According to Boehringer, around 60% of cattle in the EU test positive for exposure to the BVD virus and, although BVD type 1 is currently the most common form, outbreaks of BVD type 2, were confirmed in 2013 and 2014 in Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands. BVD type 2 is generally a more serious disease, with high levels of mortality and while the virus has been identified in UK, it has not yet been identified as the cause of serious outbreaks of disease in cattle.
Alan said: "Bovela is the first and only vaccine in UK which has been proven to protect cattle from BVD type 1 and 2. It has been in development for 17 years and, gained a marketing authorisation following assessment of an unprecedented quantity of data generated in both beef and dairy herds.
"Work has looked at the efficacy of Bovela in preventing the production of PI calves and against type 1 and 2 BVD as well as confirming its efficacy in young calves as young as three months of age as their natural maternal protection wears off. Trials also confirmed vaccine safety generally and during various stages of pregnancy. We do not believe that any other BVD vaccine has been tested as rigorously."
Zoetis unveiled the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI), it's new centre for creating digital products that enable data-driven decision-making to enhance precision farming and improve animal wellbeing for livestock and pets, at the House of Lords last week.
The company says its target is to create a digital health record for every UK livestock animal to enable data-driven decision-making and precision farming.
One of the first products in the pipeline is a device that provides real-time monitoring of growth and weight gain in a pig herd using non-intrusive visual imaging. It monitors actual growth against predicted growth, recording the number of daily visits to the water and feed station by individual animals. It produces a weight distribution graph and pinpoints both under and over achievers in the growth stakes, recording key dimensions and accurate measurements of the animal’s weight. Data from the device can be processed in seconds and uploaded into a web reporting tool.
Also in the pipeline is an app that can detect and monitor information on a cow's lameness.
Zoetis says it believes that advanced digital solutions could also significantly improve the wellbeing of companion animals. To that end, the company has built a new digital ecosystem for vets that includes a mobile app - PetDialog - to help better connect owners with their pet and vet. The PetDialog app features a Quality of Life assessment produced by NewMetrica from technology developed by the University of Glasgow. Using psychometric methodology, the assessment measures and monitors the quality of life of the dog so that the owner and vet can gain a deeper insight into the animal's health and wellbeing, including the early detection of health issues, managing disease and measuring the impact of treatment. Just as is the case in human medicine, the device will facilitate the remote monitoring of conditions such as blood glucose monitoring for diabetic cats and dogs.
Lord de Mauley, Science Minister, said: "I welcome this new investment which will add great value to UK capability in this area. It builds on the close relationship Zoetis already has with our universities and institutes including many Research and Development collaborations.
"Zoetis's decision to locate the Centre in the UK recognises the strength of our data sciences expertise and commitment to innovation including agricultural and biomedical science."
Ned Flaxman, CDI director (pictured right), said: "We believe that in this particular space, where technologies are advancing rapidly, the need for complimentary strategic partnerships is essential. Through our Alliances group we work actively in establishing the appropriate University and industry collaborations that will enable our CDI specialists to develop together the most comprehensive and valued digital solutions for our animals."
Bayer Animal Health, the maker of Veraflox, has produced a new animation which explains the considerations veterinary surgeons should take into account when choosing which antibiotic to prescribe.
The animation outlines the key steps that should be taken when faced with a suspected bacterial infection and includes factors such as culture and sensitivity testing, resistance and the mutant prevention concentration.
The company says it produced the animation in response to research it carried out last year in which nearly 500 veterinary professionals (465 practising vets and 45 students) participated.
48% said they felt that not enough is being done to educate veterinary professionals on the responsible use of antibiotics and how to avoid exacerbating the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance.
Vicky McAlister, Group Product Manager at Bayer said: "In response to this research Bayer is developing a suite of educational resources to arm vets with practical and applicable tools that help them look beyond the 'tip of the iceberg' of bacterial infections, educating about not just the clinical cure, but bacteriological cure, too."
