At the start of June, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), Goat Veterinary Society (GVS), and Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) welcomed the announcement that bluetongue (BTV-8) vaccine would be available by mid-July to support farmers and smallholders in managing the risk of a bluetongue outbreak predicted to reach mainland UK by late summer.
Since the Defra risk assessment indicates a high risk by late summer of a BTV incursion from France, veterinary associations have been involved in discussions with government, farmers’ representatives and manufacturers to ensure vaccine is available to meet potential demand particularly in the south of England where risk is highest. The situation remains under constant review by Defra as the disease develops and the weather warms up, promoting midge activity.
Pharmaceutical companies MSD and Zoetis announced that batches of vaccine would be available from mid-July, which Defra has just confirmed.
Vets across the UK are also contributing to the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB), helping to make farmers aware of the risk, clinical signs and what action to take, through speaking at local JAB information events and displaying posters and leaflets in practices.
While welcoming the announcement of vaccine availability in June, veterinary organisations also sought clarification about the cost and the amount of vaccine likely to be available in July and thereafter. This information is now available.
BVA President Sean Wensley said: "We welcome the announcement that vaccine will be available in time to meet potential demand. This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control."
Photo by Fourrure (http://www.boulesdefourrure.fr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
According to the charity, hens have been badly neglected by the world of evidence-based academic research, with only two known papers written about their welfare.
However, researchers are now starting to take an interest and it is hoped that the new forum, nicknamed The Coop, will pave the way for ground-breaking studies around the world into hen welfare and hen keeping.
Jane Howorth MBE, Founder of the BHWT, said: “The research about to be undertaken ranges from exploring how hens benefit our mental health to seeking good veterinary care and appropriate drugs. They will also examine how the pet hen population has grown over the years and reasons for keeping them, and which homegrown remedies are used and which work.
One of the first bits of research to be supported by the BHWT is a study called ‘From the Backyard to our Beds’ by Jenny Mace BSc, MSc AWSEL, FHEA, Visiting Lecturer on the MSc in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law at the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester.
The survey will collect data on the care-taking practices and attitudes towards chickens of non-commercial chicken carers, and you can take part here: https://winchester.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/from-the-backyard-to-our-beds-the-spectrum-of-care-in.
Jenny said: “To my knowledge, this research constitutes the first quantitative study to distinguish between ex-commercial and ‘standard’ chickens. It is also the first to enquire about some niche care-taking practices, such as the use of hormonal implants as a possible means of healthcare in hens.
“The results should be fascinating and I urge all backyard chicken keepers/rescuers to make sure their experiences are captured by filling out this survey. Thank you so much!”
The BHWT is also supporting work undertaken by Keiran Ragoonanan, a student at the Royal Veterinary College in London, who is investigating backyard chicken husbandry and feeding practices in the UK.
For more information visit: https://www.bhwt.org.uk/hen-health/take-part-in-ground-breaking-research-to-help-pet-chickens/
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has produced a new Orf Vaccination Starter Pack to help vets better inform their sheep farmer clients about the disease.
The new campaign Vaccination Starter Pack includes a practical guide to Orf and its control in UK sheep flocks, a DVD profiling vet and farmer experiences of managing the disease, an 'Orf questions answered' handout and a best practice vaccination protocol. Additional practice support materials highlighting the problems caused by Orf and its control with Scabivax Forte are also available.
The Starter Pack and full range of promotional materials are available from local Intervet/Schering-Plough Account Managers or by contacting the Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.
Alstoe Ltd has launched Tempora, a chewable, flavoured, spironolactone tablet for dogs, indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) arising from mitral valve disease.
Alstoe says Tempora's flavouring technology, tablet shape and two and four way break tablets facilitate ease of use and should improve compliance. The company also highlights the affordability of the new product, which can be used alone or in conjunction with standard therapies.
According to Alstoe, it is estimated that in 75% of dogs with CHF, degenerative mitral valve disease is the underlying cause. The company says spironolactone shows clear benefits in treating mxyomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs: acting as an aldosterone receptor antagonist it counteracts the negative consequences of aldosterone production such as myocardial fibrosis and myocardial and vascular remodelling.
