Taking over the Presidency from Julian Hoad, David will continue to focus on the Programme of Change and the BSAVA’s new strategy, which includes some new products and services.
David qualified from the RVC in 1988 and has had a career largely in small animal practice, including a year in Canada.
He and his wife Rosie started the first feline-only practice in England and David is now an Advanced Practitioner in small animal dermatology.
He has postgraduate qualifications in small animal dermatology and medicine, becoming board certified in feline practice, and has an RCVS Fellowship on Feline Osteoarthritis.
David helped to set up the BSAVA West Midlands committee, before then becoming a BSAVA Council member and Chair of the Regions for three years before joining the Board and the presidential ladder.
David said: “It is an honour being BSAVA President for 2025-2026, but this next year will not be about me.
"It will be about the renewal of BSAVA, it will hear us shouting out with an ever-increasing voice about the most exciting innovations and I promise to do my very best.”
Julian Hoad will now move into the role of Senior Vice President, whilst Niall Connell begins his new role as Junior Vice President alongside Jo Megarity, who joins the Board as Honorary Treasurer.
Defra has published an epidemiology report into the Avian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June. The report concludes that, at as of 11th June, the outbreak was confined to a single premises, and there is no evidence of infection in the Protection Zone or of spread to any other premises. However, investigations continue. The report suggests that it is possible that the Highly Pathogenic H7N7 Avian influenza derived from a Low Pathogenic strain already present on the farm. Analysis and investigations are ongoing, and a number of source hypotheses are being considered. Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said: "The UK is at a constant but low level of risk of the introduction of Avian Influenza, and the report highlights the need for flock owners and poultry vets to remain vigilant for signs of disease, including the possibility of low pathogenic Avian Influenza. I would encourage all keepers to maintain good quality records and practise high standards of biosecurity." The Protection and Surveillance Zones remain in place. Further surveillance, testing and epidemiological work on this outbreak are ongoing.
The report can be viewed here:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm
CEVA Animal Health is rolling out what it describes as a hard-hitting TV campaign on four national TV channels to highlight awareness of stress related feline behaviour problems and encourage cat owners to talk to their vet about Feliway.
This second bout of TV advertising will run in March and April on ITV2, ITV3, E4 and More 4 and on Channel 4 in the London region and will be seen by over five million people.
Featuring the animated character 'That Purple Cat' who first appeared in CEVA's TV advertising and marketing push at the end of 2009, the new campaign will see 'That Purple Cat' displaying signs of stress in the home environment to raise awareness of the issue amongst cat owners.
Lucy Brett, product manager at CEVA Animal Health said: "Our first TV advertising campaign back in the autumn went a long way to raise awareness. We found that more cat owners were able to recall the advertising for Feliway than for any other animal health brand.
"However, it is clear that in practice merchandising is crucial if practices are to make the most of this opportunity and I would encourage them to get in touch to request a display pack, which includes a waiting room poster and leaflets, as soon as possible."
A limited number of desktop and floor standing merchandising units are also available. For more information or to order your FREE waiting room merchandising materials call 01494 781510.
The Royal College is calling for views on the Day One Competences required of newly qualified veterinary surgeons, via an online survey.
The survey can be accessed from the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations), and can be completed until 31 May.
The College says that the survey is the first step in a review of the Day One Competences, which define the level to be expected of new veterinary graduates when they first qualify. The competences set out in broad terms what is required of new graduates at the end of their veterinary degree, and provide the foundation for curriculum design and student assessment in UK veterinary courses.
RCVS Council member David Catlow, who chairs the Working Party undertaking the review, said: "The Day One Competences are deliberately general as they aim to convey the important principles that all students must master by the time they graduate, regardless of the precise curriculum they have followed, so they are safe to practise in a range of veterinary contexts from day one after they graduate.
"As it is over ten years since these competences were confirmed, we are reviewing them to ensure they remain valid, and to seek to ensure they reflect current and likely future expectations."
The Working Party will report to the Education Policy and Specialisation Committee (EPSC), and includes representatives from the veterinary schools and the British Veterinary Association (BVA), as well as a recent veterinary graduate.
Since being confirmed by the RCVS, the Day One Competences have also been adopted across Europe, through the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), and in countries such as Australia.
Would-be candidates in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon Council and Veterinary Nurse Council elections are reminded that the nominations deadline is 5pm on 31 January 2013.
Veterinary surgeons need two nominations from veterinary surgeons, and veterinary nurses two nominations from veterinary nurses, to stand in the respective elections.
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses not presently on either Council can nominate one candidate each.
