CPD Solutions has announced an eight module course on Feline Medicine starting in September. The company says that the course, with Tim Gruffydd-Jones of Bristol University, will help vets to ensure that their knowledge and clinical skills are up to date in this fast-moving area.
The new course is designed for vets working in first opinion practice, who want to develop their skills and the services that they can offer to their cat-owning clients. A comprehensive grounding in all of the important areas of Feline Medicine is combined with areas in which there have been significant advances recently, such as infectious diseases, emerging endocrine disorders, blood groups and blood transfusions. Problems that owners find particularly distressing, such as adverse behaviour and lower urinary tract disease will be addressed in detail, together with emergency presentations and strategies to cope with them effectively. Vets can enrol on the whole course or select individual modules for their own tailored CPD programme. Susie Coughlan, Managing Director of CPD Solutions said: ‘We have put together key topics in feline medicine, with an emphasis on updating current approaches to the most commonly encountered feline problems. We will also cover the newly recognised disorders that vets are very likely to encounter in first opinion practice. Our aim is to help vets to develop a practical and effective approach to all of their feline patients'.
More information on the course, Keysteps Feline Medicine, is available from CPD Solutions on 0151 328 0444 or on the website at www.cpd-solutions.com.
On Tuesday 15 January the RCVS will hold a 'Meet the RCVS Day' for those standing or considering standing for election to RCVS Council or the Veterinary Nurses Council.
The event offers prospective candidates an opportunity to find out more about what the role of a Council member involves, and what would be expected of them, if elected.
Candidates and prospective candidates will have the chance to meet the RCVS Officers and senior staff, and to find out what goes on behind the scenes. The day will start at 10.30am, and finish at approximately 3.30pm, to allow plenty of time for questions. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
For further information, or to book a place, prospective candidates can contact Fiona Harcourt, Communications Officer (f.harcourt@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0773).
Nomination forms for RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses Council, full instructions and guidance notes are available from www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil13 and www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil13. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on 31 January 2013.
Council and VN 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 Nutraotic range includes ear wipes and an ear cleaner, both formulated to provide anti-fungal and anti-bacterial support while moisturising, soothing, and hydrating the skin.
The products are scented with fresh cucumber and melon.
Chris Jones, Managing Director of Nutravet, said: "Our goal at Nutravet has always been to develop the best veterinary strength, healthcare products to aid and support a pet's wellbeing.
"Ear health in dogs and cats is a common concern for many pet owners, and these products give practices high-strength solutions to offer their clients."
www.nutravet.com
Arden Grange has launched new Adult Sensitive with ocean white fish and potato, specially developed to meet the growing demand for grain free pet foods.
Arden Grange Sensitive is a nutritionally complete dry food. According to the company, it is ideally suited to dogs susceptible to digestive disorders and skin irritation. Ocean white fish provides a primary protein source that is easily metabolised for efficient bodily functioning. Completely cereal and grain free, Arden Grange Sensitive provides all breeds of dog with a hypoallergenic, wholesome diet full of natural goodness. Potato, as the carbohydrate source, ensures a sustained energy release throughout the day providing all dogs with the health and vitality they need.
Arden Grange also highlights its ‘Not Tested on Animals’ guarantee, found on all its packaging, company literature and on its website. The company guarantees it has not and never will fund any invasive research projects conducted in relation to the development or refinement of pet foods manufactured or sold by Arden Grange.
VetNet Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) is organising its first conference to investigate some of the issues that act as barriers to progression in the veterinary and animal welfare sector for vocational learners. The conference will be taking place on Friday 9 November 2007 at London Zoo’s Prince Albert Suite.
The conference will appeal to curriculum managers in higher and further education institutes, careers advisors, lecturers in animal and veterinary-related subjects, academic development staff, representatives of professional bodies and lifelong learning network staff. Attendees on the day will be able to take part in a number of workshop discussions covering a range of subjects including:
VetNet LLN is a collaborative widening participation initiative that has been spearheaded by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). VetNet LLN is working on bringing together universities, land-based colleges and other veterinary and education organisations to encourage further education students and animal welfare practitioners into studying veterinary-related subjects at higher education level by creating progression packages with courses and professional development plans.