The animation is part of a wider awareness programme entitled ‘What Lies Beneath‘ in which Bayer says it aims to better understand the challenges the veterinary industry faces when prescribing antibiotics, so that additional tools can be developed to help vets confidently use antibiotics responsibly.
The programme will also include a series of webinars led by experts in various fields including veterinary medicine, laboratory diagnostics experts, behavioural psychologists and microbiologists. The webinars are due to be released later in the year, and will present a different perspective on common issues such as compliance, how to make appropriate antimicrobial choices and the approach to and interpretation of relevant diagnostic tests.
81% of equine worming strategies are not effective in fight against resistance, because owners are not conducting an adequate level of faecal egg counts (FEC), according to a survey carried out by Countrywide, the supplier of equestrian products.
The company surveyed nearly 1,000 horse owners in collaboration with Westgate Laboratories, Norbrook and BW Equine Vets and found that 47% have never conducted an FEC test.
When asked about their current approach to worming, 59% of respondents said they worm at set times of the year with only 31% conducting regular FEC tests.
Mark Hawkins, SQP at Countrywide, said: "With worms becoming resistant to some worming drugs, simply dosing all horses with routine wormers is not adequate. A targeted approach, which considers each horse as an individual, is needed."
Gillian Booth owner at Westgate Laboratories said: "The results show that the majority of horse owners are not updating their worming practice to match the increase in resistance and improvement in testing technology. Previous worming practices have led to the resistance problems we now have so it is vital that there is change."
The survey found that veterinary surgeons and in store advisors are vital to promote change - 65% of respondents actively seek advice from their vet and Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) for worming and general health care.
Mark added: “A huge 99% of people worm their horse at least once a year; despite this 38% of horse owners do not know an accurate weight of their horse. Considering inaccurate dosing plays a large role with the increase in resistance this figure is very concerning. If you do need to treat, accurate dosing is essential.”
The survey found that 86% of respondents had wormed for tapeworm, making it the most wormed for parasite. Despite this, only 6% of horse owners had conducted a saliva test for tapeworm, and only 8% had conducted the more established ELISA blood test through their vet to prove the need for this worming dose.
For a full breakdown of the survey results, visit: www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk/wormingsurvey.
The RVC has picked up three of the twenty Wellcome Image Awards 2015.
The awards are internationally renowned for showcasing the best in science imaging talent and techniques.
Two of the images (below) were taken at the Lanyon Museum of Comparative Anatomy at the RVC by photographer, Michael Frank. One picture depicts a goat's oesophagus and reticulum, which is the second of four stomach chambers found in cattle, goats and sheep. Michael's second image is called 'Pregnant uterus, equine' and shows a detailed and unique view of a pony foal in its mother's womb.
Nick Short, Head of the eMedia Unit at the RVC, said: "These stunning photographs were taken by Michael Frank to help digitise the extensive collection of anatomical specimens displayed in the Royal Veterinary College museums. As well as providing a unique artistic resource, these digital images are now being actively used to enhance the teaching of anatomy at the College."
Michael added: "I feel immensely proud to be shortlisted with two photographs alongside the RVC in the Wellcome Image Award 2015. I am very pleased that we managed to combine a unique artistic vision with academic necessities and that such an outcome has been valued by the judges."
The third image comes from Structure and Motion Lab PhD student, Sophie Regnault. Sophie's entry is a digital 3D construction of the skull, shoulders and front legs of a Tuatara (pictured top right; click to enlarge).
The Tuatara is a species of rare reptile native to New Zealand, and is all that remains of an ancient group of animals called Rhynchocephalia. These animals shared the Earth with dinosaurs and are now all extinct apart from the Tuatara.
Sophie created the digital 3D model by using virtual X-ray 'slices' of a preserved specimen of the reptile. Using Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), she scanned the whole animal before digitally re-constructing it and separating the skull and front legs from the rest of the body.