To support the new product, Alstoe has designed a Sleep Respiratory Rate (SRR) chart to assist veterinary professionals with ongoing monitoring of their canine patients condition and response to treatment. The chart is available as a printable download or in pads. The company is also offering lunchtime practice seminars.
Tempora is available as 10mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
For further information, contact Alstoe Animal Health on 01347 878606, or via e-mail: adelaideellerington@alstoe.co.uk, or visit www.alstoe.co.uk
Merial has joined forces with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) promote its "Me and My Dog - Together Against Rabies" social media campaign, designed to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinating dogs against rabies.
As part of the campaign, pet owners are asked to share photos of themselves with their dog on social media channels, using the hash tags #TogetherAgainstRabies and #MerialMeAndMyDog.
Merial says the increased numbers of pets travelling since the changes to the Pet Travel Scheme rules in 2012 means that awareness of rabies amongst pet owners is important, despite the fact that the disease is not endemic in the UK.
Joanne Maki, Director Veterinary Public Health for Wildlife and Companion Animals for Merial said: "The "Me and My Dog - Together against Rabies" campaign is a unique opportunity for all of us to play a part in spreading the word about eliminating human rabies through the vaccination of animals. The more of us who participate, the stronger we are in this important fight".
Ceva Animal Health has made a last call for anyone to nominate a veterinary professional, charity worker or volunteer for one of its Animal Welfare Awards.
The awards are designed to help identify and celebrate the people who work to help better the lives of animals
The deadline for nominations is 13th January 2015, after which entries will be judged by a panel of industry professionals, including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc. The 2015 ceremony will once again be taking place at BSAVA.
Awards judge, James Yeates, Chief Veterinary Officer of the RSPCA, said: “There is a growing welfare crisis that is faced by many animals across the world, and part of the answer to these issues lays in the important role that charities, vets and volunteers play in helping improve the lives of animals every day.
“These awards allow us the opportunity to recognise these people for the great work that they do, and hopefully help to inspire others to exercise the same level of dedication to animal welfare. Help us to make sure the selfless welfare heroes in your community are recognised by nominating them at www.cevawelfareawards.co.uk.”
The full list of award categories is:
Centaur Services has announced a new partnership with VBS Direct which will allow the wholesaler to offer USA-based K-Laser products to its customers for the first time.
According to VBS, the K-Laser range can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. However, the company says most practices choose to buy K-Laser so they can start osteoarthritic pain management clinics and improve post-surgical rehabilitation, often using trained nurses or physiotherapists to run the clinics.
Centaur says K-Laser offers the most advanced Class IV therapy laser platform in the world, with the team of scientists and doctors at K-Laser USA having researched, tested and implemented therapy presets that are categorised anatomically and subdivided by clinical indication. The company claims that during treatment, laser energy is absorbed in water, increasing local circulation and thereby drawing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This, it says, creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.
Apparently, more than 8,000 US veterinary practices and almost 100 in the UK have invested in Class IV laser therapy.
Colm McGinn from Centaur said: "We're committed to finding innovative products and services for our customers so that we can help them to grow their businesses and succeed together.
"K-Laser, as well as being a revolutionary piece of clinical equipment, is also a fantastic revenue generator for veterinary practices and with our flexible payment options our customers are able to reap the benefits to their businesses very quickly. We appreciate that making capital investment in equipment can be a big decision and we want to fully support our customers in improving the services their practices can offer."
For more information, contact Centaur on 01963 350005 or VBS Direct on 0845 528 0336.
The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF), a group of 26 veterinary practitioner, neuropharmacology, neuropathology and neurology experts led by Holger Volk, Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at the RVC, has issued new guidelines for treating and caring for dogs with epilepsy.
The guidelines have been adopted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and published in the form of a ‘consensus statement’ in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM).
Professor Volk, who co-chaired the consensus statement process, said: "I was honoured to have been asked to co-chair such an important forum in American veterinary practice. This will be another landmark paper to help improve the care vets deliver for the patients with epilepsy, both in America and beyond.
"Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases encountered by veterinary surgeons and practitioners around the world. The prevalence of the condition means there have been numerous research studies carried out over the years. But, despite such frequent research, there has been a lack of consistency when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
"This lack of cohesion and collaboration made it difficult for owners and veterinary professionals to communicate effectively on the issue of pet epilepsy. This has led to the global veterinary community changing its approach and, in recent years, working more closely together."
Professor Volk says the aim of these latest guidelines is to provide joined up and collaborative thinking, teaching and learning on various different aspects of the condition that specifically affect America. These include the development of treatment strategies and any potential issues with chronic anti-epileptic drug treatment.
The ACVIM guidelines follow on from seven in-depth consensus statements produced by the IVETF and published open access in BMC Veterinary Research last year, outlining recommendations and classifications on all aspects of canine epilepsy. It was the first time this many veterinary neurology clinicians and neuroscientists formally agreed on the key aspects of the condition.
Professor Volk, who is also the Clinical Director of the RVC’s Small Animal Referral Hospital, added: "There is a real exciting buzz around canine and feline Epilepsy currently. Finally getting to global consensus from the international veterinary community will accelerate research and lead to improved patient care and quality of life for owners and patients alike."
Two guides for equine veterinarians have just been produced by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging covering the role of MRI in diagnosing lameness.
MRI Cases in the Standing Sedated Horse looks at fourteen cases from seven clinics in the Hallmarq user community. Compiled for Hallmarq by Dr Julien Olive DMV and complete with clinical MRI images, this 38 page booklet reviews the history, clinical examination, MRI examination, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of each case. The examples illustrate how MRI can enable a diagnosis to be made and a suitable course of treatment prescribed in difficult or ambiguous cases.
The second booklet, MRI Protocols for the Standing Sedated Horse, focuses on the procedures and terminology associated with MRI, from a brief description of the technology and the types of image that can be obtained, to a more detailed description of the methodology.
Hallmarq says that with 20 scanning centres now operating in the UK and Europe the ability now to refer selected cases for an MRI examination makes these booklets relevant to routine practice.
The booklets are available free of charge from Hallmarq for equine veterinarians and veterinary students, and they may be previewed on Hallmarq’s website.
Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging: (01483) 877812 or email info@hallmarq.net
As part of its ongoing "Excellence in veterinary anaesthesia" initiative, and following the launch of Alfaxan, Vetoquinol has published a summary of the latest expert recommendations concerning anaesthesia in cats and dogs in a new document: Premedication and anaesthesia in dogs and cats.
The publication covers the pre-medication and pre-anaesthetic period, the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia and the recovery period as well as useful A-Z list of specific case pre-medication and anaesthesia management recommendations (brachycephalic animals, caesarean operation, paediatric cases, renal disease, to name just a few).
The recommendations contained in the document were drawn up following a meeting in February at which a panel of experts discussed all aspects of anaesthesia for dogs and cats, focussing particularly on pre-medication.
The panel was comprised of: Dr Jo Murrell of Bristol University; John Hird of the Hird Consultancy; Dr Mark Senior of University of Liverpool; Dr Polly Taylor, Independent anaesthesia consultant; Elizabeth Leece of the Animal Health Trust; Dr Jackie Brearley of Cambridge Vet School; Daniel Holden , Independent anaesthesia consultant, Prof. Eddie Clutton of Edinburgh University and Elizabeth Chan of the Royal Veterinary College.
"We were delighted to have gathered such an authoritative panel of veterinary anaesthesia experts," said Zorica Agbaba of Vetoquinol, who hosted the meeting. "I am sure that the recommendation document will prove invaluable to vets in general practice."
The document is available from Vetoquinol UK and Ireland, please contact your local Vetoquinol representative or alternatively call Vetoquinol's main office on 01280 814 500 (UK) or 1800 406 117 (ROI free phone number).
Vets Now has produced a new set of guidelines for pet owners about how to deal with the top 10 emergency situations seen by the out-of-hours care provider.
The guidelines are presented as an infographic - which is free to download from the Vets Now website - which provides some basic steps to help owners deal with the more common emergency situations before being able to get their sick or injured pet to the vet.
