The BSAVA has announced that it is increasing the number of practical sessions at Congress by a quarter.

The practical, wet lab, small group and 'Breakfast with a Specialist' programme has expanded to enhance the CPD experience and to meet rising demand, alongside more than 450 lectures for delegates to choose from.

Wet lab sessions, introduced at Congress 2017, will again be held at the University of Birmingham’s Medical School and include topics on cytology, haematology, basic eye surgery, rabbit dentistry and dental radiography for dogs and cats.

'Breakfast with a Specialist' sessions give delegates exclusive access to world-renowned experts to discuss challenging cases informally, in a small group setting: endocrinology cases with David Church on Friday, epilepsy cases with Holger Volk on Saturday and jaw fracture fixation in the dog and cat with Peter Southerden on Sunday.

BSAVA Congress Programme Committee Chair Sue Murphy said: "Responding to the excellent delegate feedback from 2017’s programme, we are increasing the number of practical and small group sessions to enable more delegates to benefit in 2018. These sessions represent excellent, value for money education and a unique opportunity for delegates to practice vital skills with guidance from experts in their respective disciplines.’"

Each workshop or small group is available to purchase when registering for Congress and a full summary of each practical and small group session is available at: http://www.bsavacongress.com/programme

The 61st annual BSAVA Congress takes place at the Birmingham ICC and Arena Birmingham from 5-8 April, including a new non-clinical stream on Sunday – Beyond the Clinics.

Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has launched a second generation Eprinomectin Pour On solution with zero milk withhold and a 10 day meat withdrawal period.
 
Eprizero, for beef and dairy cattle, is indicated for the treatment and prevention of a range of economically damaging gutworm and lungworm infections and external parasites in a pour on application. It offers zero milk withhold and an improved meat withdrawal period of 10 days.
 
Andrew Hillan MVB MRCVS, Director of Veterinary Science, Norbrook Laboratories Ltd., said: "Norbrook has launched Eprizero to offer vets and farmers a more versatile alternative in the treatment of economically damaging worms and external parasites. The active ingredient in Eprizero, Eprinomectin, is both potent and fast-acting and is supported by independent studies which show increased milk yield, improved fertility and increased dry matter intake following treatment. With a zero milk and 10 day meat withdrawal and waterproof properties, Eprizero offers real versatility to vets and farmers in terms of when and where they treat. It is this versatility that we believe will make Eprizero the gold standard in anthelmintic treatment for prolonged infestations of gut worm and lung worm in both dairy and beef cattle."
 
Eprizero is available in four sizes - 250ml, 1L, 2.5L and 5L - with a free 75ml gun supplied with the two larger pack sizes. It is administered using a 75ml dispensing gun to enable accurate application.
 
Eprizero is registered for use in the UK and Ireland and is available to order from your local Norbrook Sales Representative.

Harper Adams University and Keele University have announced that they are in exploratory talks to establish a new UK veterinary school.

The proposal is for the new school to provide five-year degrees leading to a Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences (BVSc) qualification, with training being delivered on both university campuses, in partnership with local clinical providers and industry.

Carwyn Ellis, Head of the Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences at Harper Adams, said: "This is an exciting development which will add further to our provision for the veterinary sector, complementing our current postgraduate veterinary medicine programmes, and our undergraduate programmes in Bioveterinary Science, Clinical Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Physiotherapy and Agriculture all of which will contribute to enhanced animal health and wellbeing."

The universities say further discussions and detailed business planning will be taking place over the coming months, with a view to a further announcement later in the year outlining when the new school would expect to receive its first cohort of students.

Commenting on the news, BVA President Gudrun Ravetz said: "This is a very interesting development at a time when there are many questions around the sustainability of the UK veterinary workforce as the UK prepares to leave the EU and at a time when many practices and businesses are reporting significant problems in recruiting.

"Striking the right balance between producing ‘home grown’ graduates from UK veterinary schools and bringing in appropriately qualified and skilled foreign graduates will be key to maintaining a flexible, skilled and sustainable workforce. 