Nomination forms, full instructions and guidance notes are available from www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil13 and www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil13.
Six seats are due to be filled on RCVS Council, and two on VN Council. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms. Council members will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council and Committee meetings, working parties and subcommittees (for which a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).
The day-long courses, each running from 9.30-5:00pm, will cover: basic mental health awareness; HR employment regulations and the legal position; the role of the line manager in supporting someone with poor mental health; making reasonable adjustments; planning 'return to work'; and designing and putting in place wellbeing action plans.
The courses will be run by Connecting with People, a social enterprise that develops and delivers high-quality training to employees with healthcare or safeguarding responsibilities.
Helen Sanderson, former VPMA President and representative on the Mind Matters Initiative Taskforce, said: "If you do one thing this year for your team I strongly recommend it be attending one of these courses. It provided me with invaluable information in recognising stress and depression in a team, as well as giving useful tools and tips on how to discuss and handle situations. I would encourage anyone to attend."
Lizzie Lockett, Director of Mind Matters, added: "It has been wonderful to see the response from the veterinary profession to our mental health awareness training sessions, but we know that managers can face particular challenges in supporting their team's mental health. Meanwhile, line managers play a key role in whether or not someone feels comfortable discussing a mental health issue, goes on to seek help, and, ultimately, returns to the workforce.
"We therefore designed these courses to provide very practical information for those in managerial positions, covering legal requirements as well as how to implement wellbeing strategies for colleagues."
The courses, which are subsidised by Mind Matters and the VPMA, cost £80 for VPMA members and £120 for non-members.
To book a place, visit the Mind Matters Eventbrite page: www.rcvsmindmatters.eventbrite.com
Understanding profit and loss within a veterinary practice is vital for all employees. That was the message delivered to delegates attending Pippa Reffold's lecture, sponsored by Dechra Veterinary Products, at the VPMA Congress late last month.
Pippa said: "Very few practice managers set targets or share financial data with their employees. Employees have a lot to contribute by improving service and increasing sales."
Roger Brown, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products said: "Sponsoring Pippa's lecture is part of Dechra Veterinary Products response to market conditions. We have also reduced the price of two key products in our Veterinary Essentials range.
"We realise how significant margin control is right now and constantly review our Veterinary Essentials range. That's why we have reduced prices on Atipam 5ml, the Thyroxyl range and have introduced the Essentials Purchase Plan so practices can make further savings.
Pippa added: "Be open-minded about margin setting and don't apply a blanket mark-up to all products. Consider the contribution to your gross profit and passing on some of the improvement to your customers."
Dechra Veterinary Products offers a margin and profit calculator to compare market prices with the Veterinary Essentials range - to show just how much mark-up can be applied to products without impacting on a client's budget. "It's a simple, but very effective calculation that our Territory Managers can run for you," explained Mr Brown.
To find out more about the Veterinary Essentials range, including further cost savings with an Essentials Purchase Plan and free margin development advice, please call Liz Rawlings on 01743 441632.
Last year saw the highest ever increase in the number of people enrolling as veterinary nursing (VN) students on vocational courses, according to figures released by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
In 2011, some 1,041 students registered with the RCVS to pursue vocational VN qualifications, compared with 809 in 2010 - a 29% increase.
The total number of people enrolling as student veterinary nurses on either vocational or degree courses in 2011 was 1,439, compared with 1,083 the preceding year - an overall increase of a third.
Libby Earle, head of the RCVS VN Department said: "The overall increase could partially be explained by degree students seeking to avoid increased university tuition fees. However, although there is a noticeable increase in enrolments linked to higher educational courses, this does not explain the increase in further education students.
"A more significant factor is likely to be the inception of the Level 3 Diploma, as this can be undertaken as a full-time programme," Libby continued. "As Colleges running such programmes arrange the practical training placements for their students, this opens up opportunities for the considerable number of people who want to become VNs but who are not employed by a training practice. When we introduced the qualification in 2010 we hoped that this would help to increase the number of VN students - so it's great to see this is happening already and with such a marked increase."
Student VN enrolment figures for 2010 and 2011:
2010
2011
RCVS Level 3 Diploma
647
1,041
RCVS NVQ/VRQ (now superseded)
162
-
Higher education students
274
398
Total student VN enrolments
1,083
1,439
Virbac has published a compendium of recent independently-published studies relating to its range of dermatology products.
Studies are listed according to the disorders investigated with an impact rating given to each piece of research. The compendium also provides details of the active components, clinical benefits and other information about the company's dermatology products.