Vets Now says it is hoping it will be deemed useful by other vets who are welcome to share the infographic on their social media sites and their websites, or display it in their waiting rooms.
Lisa Maxwell, Head of Client Care said: "Pet owners should always call a vet in an emergency and we promote that in the infographic. As emergency and critical care providers, we're used to dealing with owners who are scared, or in shock when they call us. What we hoped to achieve by creating the infographic, was to reassure pet owners that these situations happen all the time and to give them more sense of control of the situation. If more pet owners were aware of some of the basic actions they could perform at the scene, at the very least it could help owners cope more readily and keep their animals calm and, at best, it could save lives."
Lisa added: "These days, the fastest way to spread an important message seems to be through social media, so we've specifically designed this infographic to be shared on Facebook, Twitter, G+ etc, as well as practice websites.
"Our intention was to create a useful resource for practices across the UK - not just Vets Now clinics. If we all get behind this and make our clients aware, maybe we'll be going that extra mile by educating our clients and helping to save even more lives."
The infographic can be downloaded at www.vets-now.com/infographic
Martin Hosegood MRCVS has been selected to run for (your) Vetlife in the Virgin London Marathon.
Martin said: "Through my role at VDS where I assist those on the receiving end of an allegation of professional negligence or professional misconduct, I have seen the fantastic work that Vetlife does to assist anyone in the veterinary community who is having a difficult time. I’ve run the marathon before for other charities but there will be something special about running it to help support my own profession. I feel privileged to have been chosen."
Martin (aka Obed) is a Bristol graduate who worked mainly in large animal practice for 25 years before becoming a VDS claims consultant in 2010. He has also been advising a large safari park on the health, conservation and management of a wide range of zoo species for many years and still continues this role now, albeit in a reduced capacity.
Martin will be running on April 26th with 38,000 other runners – almost five times the number that ran the first race in 1981. Other competitors will include Tim Peake, who will be running the race aboard the International Space Station, Dame Kelly Holmes MBE, James Cracknell and Rosie Allister, Chair of Vetlife Helpline.
Rosie said: "It’s brilliant that Martin is giving up his time and training miles to support Vetlife. People who call Vetlife Helpline can often feel very alone; knowing the profession is behind us and wants to help can make a real difference. I’m hoping Martin waves as he overtakes me on the day! And that more vets and VNs will help us fundraise for Vetlife in the future."
Anyone willing to sponsor Martin can do so at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ObedMartinHosegood
Ki-67 is a proliferation marker used for assessing tumour aggressiveness, however the traditional method of assessing Ki-67 scores involves manually counting the proliferating cells, which is subjective, time-consuming and prone to variability.
Finn says its new AI-assisted Ki-67 scoring test represents a significant advancement in veterinary diagnostic oncopathology.
The AI algorithm analyses Ki-67 labelling across the entire section of tumour.
Positively labelled cells are highlighted, scores are calculated, and the results are validated by a pathologist before reporting.
This more automated analysis enables the evaluation of large volumes of histological data, ensuring consistent and reliable prognostic assessments.
Finn says it also removes the subjectivity and variability associated with identifying areas of highest cell proliferation, which is a crucial aspect of tumour scoring.
https://www.finnpathologists.com
A new company called The Practice Business is to launch at BSAVA with a series of free wine tastings.
The company's core offering is the Pet Health Plan. Designed to help veterinary practices conduct their business more effectively, easily and profitably, the monthly payment plan for clients focusses on preventive healthcare for cats and dogs.
The Practice Business will also be launching Pet Health Loans at the BSAVA. Interest-free and designed to be approved in-practice within just a few minutes over the phone to The Practice Business, the loans can eliminate bad debt worries for both practice and client.
To celebrate the launch, The Practice Business is hosting 21 free wine testing challenges at the Hyatt Regency Soprano Room on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Attendees will also be presented with complimentary bottle of their favourite wine.
For more information or to book a place on The Practice Business Wine Tasting Challenge call 0800 169 9958.