"However, there are a number of very important factors that will need to be considered, including whether we have enough capacity in the UK to deliver quality EMS placements, and how it might impact on the availability of veterinary teaching staff, particularly given that 25% of current veterinary academics are from non-UK EU countries.

"An increase in UK vet school places also needs to be considered in the context of the Vet Futures project and the Vet Futures actions currently underway, including the RCVS-led Graduate Outcomes project and the BVA-led workforce study. We must ensure that we can provide fulfilling career opportunities for our graduates in a wide range of veterinary roles – both clinical and non-clinical – as well as meeting the needs of society now and in the future."

Photo: Harper Adams

The RCVS is calling on everyone to nominate veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and laypeople who are working above-and-beyond for the benefit of animal health and welfare, the veterinary professions or public health, for one of its 2019 honours and awards.

This year the College is seeking nominations for six awards:

• The Queen’s Medal: the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a veterinary surgeon for a highly distinguished career with sustained and outstanding achievements throughout.

• The Veterinary Nursing Golden Jubilee Award: this award is aimed at veterinary nurses who have had a sustained and distinguished career, who can demonstrate a leadership role within the profession and who can act as an ambassador for the value of veterinary nurses and their work.

• RCVS International Award: this award is for vets, vet nurses or laypeople who work internationally, from either within or outside the UK, in making an outstanding contribution to, for example, raising veterinary standards, veterinary education and improving animal health and welfare.

• RCVS Impact Award: this award is for vets or vet nurses who have recently, or are currently, undertaking a project, initiative or similar that has a significant impact on the profession at large, animal health or welfare, or public health. Such impact could have been made through any field of veterinary endeavour, including clinical practice, research, education or veterinary politics.

• RCVS Inspiration Award: this award is for vets or vet nurses at any stage of their career who have demonstrated the ability to inspire and enthuse others consistently throughout. It is open to those who have inspired and motivated individuals anywhere within the profession and recognises those who have gone ‘above and beyond’ what may normally be expected from a professional colleague.

• Honorary Associateship: this honour is conferred to a small number of laypeople each year, in recognition of their special contribution to the veterinary sphere. It recognises the full range of individuals who contribute to the veterinary sphere including scientists, lecturers, journalists, charity-workers, farriers, farmers and those involved in the commercial field.

For this year’s honours and awards nomination period, the College has produced a video using footage from Royal College Day 2018, featuring interviews with those who were recognised with RCVS honours and awards on the day. 

The video is available to view at www.rcvs.org.uk/honours where you can also download further information and guidance about the criteria for nominators and nominees for the awards, as well as how to make nomination.

Dr Niall Connell, RCVS Junior Vice-President, is taking the lead in promoting the awards this year. He said: "Throughout my time in the veterinary profession, and particularly since joining RCVS Council, I have met so many veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons who are truly inspiring individuals.

"The RCVS honours and awards scheme is a perfect opportunity to celebrate some of the individuals that have done or are doing something really special – whether that’s by inspiring their colleagues and peers or doing things that benefit animal health and welfare or society at large.

"Across all six awards there really is something for everyone – vets and veterinary nurses at all stages of their careers as well as laypeople are all up for recognition and so I’d strongly encourage everyone to think about someone they know who deserves recognition and get in touch.”

The deadline for nominations is Friday 18 January 2019. 

For an informal talk about the awards and how to make a nomination you can contact Peris Dean, Executive Secretary, on p.dean@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0761.

The BVA and the RCVS have held a meeting at the House of Commons to brief MPs and peers about animal and public health, animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues raised by Brexit.

The briefing highlighted to members of both Houses the vital role the veterinary profession plays in order to ensure that the veterinary resource in clinical practice, public health, government services, academia and research is appropriately considered and effectively used during Brexit negotiations.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), environment spokespeople for the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru, and other parliamentarians from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the SNP, joined Crossbenchers, senior civil servants and key stakeholders at the event.