European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology Filippo de Bellis said: "Dermatological problems can cause frustration to both clinician and pet owners because of their chronic nature and the wide variety of aetiologies. Best practice is achieved by integrating clinical expertise with the best external evidence.
"Virbac has made a major contribution to the provision of evidence by publishing this Compendium containing scientific information to support its range of pharmaceutical products. It shows commitment to the veterinary profession and to the rule of evidence-based medicine."
Christelle Navarro, DVM, from the Medical Department at Virbac SA, added: "We have spent 30 years working to improve veterinary dermatology with innovative solutions for the profession. Given the complexity of dermatology and the multiplicity of therapeutic offerings, we hope the Compendium will be a helpful tool for clinicians seeking scientific support for the products they use."
Electronic copies of the Compendium are available on request from your Territory Manager or by calling Virbac direct on 01359 243243.
Stephen was recognised for his services to veterinary education and animals in science.
He served as RCVS President from 2017 to 2018 and has been actively involved in the work of the College for many years, serving a total of 19 years as a Council member, both as a vet school-appointee and an elected member, before retiring in 2024.
During his time on Council, he led the Legislative Reform Working Group which developed the Legislative Reform Proposals, as well as the Graduate Outcomes Project, out of which the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme was developed.
Kulin was recognised for his services to animal health and international trade.
RCVS President, Linda Belton MRCVS, said: “Huge congratulations to both Professor May and Dr Patel on this outstanding achievement.
"Thank you both for your extraordinary contributions to the veterinary profession during your careers, for which I would like to extend my appreciation on behalf of everyone at the RCVS.
“I would also like to extend congratulations to all those mentioned in the King’s Birthday Honours List for contributions to the veterinary world, animal health and welfare, and to the One Health concept more generally.
"We could not do the work we do without vital stakeholder collaboration, and it is fantastic to see outstanding individuals in the field being recognised for all they have contributed to our society.”
Purina says that assessing water intake can be difficult for pet owners and appreciating what is ‘normal’ is of course central to identifying when intake is excessive, requiring further investigation, or inadequate, requiring alternative hydration strategies.
The company developed the water calculator to help vets and nurses give guidance to pet owners on a pet’s recommended daily water intake, depending on lifestage, bodyweight and diet.
Libby Sheridan, Scientific Affairs Manager at Purina said: “All too often a pet has been suffering polydipsia for some time when they are presented at the clinic.
"That may be because water intake isn’t being measured or observed, but often there is a confusion with knowing what is normal for the individual pet.
"Cats, particularly when they are older may struggle to meet their water needs and this tool can be helpful in assessing their intake and suggests some strategies for improving hydration.”
Any member of the clinical veterinary team can email vettechline@purina.nestle.com to get access to webinars on hydration and a short video on how to use the water calculator within Vet Centre.
https://vetcentre.purina.co.uk
Norbrook has launched a new iPhone app designed to give veterinary professionals essential pharmaceutical product information at the touch of a button.
The Norbrook Veterinary Excellence Tool includes information on the company's full range of animal health medicines including pharmaceutical presentation, uses, dosage and administration, withdrawal periods, contraindications & warnings and pharmaceutical precautions.
Mr Jorge Rodrigues, General Manager at Norbrook said: "Norbrook is committed to providing the best possible service to our customers. Time is a precious commodity for veterinary professionals and with the range of products on the market it can be very time-consuming to access essential product information. We have designed the Norbrook VET app to give our customers a quick and easy reference tool for all our products with the facility to filter searches for product information by species, category or brand. And of course the beauty of the iPhone app is that the information is accessible anytime, anywhere so if a customer is out at a client's premises, in their practice or at home, the information is readily available."
The Norbrook VET app also has a facility which will keep users up-to-date with relevant industry and company news and a dedicated Contact Us section which will allow customers better communication channels with the company.
Katie Norton, Web SEO Marketing Co-ordinator said: "It is our intention that the Norbrook VET app will become a key communication channel with our customers. The app will be updated regularly and we will continue to add new features to enhance the service we offer to our valued customers."
The Norbrook VET iPhone App is available to download direct from the iTunes store.
A survey of 246 veterinary surgeons and nurses attending a lunch and learn webinar sponsored by Supreme Petfoods has revealed that they rate high fibre as the most important factor in making a recommendation for rabbit or guinea pig food.
High fibre was the top factor for 53% of respondents and rated as being much more important than monocomponent kibbles (27%), or a recommendation by an exotics expert (18%).