Hysolv Animal Health has announced that it is offering a free swine flu laboratory diagnostic service to veterinary surgeons in the UK and Ireland.
The company will supply kits to veterinary surgeons with which to take samples from pig herds they suspect are infected with swine flu. The samples, nasal swabs or blood, will be sent direct to Germany where vaccine and biological company IDT Biologika is using a special facility to detect which viruses or antibodies against certain serotypes are present.
The virological tests will be conducted by the Institute for Virus Diagnostics, part of the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health. Antibody titres against H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, panH1N1 and panH1N2 will be looked for. Hysolv says these tests, including histopathology, can provide the only conclusive proof of influenza infection.
Results from the test — which would normally cost 230 Euros (about £185) to conduct — will be available within a week. IDT is believed to be the first company offering this type of test.
According to the company, the PCR test — from nasal swabs — is much more precise than previous testing regimes and will identify and type circulating strains as well as emerging strains.
Hysolv says that when swine flu strikes a farm, the signs seen are no longer just typically flu-like but a show whole range including fever, coughing, dyspnoea as well as returns to oestrus and abortions in sows. These may be in combination and concurrent with other diseases which makes accurate diagnosis difficult.
IDT will be offering the newly-branded vaccine Respiporc Flu 3 where the veterinary surgeon feels vaccination in indicated.
Hysolv director Richard Brealey said: “IDT is raising the bar in flu testing and this is a significant advance on what has been done in the past. In 2014 one-third of 1353 nasal swabs sent for testing proved positive for swine flu in Germany. In the UK the samples will help give an insight into the epidemiological status quo of the national pig herd.”
Vets Now Limited, the out-of-hours emergency care provider, has been announced as a finalist in the Scottish region of the Bank of Scotland Corporate £35 Million Entrepreneur Challenge. The company will now compete with four other businesses to secure a funding package of up to £5 million, free of interest and charges for three years.
Managing Director, Richard Dixon, must now present his business case to a judging panel featuring two well known and incredibly successful entrepreneurs. Willie Haughey from City Refrigeration and John Anderson from The Entrepreneurial Exchange will be joined on the panel by senior representatives from Bank of Scotland Corporate and Deloitte. The panel will be grilling all five finalists on their future business plans, as well as looking for someone with an entrepreneurial flair, spirit and vision that sets them apart from the rest and makes them an outstanding choice to receive the once in a lifetime funding package that could change the face of the business.
The judging process will take place on Thursday 2 October and will be followed that evening by a dinner and award ceremony at Stirling Castle, where the winner will be announced.
For more information visit http://www.theboschallenge.co.uk/
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has published the results of the distribution category review, which has recommended the re-classification of 50 products from POM-V or POM-VPS to a less restrictive distribution category.
Not all the products recommended for reclassification will be reclassified, as in some cases, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) has declined.
MAH will change the distribution category from POM-V to NFA-VPS:Advantage Spot-on Solution for dogs, cats, small cats, small dogs and pet rabbitsDuowinScalibor Protectorband for dogsTop Drop Spot-on Solution for dogs
MAH will change the distribution category from POM-V to POM-VPS:Alpha Ject 2-2Aquavac FNM Plus VaccineAquavac FurovacFurogen 2LactovacLeptavoid HNobilis CAV P4ParacoxParacox 5 oral suspensionRotavec CoronaSpirovacSuvaxyn Ery
MAH will change the distribution category from POM-VPS to AVM-GSL:Coprite
MAH will change the distribution category from POM-V to AVM-GSL:Rearguard
MAH has decided not to change the distribution category from POM-V to NFA-VPSAdvantix Spot-on Solution for dogsFleegard for dogs / cats Frontline Combo spot on for cat and dogFrontline SprayTop Drop
Those Marketing Authorisation Holders that have indicated they are content with the recommendations are required to submit a variation to change the distribution category for the products involved by 30th June 2010, and the variations will come into force at the next label reprint.
For the full report, and a complete list of the affected products, please visit the VMD website here.
Genitrix has launched Dentagen toothpaste which, the company says, uniquely both cleans teeth and inhibits the formation of plaque.