BVA President Gudrun Ravetz delivered a speech highlighting the main asks from the association's Brexit and the veterinary profession report, which was developed through consultation with BVA members, devolved branches, BVA specialist divisions and other key stakeholders.

The report sets out 52 recommendations for the short, medium and long term across seven areas of public policy: veterinary workforce, animal health, animal welfare, food hygiene and safety, veterinary medicines, research and development, and trade. 

Addressing attendees, Gudrun said: "We are a relatively small profession, but we are a diverse profession with far-reaching influence and impact in so many areas of political and public life.

"Last week, we were delighted to hear the Defra Secretary of State, speaking to the Today programme, rightly acknowledged the importance of EU vets to the UK economy; from food hygiene and safety, to monitoring disease outbreaks and facilitating trade. This is why BVA is calling on the Government to guarantee the working rights for non-UK EU vets and vet nurses currently working and studying in the UK at the existing level and with no time limit.

"As we progress with the Repeal Bill we are also calling on the Government to ensure we maintain animal health and welfare current standards – and prioritise them in all trade negotiations, so that high standards of animal health, welfare and food hygiene are a unique selling point for the UK. We can only make a success of Brexit if we harness our veterinary resource."

In his speech, RCVS Junior Vice-President Professor Stephen May highlighted the three RCVS Brexit Principles as well as the findings from the College’s recent survey of non-UK EU vets working in the UK. Professor May also made a call for greater certainty from the Government on the status of EU citizens living and working as veterinary surgeons in the UK and for a substantial transition period to prevent potential veterinary workforce shortages, particularly in areas such as public health and food safety.

Professor May said: "Negotiations with our European partners will no doubt be lengthy and complex on all manner of issues that affect the veterinary sector. For everyone concerned, we join other voices in calling for a substantial transition period to any new order created. This will provide us with time to take stock, to understand the implications and to navigate a pathway that safeguards the interests of our sector and the RCVS is determined to work with all its stakeholders, in particular Government and yourselves [parliamentarians], to ensure that vital veterinary work gets done.

"Key to this will be meeting the need for high-quality, capable veterinary surgeons in all sectors. This can only be achieved in the short-term by emphasising the continued welcome and appreciation of all veterinary non-UK nationals working hard for this country, to encourage them to stay, and continued access to graduates of accredited schools from around the world, alongside increased training of UK nationals to meet our ever expanding veterinary needs."

The event was hosted by BVA Honorary Member and RCVS Past-President, Lord Trees MRCVS, who has sat on a number of House of Lords committees and subcommittees that consider and seek to influence the Government’s plans and policy-making during the UK’s exit from the EU.

Lord Trees closed the BVA and RCVS Brexit briefing by encouraging fellow Peers and MPs to capitalise on the evidence-based, science-led perspective that the veterinary profession is able to provide, particularly as Brexit discussions continue to develop.

Lord Gardiner has since publicly recognised the vital role of the veterinary profession, responding to a question in the House of Lords regarding the retention of skilled workers post-Brexit. In his role as Defra Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Lord Gardiner said:

"I am most grateful to the noble Lord [Teverson] because I was at the BVA and RCVS reception yesterday, where I know a number of noble Lords were also in attendance. This is an important issue and an element of the negotiations that we want to deal with as promptly as possible. Yes, we do rely on and warmly welcome the support we have from EU national vets, who are hugely important to us."

Dechra Veterinary Products is to host a series of free webinars about how to manage cases successfully during the coronavirus outbreak.

The weekly sessions will offer practical guidance for veterinary surgeons and nurses about how they can manage chronic cases in line with guidelines issued by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the British Veterinary Association and the government.

Dechra’s Veterinary Technical Advisor Emily Casey BVM&S MRCVS will present the first webinar tackling Addison’s disease on Thursday April 2 from 1pm to 2pm and again from 7pm to 8pm. It will be available to watch again or download via the Dechra Academy.

It will include advice on how to stabilise patients and administer Zycortal while respecting government guidelines, including prioritisation of blood testing, use of telemedicine and provision of additional owner support. Each webinar represents one hour of CPD.