Sophie said: "It is a great feeling to even be recognised this year, as some of the images are outstanding. I didn't expect to get through at all as I'm still relatively new to the techniques I used for my image. It is just fantastic to be nominated; there are some really unique and fantastic pictures in the competition."
Images in this year's competition include everything from a micrograph of a greenfly's eye to a picture showing drug-carrying particles in the lungs of a mouse.
The 20 winning images were chosen by nine judges from the Wellcome Images picture library in the past year. They will be awarded at a ceremony on Wednesday 18 March, 2015 where the overall winner will also be revealed. Sophie's image will also be on display at 11 science centres, museums and galleries around the UK and in America.
Catherine Draycott, Head of Wellcome Images and a member of the judging panel said: "This year's selection of winning images is not only beautiful; they bring to life an incredible array of innovative imaging techniques, and hint at stories and ideas that go beyond the visual. We are thrilled that they will be displayed in so many venues, and look forward to seeing the range of exhibitions, as diverse as the images themselves."
Goat's oesophagus and reticulum - photo credit: Michael Frank
Pregnant uterus, equine - photo credit: Michael Frank
The RCVS President and Principal of the RVC, Professor Stuart Reid, has announced that he is to run the London Marathon on 26 April, in aid of the RVC Animal Care Trust, the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) and Mind.
The RVC Animal Care Trust will use the funds to assist the student bodies at all of the UK veterinary schools. The VBF, through Vetlife, the Vet Helpline and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme, offers specific assistance to members of the veterinary team. Mind has been working with the profession and the veterinary schools at all levels in developing approaches to mental health and wellbeing.
Stuart said: "As President of the RCVS and Principal of the RVC I feel that I am in a privileged position and I would like to take every opportunity to help break down the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, and to raise what I can to assist these three excellent charities in dealing with what is, sadly, a major issue for us.
"Most of all, I am doing it for the nine people I know personally who are no longer with us, and the many more who have found, and will find, help in time."
If you'd like to help Stuart meet his sponsorship target of £10,000, you can sponsor him at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartReid.
Ceva Animal Health has launched a new broad-spectrum, flavoured endoparasiticide tablet, Milbactor for dogs.
Milbactor contains milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, which offer protection against the common nematodes seen in the UK and the main species of tapeworm.
Milbemycin oxime treats Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis, the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum, the whipworm Trichuris vulpis and the eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda. Milbactor also prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
Praziquantel protects against Echinococcus spp., Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp. and Mesocestoides spp.
Puppies weighing more than 0.5 kg can be treated with Milbactor from two weeks of age. Milbactor comes in two tablet sizes for dogs and puppies, and the tablets are flavoured for easy administration.
Ceva has also launched The Ceva Protection System for dogs, a two-step solution featuring Vectra 3D and Milbactor to provide ectoparasite and endoparasite protection for dogs with one monthly topical treatment and one flavoured tablet. The Ceva Protection System uses Vectra Felis for flea protection for cats and Acclaim for the treatment of the pet's home environment.
Rob McLintock MRCVS, companion animal business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "The launch of Milbactor and The Ceva Protection System will enable veterinary surgeons to offer their clients a simple regime featuring Vectra 3D and Milbactor for comprehensive parasite control in dogs. Offering protection both inside and out and with no bite required to kill fleas, the regime offers a simple, effective combination to treat and prevent fleas, ticks, biting flies, roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms and to prevent heartworm.
For further information on The Ceva Protection System, Milbactor, Vectra 3D or Vectra Felis, contact your local Ceva territory manager or call 01494 781510.
The RCVS has announced that more than 500 veterinary surgeons have successfully applied to join the first ever cohort of Advanced Practitioners – a status which recognises those who have advanced qualifications and experience in a designated area.
637 veterinary surgeons applied for the status – which forms a middle tier of accreditation between those holding the initial veterinary degree and RCVS Specialists – of whom 546 have, so far, been added to the List of Advanced Practitioners.