Dentagen toothpaste is based on RF2, a plant extract, which is clinically proven to inhibit the formation of dental biofilm or plaque. It has been formulated to a dentrifrice abrasivity (RDA) index of 34 to ensure that it removes plaque while causing no damage to the enamel layer of the teeth. The toothpaste is packaged with a free finger-brush to help introduce the pet to having its teeth brushed. It costs £5.50 for a 70g tube.
The toothpaste completes the range of Dentagen health products - the fastest growing dental products in the UK (according to GFK data in May 2010).
Genitrix says Dentagen is the only veterinary dental system to combine a procedure carried out in practice with a variety of aftercare regimes to ensure owner compliance. In 2008, Genitrix launched the Dentagen plaque protection system. It consists of a RF2-impregnated wax provided to practices in a syringe and applied to the gingival layer and the buccal area of teeth of dogs or cats at the end of dental procedures. Pet owners then maintain the protective coating by using the new Dentagen toothpaste or other products in the range - either the RF2-impregnated vegetable-based palatable Dentagen chews or Dentagen Aqua, a palatable liquid containing RF2, which is added to a pet's drinking water on a daily basis.
Rob Watkins, Genitrix' Marketing Director, said: "Brushing has long been recognised as the 'gold standard' when it comes to dental health care so we felt it was important for the Dentagen range to include this option. Regular brushing makes a significant contribution to the maintenance of oral health and the RF2 in the Dentagen toothpaste actually suppresses plaque formation between brushing which is a further benefit. It sets a new efficacy standard for pet toothpaste.
However, while many owners understand the importance of dental health, many of them find actually brushing their pet's teeth difficult - especially those with cats. This is why the Dentagen range includes a variety of options. It enables pet owners to select the method that is right for them and their pet and thus maximise the likelihood of their compliance with a good preventive health regime."
The RCVS has announced that the first members of its reconstituted Disciplinary and Preliminary Investigation Committees have been appointed and will join the Committees from July 2013.
Beverley Cottrell and Catherine Goldie (pictured right) have been appointed to the new Disciplinary Committee (DC), and are retiring as elected veterinary surgeons on Council to take up the posts. Veterinary surgeons Jane Downes and Charles Gruchy, and lay members Stuart Drummond, Ian Green, Chitra Karve and Mehmuda Mian, will also join the DC.
The new Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) members will include veterinary surgeons Andrew Ash and William Reilly, plus lay members Penny Howe, Sarah Pond and Elana Tessler.
These new appointments result from a legislative reform order (LRO) made to separate the RCVS disciplinary committees from the RCVS Council. The Royal College says this will improve the independence of the disciplinary process and bring it into line with regulatory best practice.
The LRO came into force on 6 April 2013, and amended the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA). The VSA now requires that the RCVS PIC and DC are made up of veterinary surgeons and lay members who are not RCVS Council members, and who are appointed independently. The change to the legislation ensures that the same group of people is not responsible for setting the rules, investigating complaints, and adjudication.
The LRO also brings lay people formally into the PIC and will increase the pool of people available to investigate complaints and sit on disciplinary hearings.
RCVS Registrar and Head of Legal Services, Gordon Hockey said: "The LRO fundamentally improves the way the veterinary profession is regulated, and will help to ensure public confidence in our disciplinary processes. I am delighted by the constructive and collaborative working relationship that we had with Defra and the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which has allowed this major reform to be introduced."
To make these appointments, a long-list of lay and veterinary surgeon candidates was put together by recruitment consultants, and a shortlist was referred to an independent selection committee chaired by Sir Michael Buckley and including Christopher Laurence and Dr Joan Martin. The selection committee's choices were then ratified by RCVS Council at the June 2013 meeting.
As part of a transition phase, both committees will also include some Council members; after a two-year period, members of RCVS Council will become ineligible for membership of either committee.
Freda Andrews, the Director of Education at the RCVS, has announced her retirement from the position on 2nd April after nearly 16 years at the College.
Freda joined the RCVS as Head of Education in September 1999 and became Director of Education in 2013, with strategic responsibility for both veterinary and veterinary nursing education.