Dechra’s Technical Services Manager Jamie Walker said: “Since the outbreak of coronavirus began, we have received a large number of calls from practices wanting advice and guidance on how they should be managing chronic cases at this time.

"Our case management webinars will offer practical advice on a number of common small animal issues and aim to provide reassurance and support to veterinary professionals at this challenging time."

Further webinars will be held each Wednesday in April.

• April 8 at 1pm and 7pm COVID-19 Case Management: Cushing’s disease and Vetoryl, with Dechra Veterinary Technical Advisor Emily Casey BVM&S MRCVS.
• April 15 at 1pm and 7pm COVID-19 Case Management: Canine and feline thyroid disease, with Dechra Veterinary Technical Advisor Geoff Duncan BVSc MRCVS.
• April 22 at 1pm and 7pm COVID-19 Case Management: Canine epilepsy, Phenoleptil and Libromide, with Dechra Technical Services Manager Jamie Walker MA VetMB MRCVS.
• April 29 at 1pm and 7pm COVID-19 Case Management: Otitis externa, with Dechra Veterinary Technical Advisor Anya Thurgood BVM&S MRCVS.

To register for the free webinars visit www.dechra.co.uk/events.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and British Small Animal Veterinary Association have issued a joint statement concerning the postgraduate qualifications CertAVP, PGCertSAM and PGCertSAS.

The statement follows the introduction earlier this year of the BSAVA's Postgraduate Certificates in Medicine and Surgery.

Dr Frances Barr, BSAVA's Director of Education (pictured right) said: "There has been a natural interest in how the BSAVA PGCertSAM and PGCertSAS compare with the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP). Detailed discussions over the last few months between BSAVA and the RCVS have resulted in agreement that the two qualifications are academically equivalent, as outlined in a formal position statement. Individuals can therefore choose to study for the qualification which suits them best."

For thirty years, veterinary postgraduate qualifications at certificate level have been available within the UK; until recently, these were organised through and awarded by the RCVS. In recent years the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice has been introduced, with assessment of accredited modules by a range of universities, and the final award made by the RCVS. With the development of the BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate programmes, questions have naturally arisen regarding the equivalence of these two programmes, and whether a stated requirement for 'a certificate' for a particular purpose refers to the general level of postgraduate qualification or to one particular qualification. It is natural that prospective candidates and employers should ask such questions when considering options for postgraduate study.

The joint position statement by the RCVS and the BSAVA:
Representatives from the RCVS CertAVP subcommittee and BSAVA have therefore discussed the RCVS and BSAVA certificate programmes in detail. The statement here is intended to set out agreed principles which might be needed to allow resolution of any future questions about equivalence or accreditation.

• The RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) and the BSAVA Postgraduate Certificates (PGCertSAM and PGCertSAS) are academically equivalent.
  Each qualification is positioned at Level 7 (Masters) within the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and carries 60 academic credits at this level. The qualifications are therefore, by definition, academically equivalent.
• The RCVS CertAVP and the BSAVA PGCert are similar, but not identical, in content (depending on the modules studied). They differ in structure.
  The two qualifications are therefore likely to appeal to different groups of individuals, depending on their interests and preferred style of learning. Both qualifications are intended to develop practitioners who are able to deliver a consistently high standard of care to their patients.
• Transfer of academic credits between the two programmes (RCVS CertAVP and BSAVA PGCert) would, in theory, be possible.
  The two programmes have a different modular structure, and some difference in content (depending on the modules studied). Formal requests by candidates to transfer credit from partial completion of one programme towards the other would be considered on an individual basis, according to the guidelines of the RCVS or BSAVA (with guidance from Nottingham Trent University), as applicable.
  The concept of academic credits from either qualification being accepted towards a full Masters degree in the future is welcomed by RCVS and BSAVA.
• Accreditation of the RCVS CertAVP and the BSAVA PGCert for any particular purpose would be considered against defined objectives.
  The principles pertaining to academic equivalence and credit structure would apply. No universally applicable principle would be in place, but accreditation arrangements should usually consider outputs, or statements of competency, rather than inputs, such as specific qualifications. Therefore where the particular purpose requires evidence of postgraduate development, this is the wording that should be used rather than to detail specific qualifications. It is acknowledged that such an approach is already being taken with respect to the Practice Standards scheme, and the remaining RCVS Diplomas.