The College hopes that the List will provide a clear indication to both the public and profession of those veterinary surgeons who have demonstrated knowledge, experience and engagement with continuing professional development (CPD) above-and-beyond RCVS requirements in a particular field of clinical practice.
For those added to the List, ‘Advanced Practitioner’ will now appear after their names in the Check the Register search tool (www.rcvs.org.uk/checkregister). Advanced Practitioners also appear on the RCVS Find a Vet entry for those practices listed on the search tool and animal owners will be able to specifically search for those holding the status.
Dr Kit Sturgess is a member of RCVS Council who chaired the panel that assessed all the applications. He said: “We are very pleased to welcome this first cohort of Advanced Practitioners and it is fair to say that both the number of applicants and number of those who successfully made it on to the List exceeded all our expectations.
“The status brings together a wide variety of similar postgraduate qualifications under one heading and, in doing so, brings much needed clarity to both the profession and the public. For example, practices will now be able to more clearly indicate the levels of skills and experience possessed by staff to their clients.
“Being an Advanced Practitioner will also bring benefits to those holding the status by helping them focus their CPD in a particular area as well as forging a potential pathway towards Specialist status.”
Successful applicants will now have five years until they need to apply to be re-accredited for the status. During this time they will be expected to carry out at least 250 hours of CPD, with 125 hours in the area of their designated field. The first annual retention fee for the List (£80) is due on 1 July 2015.
A new application period for Advanced Practitioner status will be announced later this year. Those who were previously unsuccessful in their applications are able to re-apply.
For details of the eligibility criteria for Advanced Practitioner as well as the requirements for re-accreditation, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/advanced or contact the RCVS Education Department on education@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0791.
The organisers of the Vet Charity Challenge have announced that the 2015 fundraising and teambuilding event for the profession will take place on Saturday 26th September at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.
The event consists of teams of four walking/running, cycling and kayaking as well as some orienteering and mental and physical tasks. The day is designed for every level of fitness and to reward those that work the best together as a team.
So far the Vet Charity Challenge has raised over £100,000 for animal based charities. In 2015 the charities being supported are Canine Partners, SPANA and International Cat Care.
Registration for the event opens online at the start of April. Organisers say that spaces are limited and last year filled up very fast, so to avoid disappointment it is highly recommended to book early.
This year there will be discounted entry fees for students teams.
Gavin Mitchell from BCF Technology said: “We were delighted at the success of the Vet Charity Challenge so far. Last year we had 50 teams taking part and raised a serious amount of cash for three very deserving charities. We hope to top this in 2015, making the event even bigger and better than last year.”
Dechra Veterinary Products has joined the challenge as a new sponsor this year. Larry King, Dechra Marketing Manager said: “Having entered a team into the Vet Charity Challenge in previous years, we are delighted to become sponsors of the challenge in 2015. The Vet Charity Challenge helps raise a significant amount of money for worthwhile causes at home and abroad and we look forward to being part of such a well organised event. This year we will be entering teams into the challenge again and we hope that colleagues from across the veterinary industry join us for what is sure to be a fun-packed weekend. We are proud to be 2015 sponsors.”
In addition to BCF and Dechra, the event is also sponsored by Kruuse, the VPMA, Mojo Consultancy and Veterinary Practice magazine.
For more information visit www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk or: https://www.facebook.com/vetcharitychallenge.
MSD Animal Health's equine division has launched a new series of materials to support its Keeping Britain's Horses Healthy Campaign.
For veterinary practices, there's a Vet Reception Pack designed to help receptionists educate owners why they should vaccinate and the benefits of preventive healthcare.
For yards, there are posters giving guidance and advice on prevention of Infectious Respiratory Disease and the steps which should be taken to control a potential outbreak. They can be tailor made for an individual yard.