Nick Stace, RCVS Chief Executive Officer, said: "We will miss Freda for her professionalism, her encyclopaedic knowledge of all things related to veterinary education and her attention to detail, but she leaves behind a team that is stronger-than-ever and a considerable legacy for the profession as a whole.
"Under her watch the Education Department has seen a significant number of achievements. This includes the introduction of the Professional Development Phase which has helped veterinary graduates develop their confidence and competence during the first few years of practice and the accreditation of the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science - the first new UK vet school in 50 years."
Freda's responsibilities as Director of Education will now be split between Christine Warman, Head of Education, and Julie Dugmore, Head of Veterinary Nursing.
Freda said: "I have really enjoyed working with such a fascinating profession and I think that through working very closely with our colleagues in the vet schools, as well as with practising vets, veterinary education has made some significant advances. For example, there is more focus now on communication and professional skills and greater alignment of accreditation standards internationally, to name but two things.
"I am sad to leave but I know that the future of veterinary and veterinary nursing education has been left in the very safe hands of Christine and Julie and their respective teams."
Two new Postgraduate Deans have been appointed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to advise and monitor new veterinary surgeons during their Professional Development Phase (PDP), the first stage in veterinary continuing professional development.
Jill Hubbard, a partner at Cibyn Veterinary Surgery, Caernarfon, and organiser of BVA North Wales' young graduate meetings, and Nicky Paull, a former BVA President with extensive experience of running veterinary practices and understanding of the needs of veterinary graduates, were selected from over 40 applicants. They join existing Deans, Professor Agnes Winter and Julian Wells, and replace Professor David Noakes and Stephen Ware, who are retiring from the role having served since 2007, when PDP first became a requirement for veterinary graduates.
Jill Hubbard said: "I have always had a particular interest in how we support and guide our new graduates. This seemed a way of being actively involved - a useful niche to try and fill."
Nicky Paull said: "The development of young veterinary graduates has been of special interest to me for some years. In employing young veterinary surgeons, meeting recent graduates through my political work and the time spent with undergraduates through extra-mural studies and the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons' final year student seminars, I'm aware of the need for help and guidance for development of the young vets who are joining our profession."
The PDP applies to every newly qualified veterinary surgeon. It consists of an online record which the vet completes, and which is signed off by a Postgraduate Dean. This helps new vets and their employers check that sufficient experience is being gained so that the vet can progress from the 'Day-One competencies' of a new graduate to those expected of a vet with about a year's in-practice experience.
Grahame Gardner is offering a 25% discount across many of its scrubwear ranges till the end of February 2013, including the Urbane Scrubs collection, the unisex Easiephit range and the Scrubzone brand.
For further information, visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk or call 0116 255 6326.
Agria Pet Insurance has announced an 'age amnesty' in May, during which time the company will quote for cover regardless of the age of a pet.
The company says it is common for the owners of older pets to have difficulties finding insurance cover for older pets, and a lack of cover may be a barrier to presenting the animal for regular health checks and disease investigations.
Agria has been offering five weeks free pet insurance plus insurance quotes without an age limit for rehomed older pets from rehoming centres and charities for a year now, in order to give prospective rehomers greater confidence to take on the additional commitment of an older pet.
The company says that opening up the offer to all pet owners through May offers a rare opportunity to insure potentially vulnerable senior dogs and cats.
Alastair Cook, Head of Sales and Marketing, said: "It's a great way to reinforce to clients how much you care. The bond with an older pet is often special and it can be very distressing when they develop a condition that is going to require treatment on an ongoing basis. We don't want cost to be the pet owners biggest worry, or for people to feel that they can't afford to ask their veterinary practice for help. We're asking practices to reach out to pet owners and let them know about this time limited offer so we can help as many pets and people as possible."
Agria has produced an Age Amnesty waiting room poster, available on request by calling its veterinary helpline on 03330 30 83 90 or email admin.vet@agriapet.co.uk. Practices that work with charities are also encouraged to contact the company.
For more information, visit www.agriapet.co.uk/veterinary
The judges praised the practice group for leveraging employee ownership (EO) to drive growth and staff satisfaction, protect independence, and champion EO in the veterinary sector.