The 'middle tier' postulated in the current RCVS Consultation on Specialisation, and the proposed 'acknowledged veterinarian' status under consideration in Europe, are not currently sufficiently defined to allow a position to be agreed.

The Education team will be talking to delegates about applying for 2013 places for the Postgraduate Certificates, its webinars and the new VN Merit Awards on the BSAVA Balcony at Congress from 11th-15th April.

RSA has announced the rollout of its UK-wide network of preferred referral practices.

The scheme caused widespread concern within the profession when it was trialed in the Midlands earlier this year, primarily because of fears that it would reduce general practitioners' freedom to refer an animal to a centre that they felt could provide the most appropriate care for both the animal and the owner. In addition, RSA's claim that it was aiming to provide like-for-like care at a lower cost was undermined by the fact that the network could hardly field a single RCVS Recognised Specialist amongst its numbers. There were also concerns being voiced about the terms under which referral practices could join the network.

However, the underlying challenge of keeping pet insurance affordable remains. RSA says that according to its research, and based on Association of British Insurers averages, 27% of its customers pay more for their pet insurance than the average cost of home insurance; 17% pay more than the average cost of car insurance and 3% pay more than the average cost for private medical insurance.

It does seem as though RSA has been making a concerted effort to adopt a more collaborative approach before the nationwide rollout, having meetings with both the BVA and BSAVA which the respective organisations described as 'constructive'.

The current state of play is that RSA is inviting referral practices to join its network in advance of a launch some time after the end of the year. Thereafter, VetSurgeon.org understands that clients who decide to opt for a non-emergency referral outside its network will be subject to an additional flat fee which has yet to be announced.

Bill Paton, Claims Director for UK and Western Europe said: “The introduction of this new preferred referral network ensures that our customers will receive the most appropriate available treatment as diagnosed by their vet.

"For us, being able to control costs with our vet partners in the network will help us manage our claims cost more effectively and ensure that policy limits last as long as possible.

"Ultimately, this will have a positive effect on premium rates for our customers ensuring that pet insurance remains affordable.”

For more information about joining RSA's referral network, email: rsa.pet@uk.rsagroup.com.

The International Society of Feline Medicine has announced that two 'giants of feline medicine and infectious disease' will headline its European Feline Congress, which is open to all and taking place in the beautiful Croatian town of Cavtat from 26th-30th June.

Richard Malik from the Centre for Veterinary Education at the University of Sydney and Mike Lappin from Colorado State University, known for their amusing and questioning presentations, will be joined by experts including Jayne Sykes, Séverine Tasker, Donato Traversa and Francesca Mancianti to present the latest information about the diagnosis and treatment of a veritable smorgasbord of feline infectious diseases, including heartworm, leishmaniasis, toxocara, aspergillus, bartonella, coronavirus, erlichia, anaplasma, rickettsia, lungworm, mycobacteria, FeLV, FIV, haemoplasmas, cryptococcosis, GI disease and  emerging feline pathogens.

Together with a mini-symposia organised by the congress sponsors – Idexx, Hill’s, Ceva, Bayer and Boehringer Ingelheim – the five-day event is worth 25 hours of feline CPD.

If you need more in-depth knowledge of feline infectious diseases, there are also three masterclasses planned.

The venue looks drop-dead gorgeous too. Set on a small wooded peninsula embraced by two harbours, Cavtat has a pretty waterfront peppered with restaurants, pebbly beaches and an interesting assortment of artsy attractions, making it one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the region. ISFM says it's a great base from which to explore Dubrovnik and the surrounding area.