To book a place at the conference, please ring the VetNet LLN National Office on 01908 363446 or book online at http://www.vetnetlln.ac.uk/. Places are free of charge but must be reserved by 7th November 2007.
The RCVS is calling for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to supply up-to-date email addresses for its Survey of the Professions, which will take place early next year.
The survey is carried out every four years and, for the first time, next year's will be online only. It will ask questions about how vets and veterinary nurses are using their qualifications, how they carry out continuing professional development, what kind of practices they work in and their views on the profession, amongs other things.
The surveys will be sent via email so correct addresses are needed to make sure that veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses can have their say. Email addresses should also be unique, rather than being a generic practice email address, for example, so that the survey is sent to an individual rather than a whole team. This is also important for other emails from the College, such as personal fee or deadline reminders.
The RCVS also needs up-to-date contact details in order to offer members a better range of online services, such as the ability to better manage their Register details.
In order to check and update their contact details veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses should visit the log in area at www.rcvs.org.uk/login. Alternatively, they can contact the College's Registration Department on 020 7202 0707 or membership@rcvs.org.uk
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has launched a new website - www.hillsweightloss.co.uk - featuring the company’s weight management programme to help address the UK’s spiralling pet obesity epidemic.
Nearly 50 per cent of pets are obese or overweight and the company hopes that the site will act as a valuable support tool for vets, providing clients with an interactive, tailored weight loss and exercise programme to follow with their cat or dog.
The website also includes a series of animated illustrations and videos to demonstrate how to check a pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS) by feeling its ribs along with feeding and exercise hints and tips.
To help keep pet owners motivated, the site features a weekly weight loss programme email newsletter consisting of additional support, handy tips and helpful reminders.
Libby Sheridan, veterinary affairs manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, comments: “Obesity in animals is soaring and the new website is a useful and effective support tool which advises on both diet and exercise regimes and helps keep owners and their pets on track to reach their target weight.”
Hill’s Pet Nutrition's pet foods to aid and maintain weight loss include Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d, m/d and r/d, which has recently been reformulated. In a recent trial, dogs fed Prescription Diet r/d lost 22 per cent of their body fat in eight weeks. Hill’s Science Plan Light can also help pets prone to weight gain. Science Plan NeuteredCat is formulated to meet the needs of cats that have been neutered as they are significantly different in their energy needs.
Protexin has launched what is billed as the first therapeutic veterinary GI diet to contain an added probiotic: Pro-Balance, with Enterococcus faecium.
For more information, see: http://www.protexin.com/
The RCVS has called for comments on a Concept Note which considers how the Practice Standards Scheme might develop in the future.
The Scheme is administered by the RCVS and the detailed Standards are decided in consultation with the Practice Standards Group (PSG), which includes representatives from all of the key veterinary organisations.
The PSG is considering the future direction of the Scheme as part of the second five-year review that has been undertaken - the first resulted in a new Manual and Standards in 2010.
The proposal this time is to move to a more modular approach, with greater flexibility and an increased focus on behaviours. The proposals also aim to address some of the perceived shortcomings of the Scheme, for example, that it is a 'box-ticking' exercise; that the Scheme puts too much emphasis on paperwork requirements; and, that it is inflexible, particularly at Hospital level, meaning that to qualify, practices would have to purchase expensive equipment that they would never use.
PSG Chairman, Peter Jinman said: "Although the fundamental aim of the Scheme remains to raise and maintain high standards, the PSG recognises that it's important to address criticisms that may be acting as barriers to new members joining.
"It is hoped that changes can also be made that will provide a pathway for existing members to attain higher, more meaningful standards, which are directly relevant to animal care."
The Concept Note is available on www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations, and feedback should be sent to Practice Standards Scheme Manager Eleanor Ferguson, at e.ferguson@rcvs.org.uk, or to a Practice Standards Group member (as outlined in the Concept Note), by 20 December 2012.
This feedback will inform the development of more detailed proposals, which will be put out to full consultation in due course.
The company has created the X-Pert Radiation Safety Centre, with free downloadable toolkits for both small animal and equine practice, including positioning guides, top tips, chemical restraint protocols, and a series of case studies with equine and small animal clinics, including Pennard Vets.