Pennard Vets, which has eight practices in Kent, says its driving ambition when it took the decision to transfer the business into an employee ownership trust and make its 150-strong team business owners, was to protect its independence and core values.
Pennard Vets has also been eager to spread the word about employee ownership to other veterinary practices.
Matthew Flann, a director from Pennard Vets, said: “Winning this award is a huge coup for our entire industry, who have been searching for ways to secure the future of their independent practices.
"Set against a backdrop of increasing corporatisation of UK veterinary practices, we chose to protect our heritage by becoming an EOT.
“It hasn't been easy, but it has been massively rewarding and our team have passionately bought into their new status as owners, and the results can be seen throughout the practice – from team-led initiatives to the impact on the range of procedures we can now offer to our patients.
"It’s genuinely been transformational and since 2021 we’ve doubled turnover and grown our team by 30%.
"We’ve also welcomed Abbotsley Veterinary Group and Priory Lodge into the group with the two local Kent practices citing our EOT status as a motivating factor for their moves.
“Crucially our EOT structure provided the launchpad to becoming the first veterinary practice in Europe to achieve B-Corp status in 2022, which we see as another step towards becoming the very best practice possible, using input and ideas from our team to provide a better service, give back to our community and protect the environment.
“We’re also determined to make the journey less arduous for other veterinary practices to follow our lead and we regularly hear from practice owners who are exploring becoming EO.
"We’ve established the British Veterinary Employee Owned Association to help guide other practices through the journey of becoming an EOT by networking, attending events and presenting webinars.
"This year we have supported thriving practices to become EO in all parts of the UK, including Arrowfield Vets in Herefordshire, Animal Tails Veterinary Practice in Stirling, Shetland Vets and Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic in Belfast.
“We believe intrinsically in the value of supporting and promoting our team as the best way to grow our business and provide the best possible service to our clients and patients, and that same approach will pay dividends for other veterinary practices. Because of this we fully intend to continue to campaign for the benefits of EO.”
James de le Vingne, CEO of the EOA, said: “Congratulation to Pennard Vets on winning this award.
"The awards recognise businesses and individuals that are delivering great employee ownership. Collectively, great employee owned businesses deliver significant uplift in productivity and performance, outperforming their non-EO counterparts across multiple impacts for employees, society, the environment and the economy.”
According to the NFU, last year farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million pounds were severely injured or killed by dog attacks last year.
Obtaining forensic samples after an attack can be difficult because so often they happen in remote places and rural police can't always attend quickly enough to get a sample.
Dr. Nick Dawnay from Liverpool John Moores University therefore developed Early Evidence Kits to enable samples to be collected by vets, famers and police from the crime scene immediately.
Following a successful proof of concept in Wales, the research team is now trialling the kits in ten regions of England and Wales, with support from IVC Evidensia farm practices.
Over the next twelve months the trial will refine best practices for collecting forensic samples from livestock attack scenes.
David Martin, Group Head of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia said: “This project marks an exciting step forward in collecting and analysing canine DNA from livestock.
"It offers police and farmers a means to hold irresponsible dog owners culpable for the damage and losses caused by their pets.”
“As a profession we can support this research by ensuring samples are taken from as many cases within the relevant force areas as possible so that the team at John Moores gets sufficient material to be able to complete this project as soon as possible.
"All IVC Evidensia farm practices in the participating regions are being encouraged to use the kits and we want to ensure all farm practices in those regions know about this important project.”
It is hoped new legislation for England and Wales will be brought in to give police officers the power to take a DNA sample from a suspected dog to compare to canine DNA left at an attack scene.
Dave Allen, North Wales Police and NPCC Livestock Offence Working Group Secretary said: “These kits are an exciting development and can be utilised for an issue that causes major concern to our UK rural communities”.
Veterinary practices are now being encouraged help raise awareness of the project, particularly to encourage farmers to take part and use the kits to collect evidence in the following regions:
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/articles/2024/5/17/forensic-science-to-help-farmers-foil-sheep-attacks