Supreme says it has addressed this concern by increasing the fibre content of its Science Selective Rabbit food to 23% fibre - the highest of any concentrate for small furries in the UK. The new VetCarePlus range, based on the monoforage technology developed by the company, contains up to 34% fibre. Fibre is vital for small furries, playing an active role in gastro intestinal health, dental health, weight management and behavioural factors.
The survey also revealed that vets and nurses are feeling optimistic about the impact of small furries on veterinary practice. 70% of respondents felt that, even in the face of the recent recession, small furries/exotics had made a growing contribution to their business profits over the last five years and 90% felt that there was potential for them to make an even bigger contribution to practice profits in the future. The biggest barrier to more small pets being brought forward for treatment was felt to be the cost of treatment relative to the cost of the pet - 55% felt that this was the most significant stumbling block - but another 45% felt that lack of education and an inability to recognise illness were the main factors.
Supreme's Marketing Manager Claire Hamblion has recently launched a trial programme in a limited number of practices to provide the tools needed to help grow the small pets sector. She said: "Our experience to date indicates that having the right tools and providing a warm welcome to owners of small furries that projects a willingness to treat them, can make a difference. We would love to hear more from those who have successfully grown this part of their business and those who are looking to expand their capabilities in this exciting area." Interested parties, or those who would like to pre-register for the further roll out of Supreme's business programme can send an email with their contact details to b2b@supremepetfoods.com.
The company says it has been delighted by the positive response to its lunch and learn webinar format, and more events are being scheduled for the winter months. Those interested in attending future events, or receiving educational material, can register their interest by email at cpd@supremepetfoods.com to receive priority notification of dates and availability.
The RCVS has appointed Nicola South to the new role of Customer Experience Manager, a new role intended to help improve the experience for vets, veterinary nurses and the public in their dealings with the College.
Nicola said: "I'm extremely excited and proud to be joining the staff at the RCVS, and at such a significant time, just as the First-Rate Regulator initiative is underway, which will lead to a change of focus in how we deliver our services to meet all of our customers' needs. My arrival has been met by a staff made up of extremely dedicated and passionate individuals, and I'm really looking forward to working as a team to deliver an improved customer experience for everyone."
CEO Nick Stace said: "Nicola brings to the College a wealth of customer service experience gained from the hotel and tourism industries. Improving our customer service delivery is a priority, and I am delighted to have Nicola on board who will help to champion these improvements across the organisation."
Nicola joins the RCVS from Orbit Group Ltd, where she was Service Excellence Advisor for the East and South Region.
Hot on the heels of the new license claim for Prac-tic comes the news that Novartis has launched new tasty Milbemax for cats.
The new tablet is the same small size as the original, but is beef-flavoured to ensure high palatability. According to Novartis, trials show that 100 per cent of cats accept the treatment with wet food and 83 per cent with dry food.
To help promote worming the palatable way, Novartis is offering practices some tasty marketing tools to use including posters, client leaflets, worming reminder pads and even a sturdy cut-out cat for reception.
Novartis will also be running a ‘Name Our Cat’ competition with the chance to win an iPod touch complete with an educational podcast; there are five to be won. Entry details can be obtained from Novartis Territory Managers.
For more information about new tasty Milbemax, please contact your Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager or call the Practice Support Line on 0800 854100.
CEVA Animal Health has updated its practice support materials to include an all-encompassing D.A.P. client leaflet, a website and a new vet detailer.
The new materials, which also include a D.A.P. and Feliway reference guide containing details of 31 published trials into the practical applications of pheromones, focus on using D.A.P. to prevent stress at key stages of a dog's life. Particular attention is paid to the benefits of fitting a D.A.P. Collar during early puppy consults in order to help prepare dogs for the modern world and helping to prevent anxiety-related problems such as separation anxiety and noise phobia, developing in later life. In addition, the vet brochure will draw practitioners' attention to the times in a dog's life when owners are particularly concerned about their dog becoming stressed including events like trips to boarding kennels.
Lucy Brett, product manager at CEVA Animal Health, said: "Over the last three years eight different trials have been published looking at the use of pheromones to reduce canine stress. The latest data backs up what we have believed for some time - that the management of stress during socialisation is vital if dogs are to grow into emotionally balanced and confident adult dogs. We now have a much better idea of the impact of allowing puppies to get stressed or overwhelmed during socialisation and the difference providing pheromone support in the form of a D.A.P. Collar can make."
For further details, or for information on CEVA's range of educational resources for veterinary professionals interested in feline and canine behaviour, please contact your CEVA Animal Health representative or call 01494 781510.
Petplan has announced a new category - ‘Rising Star’ - has been added to its 2016 Veterinary Awards.