Dr Victoria Johnson, CEO and radiologist (pictured), said: “Radiation safety breaches represent a significant health and safety incident and a risk to the health of veterinary team members and their patients.
"Despite this, we know that breaches are not uncommon in clinical practice.
"To help meet the challenge of improving safety in busy practice workflows, VET.CT has created a comprehensive suite of practical resources to support veterinary teams in applying best practice to ensure the health of their personnel and patients.
"We have also partnered with clinics from around the world, including GP, equine and specialist hospitals, to provide some great case studies of how the principles can be applied in practice.”
Victoria added: “Good radiation safety practice also encourages habits that lead to better diagnostics.
"We know that taking extra care to ensure good patient preparation, positioning and optimising settings results in fewer exposures and higher quality diagnostic images for more accurate interpretation.
"This all contributes to improved efficiency, patient management and outcomes, greater satisfaction, and of course, happier owners.”
The X-Pert radiation safety resources for small animal practice: https://uk.vet-ct.com/welcome-to-x-pert
The X-Pert radiation safety resources for equine practice here: https://uk.vet-ct.com/welcome-to-x-pert-equine
Ceva Animal Health has extended its Logic range of supplements with the launch of Logic Ease for dogs and cats.
Ceva says the new ‘soft chew’ supplements contain high quality active ingredients which have been developed to ensure the high standards that owners expect for their pets, adding that they allow owners to ‘treat’ their pets, knowing they are contributing to the health of their animal and reducing the desire to give unhealthy snacks.
The range for dogs comprises Logic EaseFlex, designed to help soothe active joints and support long-term mobility; Logic EaseLife for senior dogs, designed to help support mobility, coat condition, mind vitality and alertness; Logic EaseDerm to add moisture to dry, irritated skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
The range for cats comprises Logic Easeflex and Logic EaseBall to lubricate the digestive tract and enhance the passage of fur through the gut.
Abi Busk, retail business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health said: “The new Logic supplements will provide veterinary clinics with an extensive range of veterinary strength supplements that are so tasty that they can be given as treats.”
For further information on the Logic range, contact your wholesaler, call Ceva on 01494 781510, email cevauk@ceva.com or visit http://www.logicforpets.co.uk.
Fort Dodge Animal Health has launched the UK’s first free diagnostics service to assist vets in diagnosing Lyme disease in dogs.
The introduction of the new Lyme Disease Surveillance Service (LDSS) reflects concerns that the increasing incidence of the disease in humans could be followed by a similar increase in dogs.
Canine Lyme disease, while still rare in the UK, is known to be difficult to diagnose with vague symptoms and a variety of clinical presentations.
Infest-Nation, the ProMeris Parasite Report launched in late 2007 and based on interviews with 2,000 vets and pet owners, cited figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) which reported 768 cases of human Lyme disease in 2006, an increase of 263% since 2003. The increase in human incidence is believed to be attributable to an increase in the human population, better diagnosis and more favourable climatic conditions for ticks as the vector for the disease.
According to Fort Dodge, it’s possible that the increase in Lyme disease in humans will be mirrored in the canine population. Forty per cent of vets contacted for Infest-Nation had reported a significant rise in the tick problem over the last five years and 75% of dog owners didn’t know how to check their dogs for parasites and didn’t treat them as frequently as the recommended once a month.
Participation in the LDSS is free for veterinary practices registering with the scheme. You can do this by contacting Fort Dodge on 01489 781711 or by email at fortdodgeuk@fdah.com. You will then be provided with testing kits and full instructions on the submission of blood samples.
Hill's has issued an open invitation to vets and nurses to come along to its stand to see some unique personal and practice development tools, now available on-line.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager said: "These are tough times for anyone in business but for many years now we have been listening to vets about the key problems they face. We found that vets and nurses felt that long term compliance was one of their biggest issues and quantitative measurements have certainly backed that up. In response, we have, over the last few years, been developing and refining a very exciting new initiative, the CRAFTworks programme, the new on-line version of which we will be launching at BSAVA. Working with veterinary practice input, we have tailored this programme to really deliver in terms of patient care and profitability. We are very much looking forward to introducing this scheme and I believe that many practices will see real benefits in terms of their bottom line."