The welcome party will take place at the congress hotel’s waterfront restaurant on Thursday evening.

Tickets cost £475 for ISFM members and £605 for non-members. Masterclasses are an additional £50 each.

That seems like an absolute steal to me, and I'm not even a vet. Where do I sign?

Ah, here it is: https://icatcare.org/isfm-congress

Animalcare has added Orozyme Oral Hygiene Gel, an enzymatic plaque-suppressing toothpaste, to its range. 

The company has also carried out research amongst 60 practices which found that despite the fact that over 80% of dogs over the age of three reportedly suffer from dental disease¹, only 48% opened discussions about dental care at the earliest opportunity: vaccination time. 16% only discussed dental care if the dog developed a dental problem and 52% also admitted that they did not follow up discussions on dental compliance.²

Eleanor Workman Wright, Product Manager at Animalcare, said: "The key to successful dental care is to start early, both in educating owners and getting puppies and kittens used to brushing or other forms of dental care. If discussions are delayed until the animal is a year old, it is possible that some disease may already be present while the animal may be less receptive to brushing or other efforts to care for their teeth.

"We see the dental sector as important and one that is likely to grow, particularly in the light of the pandemic-induced increase in the number of dogs and cats. We hope that our new Owner Guide will support veterinary teams in initiating early discussions with owners about the importance of dental care, while the addition of an affordable and effective oral gel in Orozyme, to our range will give them a key tool to offer to owners to use as part of their homecare routine."

For more information, contact your Animalcare Territory Manager or visit: www.animalcare.co.uk .  

Reference

1. Enlund, K.B., Brunius, C., Hanson, J. et al. Dental home care in dogs - a questionnaire study among Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses. BMC Vet Res 16, 90 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02281-y
2. Research summary available from Animalcare on request

CEVA Animal Health has launched the anti-inflammatory Meloxidyl for cattle and pigs.

Meloxidyl is meloxicam-based solution for the management of respiratory disease, mastitis and diarrhoea in cattle and non-infectious locomotor disorders and puerperal septicaemia and toxaemia in pigs. It is given via a single injection, when used in combination with suitable anti-infectives.

According to the company, Meloxidyl's one shot protocol means it is quick and economical to use; it allows control of inflammation and endotoxins and reduces somatic cell count, recovery time and risk of culling after clinical mastitis; it reduces the economical impact of respiratory signs in comparison with flunixin-based products and reduces the major clinical signs caused by toxins in cases of neonatal diarrhoea.

Meloxidyl can be used in combination with the company's range of anti-infectives, which includes Marbokem, Cevaxel and Florkem.

For further product information contact CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at http://www.ceva.uk.com/

John Burns MRCVS, founder of Burns Pet Nutrition has been announced as a finalist for the 2018 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

John (pictured right) will compete against leading businessmen and women from across the country and a range of industries in the 'Entrepreneur for Good' category, designed to celebrate entrepreneurs that are pioneering ideas and business models to help drive social change.

John founded Burns Pet Nutrition in 1993, with the thinking that a healthy diet is key to managing many of the common health problems seen in pets. In fact, John reckons he's done more for pets with his line of pet food than he could have ever hoped to have achieved in general practice.

In 2008, John set up The Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation - a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people and pets across the UK. Today, the in-house charity is run by a team of six who specialise in everything from one-off donations to grassroots projects. 

One such project, Burns by Your Side, helps schoolchildren to improve their literacy and communication skills with the aid of trained volunteers and their companion dogs. The scheme is currently active in over 40 educational settings across parts of Wales and Ireland.

More recently, Burns Pet Nutrition announced a £1M charity donation to mark its 25^th year of trading. 

John said "I have decided that the company should be a force for good. I want Burns Pet Nutrition to not only be known for our natural pet food, but also for establishing and maintaining a legacy of good causes in the community."

John is in the running to win the Entrepreneur for Good award along with six other Welsh entrepreneurs. The winners will be announced on Thursday 22^nd November at a special gala final in Cardiff. 

For further information on the awards, please visit, www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.