Peter Young, MSD Animal Health Equine Business Manager said: "Our first wave of support materials focused very much on equine vets and owners - helping raise awareness of the importance of preventive healthcare and driving owners towards vets for advice. This phase of materials helps support yard owners and receptionists, aiming to fill some of those communications gaps where advice and guidelines on individual horse's vaccination requirements and yard protocols can play a vital role in preventing the spread of disease and controlling outbreaks."
Keeping Britain's Horses Healthy is a national campaign to educate horse owners on endemic infectious disease, vaccination, herd immunity and the importance of preventative healthcare. It includes a range of educational materials for veterinary surgeries and direct to owners. The campaign is supported by a national PR, advertising and social media programme, together with a dedicated website www.healthyhorses.co.uk. The website, aimed at driving owners back to their veterinary practices, includes a vet finder, exclusively for equine practices, and healthcare information.
For full details of the launch programme, talk to your account manager, call 01908 685685 or visit www.healthyhorses.co.uk.
The Animal Health Trust is appealing to veterinary surgeons and nurses to encourage clients who keep their horses on premises that have been affected by Equine Grass Sickness to sign up to the second year of its nationwide EGS vaccine trial.
Equine Grass Sickness (EGS) occurs predominantly in Europe, with Britain experiencing the highest incidence worldwide. In 2014, 59 cases of EGS were reported through the EGS Surveillance Scheme, but it is likely that this represents only a fraction of cases occurring annually throughout Britain.
Almost all cases of EGS occur in horses with access to grazing. The AHT says there is growing scientific evidence to suggest that the disease may be caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum type C, commonly found within soil and capable of producing neurotoxins to which horses are particularly sensitive. EGS occurs when a combination of risk factors trigger the production of these toxins within the horse's intestinal tract, causing damage to the nervous system and paralysis of the gut.
As similar equine diseases such as tetanus and botulism can be prevented by vaccination, it is theoretically possible that a vaccine could prevent EGS. To this end the AHT, in collaboration with the Universities of Edinburgh, Liverpool and Surrey launched the EGS field vaccine trial in 2014 in order to establish whether a vaccine could indeed be effective in reducing the risk of the disease. The trial is funded by a number of sources including Neogen Corporation; Animal Welfare Foundation; Horserace Betting Levy Board; Racing Foundation; Moredun Foundation Equine Grass Sickness Fund; Hong Kong Jockey Club; The British Horse Society and the EB Moller Charitable Trust.
Now entering its second year, the EGS vaccine trial involves enrolled horses and ponies receiving either a course of the C. botulinum type C toxoid vaccine or an inactive placebo, as well as an annual booster. The incidence of EGS is monitored throughout the trial to determine the efficacy of the vaccine, and enrolled horses and ponies are closely monitored through regular follow-ups for the duration of the trial.
With 60% of EGS cases occurring during April - June, the highest risk season for EGS is fast approaching. The AHT is appealing to owners who keep their horses on premises that have had at least one case of EGS in the past three years to enrol their horse in the vaccine trial and provide an invaluable contribution to this pioneering research prior to these high risk months. Veterinary practices with clients who fit this description are asked to help the recruitment process by encouraging suitable cases to sign up to the trial.
Dr Jo Ireland, the AHT's Equine Grass Sickness Research Co-ordinator, said: "We have been delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to the EGS vaccine trial and many owners have welcomed the chance to be a part of such important research. We don't want any eligible horse owners to miss out on the opportunity to contribute towards a potential breakthrough in the prevention of EGS, so we are encouraging more owners to enrol their horses on the trial this year."
To find out more about the vaccine trial or how clients can enrol horses and ponies, visit the AHT's dedicated EGS website www.equinegrasssickness.co.uk or email equinegrasssickness@aht.org.uk.
The RCVS has announced the launch of its final consultation in the latest review of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), and is seeking feedback on the proposed detail of the revised Scheme.
The College says that in particular, it needs feedback about the new system of Awards for RCVS-accredited practices.