The company says its awards, which recognise members of the veterinary profession who have gone above and beyond in their daily roles, have been focussed on established individuals. The idea behind the new award is to recognise someone that is rising within their current practice, showing great aptitude and who has substantially grown in their role within a relatively short period of time.
The award is geared towards employees with less than two years’ experience, who have initiated, coordinated and accomplished a new or improved activity or process during 2015. Petplan says nominees should also show one or more of the following ‘Four C’s’ in their initiative: compassion, competence, communication and commitment.
James Barnes, Head of Sales and Partnerships at Petplan, said: “Petplan understands the importance of committed veterinary staff in ensuring pet safety and care. Working with almost 5,000 vet practices, we see the fantastic work being carried out across the country and these awards are an opportunity for pet owners to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for the support veterinary staff provide to the animals in their care.”
To nominate a colleague for an award, visit www.petplanvet.co.uk/vetawards before 31st January 2016.
The report comes on the back of a survey by the association which found that 93% of vets say sustainability is important to them.
The BVA says the report aims to break down the challenge that both teams and individuals face in working towards net zero emissions.
It explains the impact of climate change, what the veterinary profession’s role is in tackling it and why the BVA thinks it is so important that the profession plays its part.
The report also includes resources and showcases the ways real veterinary workplaces are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Anna Judson said: “Many veterinary professionals have long been concerned about the impact the sector is having on the environment, and many are already taking action to mitigate this.
"However, there is still more work to do.
"Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets; is trusted on mitigating its own carbon footprint; and is a leading advocate for environmental sustainability.
"This new report is providing vet teams with the tools and the inspiration to do their bit, because small changes add-up to make a big difference.”
There'll be a session on the subject at the London Vet Show this year, chaired by Anna Judson, with panelists Ed Bailey, Clinical Director and Sustainability Lead at George Farm Vets, Laura Binnie, Sustainability Lead at Paragon Veterinary Group and James Bevan, Planetary Health Senior Teaching Fellow Public Health Registrar, University of Southampton.
"Practice what you preach: Reaching net zero is a team effort" will be held at 10.45am - 11.45am on 14 November in the BVA Congress Theatre.
www.bva.co.uk/net-zero-report
The RCVS is to embark on a communications campaign over the next few months to raise awareness amongst the general public of the difficulties that vets face in providing out-of-hours emergency cover, and the responsibilities incumbent on animal owners to know what to do in a veterinary emergency.
Emergency cover has been high on the College's agenda for some time.
Over the last 18 months, the RCVS 24/7 Working Party has considered the ongoing desire of vets to continue to offer emergency care 24 hours a day, and the feasibility of delivering this, against a backdrop of the Working Time Regulations, geographical variations in animal and vet density, and increasing practice diversity.
Working Party meetings have been supported by a survey of how vets are currently meeting their 24/7 requirements, a seminar of stakeholders and regular informal polls at RCVS Question Time meetings.
It was agreed at the September 2009 meeting of Advisory Committee, to which the Working Party reports, that the majority of vets remain willing to deliver emergency cover 24/7. Advisory Committee recommended that a communications project be undertaken to help raise awareness amongst the general public and animal owners that although the veterinary profession continues to make this voluntary commitment, EU rules, geography and financial constraints impose some limitations.
This campaign will kick off soon and focus on spreading messages via animal-owner publications and websites. The responsibility of pet owners to know how they can access emergency care for their animal in advance of need will be stressed, as will the fact that in the absence of an NHS for pets, emergency care is a service for which practices must charge a realistic fee (which is likely to be higher than for day-time work).
The campaign will also outline vets' responsibilities as part of the Guide, so the public knows what it can reasonably expect. It would be helpful if practices could ensure they have clear information available on their 24/7 arrangements - as outlined in the Guide - should this campaign stimulate requests from clients.
Jerry Davies, who chaired the Working Party, said: "There is overwhelming opinion within the profession that we must continue to provide round-the-clock veterinary care. The main tenet of the Working Time Regulations is that workers should not have their health or, importantly, skills compromised by unreasonable working patterns. Vets, VNs and the animals they care for deserve the same level of protection.
"However, this legislation has made continuing to provide such care at a reasonable cost to the animal owner a significant challenge. Meeting this challenge will require the understanding and cooperation of the animal owning public.
"If clients can be flexible and accept slightly longer response times, an effective service can still be sustained. The key is for all animal owners to establish, in advance, exactly what will be involved should they need to access veterinary care in an emergency. This simple step will help optimise response times and eliminate the frustration, confusion and inevitable dissatisfaction that may arise if ill-prepared."