Following the College's commitment to review the PSS every five years, this is the second such review since the voluntary practice accreditation system was launched in 2005. After gaining extensive feedback from PSS members and the wider profession through previous consultations and focus groups, and the collaborative approach taken by members of the Practice Standards Group, there have been a number of significant redevelopments to the Scheme, which are due to be rolled out later this year.
The revised Scheme will no longer just consider facilities and equipment at a particular site, but will focus on all areas of the practice, emphasising the outcomes and behaviours that impact on the veterinary care of animals. Whilst the existing accreditation categories of Core Standards, General Practice and Veterinary Hospital will remain, the revised Scheme will provide a pathway for practices to improve and more easily demonstrate where they excel.
Jacqui Molyneux, Chairman of the Practice Standards Group said: "One of the most significant additions to the Scheme is that practices will be able to apply to be inspected for additional Awards in specific areas. If successful, they would then be able to promote themselves as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' in these areas to their clients.
"The main aim of this consultation is to seek feedback on the Awards, and to check we have set the Awards criteria appropriately, so I would urge the profession to have a look at the proposed framework, and to send us their views."
The consultation, which is available to complete via the RCVS website, also seeks feedback on the guidance that's provided to help practices meet the Scheme requirements, along with a small number of questions about specific areas. The requirements themselves remain largely unchanged, so are not subject to review.
The modules, requirements, guidance and Awards framework for small animal, equine and farm animal practices are detailed in three separate documents that are available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/pssconsult2015. This page also contains further details about the consultation and instructions on how to submit feedback.
The consultation is open until 5pm on Monday, 23 March 2015.
The RCVS is encouraging vets to nominate members of their nursing team for this year's VN Golden Jubilee Award, which recognises exceptional contribution to veterinary nursing.
The award was launched in 2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first RCVS veterinary nursing training course and recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the profession, animal welfare and/or patient care. Nominees can be registered veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons or lay people.
Nomination forms need to be submitted by 5pm on Friday 24 April. The principal nominator must be a registered veterinary nurse or veterinary surgeon, although the two supporting proposers can be lay people.
Kathy Kissick, Chair of VN Council, said: "One of the main priorities of VN Council in the coming years is to raise levels of awareness of registered veterinary nurses, and awards which recognise the importance of VNs in the context of the veterinary team and animal welfare are crucial to enhancing the profession's profile.
"Therefore I would encourage veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons to think about those VNs who go above and beyond the call of duty for their cause and who would be excellent ambassadors for the profession and nominate them for the Golden Jubilee Award."
Last year's winner was Hayley Walters who was recognised for her contribution to animal welfare through her teaching, clinical and international outreach work. Previous recipients were Jean Turner in 2011 and Sue Badger in 2012. No award was made in 2013.
The nomination form for the VN Golden Jubilee Award can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/goldenjubilee
The winner will be chosen by a panel of VN Council members and will receive the Award at RCVS Day - the College's Annual General Meeting and Awards Day - on Friday 10 July 2015.
For further information about making a nomination for the award contact Annette Amato, Deputy Head of Veterinary Nursing, on a.amato@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0713.
International Cat Care has launched a competition in which veterinary practice staff are invited to take a 'selfie' of themselves with their favourite cat and upload it to the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ISFMcats), where cat lovers from around the world can vote for their favourite.
The Cattitude competition is designed to raising awareness of the charity's global Cat Friendly Clinic initiative.
The photograph that gets the most Facebook 'likes' will be used by the charity to help raise awareness of the Cat Friendly Clinic programme, which aims to promote the wellbeing of cats visiting or being hospitalised in a veterinary practice. Accredited Cat Friendly Clinics fulfil a set of broad criteria that show they recognise the specific needs of cats and their owners, and place cat welfare high in their practice priorities. Cat owners in turn are able to seek out clinics that have taken steps to help them overcome common barriers to clinic visits and reduce the stress of their pet.
The Cattitude competition runs from now until the 24th April. The winning staff member will receive £200 worth of John Lewis vouchers and the practice £400 worth of Thames Medical vouchers to be spent on feline-friendly equipment.
Practices may upload as many photos as they like to the Facebook page, and will be able to encourage clients to 'Like' their photos with campaign support materials which include downloadable in-clinic display posters, a series of supplied posts for their own Facebook page, written copy for their own clinic newsletter or email along with a proforma press release they can send to their local newspapers and publications.
Clinics can find more information on taking part in the Cattitude competition at www.facebook.com/ISFMcats orwww.icatcare.org/cattitude. Details of the ICC Cat Friendly Clinic initiative and accreditation can be found atwww.catfriendlyclinic.org along with a list of already-accredited vet clinics.
Warwick Seymour-Hamilton, a former veterinary surgeon who practised in Kent, has had his third application for restoration to the Register refused by the RCVS Disciplinary Committee this week.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton was struck off in 1994 following an inspection of his premises, equipment and facilities in Orpington, which were found to be in such poor condition that it constituted a risk to the health and welfare of animals brought to the practice and brought the profession into disrepute.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton had made two previous restoration applications in July 1995 and June 2010. Both of these were refused on the grounds of poor preparation for re-entering practice life as, in both cases, he had made no attempt to engage in continuing professional development or visit and observe other veterinary practices.
Representing himself at this week's hearing, Mr Seymour-Hamilton said that, since the 2010 hearing, he had further developed an interest in herbal medicine and, after visiting a number of veterinary practices in continental Europe, had attended the College of Naturopathic Medicine in Dublin, gaining a qualification in herbal and naturopathic medicine. He told the Committee that he currently worked as a herbalist and naturopath with human patients but wanted to widen his work and research to include animal patients.
The Committee was concerned by his answers to a number of questions, Mr Seymour-Hamilton having described the hearing as an 'exploratory meeting' and indicating a lack of knowledge in a number of areas to do with veterinary practice and its regulation. The Committee felt that this demonstrated a fundamental lack of understanding as to its function and terms of reference.
Professor Noreen Burrows, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee expresses its surprise and concern at the lack of preparation for this hearing by the applicant, given that these issues have arisen at his previous restoration hearings, and that the result of a positive finding in favour of him would be his ability to practise unfettered as a veterinary surgeon forthwith."
In particular the Committee highlighted Mr Seymour-Hamilton's lack of understanding of the regulatory framework for veterinary practice as set out in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, the requirements of continuing professional development and what 'fitness to practise' meant, beyond the practical issues of his physical and mental capacity.
Professor Burrows added: "Based on all of the evidence available to the Committee it is very clear that he has failed to satisfy... that he is fit to be restored to the Register and this application is therefore dismissed."
The Committee's full findings and decision are available on the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary).
The National Office of Animal Health Code of Practice Committee has found MSD Animal Health in breach of the NOAH Code on promotion for its advertisment for Equilis Prequenza.
The advert appeared in three separate issues of Veterinary Times (15, 22 and 29 September 2014), on the rear back cover of the 2014 BEVA Congress proceedings, and on the inside back cover of the 2014 Congress Planner. It contained the phrase “Neuraminidase antibodies provided a degree of protection in the case of HA strain/vaccine mismatch”, when viewed against the context of the advertisement headed ‘Why have part when you can have it all?”.
The Committee’s view was that the item in the context of the advertisement was intended to mean, and did convey, the meaning that the inclusion of NA antigens in an equine vaccine gave that vaccine a clinical advantage over vaccines which did not. This claim was not substantiated. Accordingly, the Committee found the phrase in breach of Code of Practice Clauses 4.1(iii) misleading, 4.1(vi) contained an exaggerated claim, 4.1(vii) implied it had a special merit which was not substantiated, 4.2(i) was not accurate and 4.2(ii) was not based upon an up-to-date evaluation of all the evidence.
Full details of the Committee’s rulings can be found on the NOAH website at www.noah.co.uk/code. The full report of this particular case will be available shortly.