Training has been widely tipped as critical if the UK is to work its way out of recession but cost can be an issue. Hill's has responded by launching a new addition to the Vet Nutrition Academy (VNA) website. This latest on-line course is case based, provides training in clinical nutrition and is available absolutely free of charge to those who register with VNA. The course can be viewed at terminals on the Hill's stand and delegates will also be able to sign up at no cost and receive a gift on completion of registration. The clinical nutrition offering is just one of a stable of courses available through the VNA website, which also includes registration forms for key CPD events and a facility to earn rewards for studying.
Last year on the Hill's stand, rehabilitation specialist Lowri Davies introduced many vets to goniometry, a technique to measure mobility that was then still quite novel in the veterinary sector. The on-stand seminars were so popular that the format will be repeated this year with 15 minute CPD sessions focusing on the development of appropriate exercise programmes in a range of scenarios including the growing, geriatric and overweight dog. Four topics will be covered each day for an hour of certified CPD during breaks and lunchtimes.
There will be numerous opportunities for delegates to achieve work life balance with the popular Hill's speciality coffee bar available for those who want to chat through their nutrition dilemmas with technical staff or talk about the opportunities on offer. There is also a free gift for everyone who visits the stand and the chance to try out a Wii Fit - the latest product from Nintendo that combines fitness with having fun. There are three Wii Fit Bundles to be won by entering the daily competition.
Adrian said: "It's always good to talk to colleagues we already know but if it has been some time since you have talked to Hill's I really encourage you to come along for an informal chat and see just what we have to offer. The longer we work with veterinary practices the better we understand their needs and the better we can respond to those needs. We want to continue to learn from the profession and to use the resources we can bring to the table to help veterinary businesses to thrive and prosper."
The British Veterinary Association has launched two new guides for members on 'Euthanasia' and 'The role of the vet in treatment choice decision-making'.
The guides provide both thought-provoking questions for vets to consider when assisting clients with treatment choice and practical guidance on making the right decisions on euthanasia for individual animals.
The guides are the result of work by the BVA's Ethics and Welfare Group.
'The role of the vet in treatment choice decision-making' tackles issues such as:
The 'Euthanasia' guide includes:
Commenting on the launch of the guides Peter Jinman, Chairman of the BVA's Ethics and Welfare Group, said: "Treatment choice and euthanasia are important parts of veterinary work but are rarely black and white issues. These guides aim to help vets through the often difficult decision-making processes required and cover all aspects from legal issues to the welfare of the animal and the needs of its owner.
"The BVA guide to euthanasia provides a clear, easy-to-use document to help veterinary surgeons make the best decisions for the animals in their care. As well as outlining the various types of euthanasia, the guide provides a Decision Tree designed to help vets work through the available options.
"The guide to treatment choice decision-making explores issues such as where the vet's moral obligation lies and how far he/she can and should influence treatment choice.
"The guides aim to be a practical resource for vets in both small and large animal practice at any stage of their careers. I am grateful to the Euthanasia and Treatment Choice Subgroup, chaired by Richard Jones, for their excellent work setting in context this potentially difficult area of veterinary work."
The Webinar Vet has announced that booking has opened for its third annual online webinar congress, with early bird discounts of up to 61% available for a limited time.
The 2015 congress will take place over 24 hours, with continuous lecture streams starting at midnight GMT on Saturday 10th January. Topics include soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, immune-mediated skin disease, haematology and feline and canine liver disease. All sessions will also be available for those delegates who can't take part in the live event (or don't feel like doing 24 hours of CPD in one sitting) to watch on demand later.
The Webinar Vet founder Anthony Chadwick MRCVS said: "The event has developed very quickly, from the first congress staged in January 2013 attracting over 360 vets from 26 countries, followed in 2014 by the addition of a virtual exhibition and 561 delegates from 42 countries."
For more information, visit www.theinternationalwebinarvet.com.
The awards recognise individuals and teams who drive continuous improvements for better outcomes for patients, better service provision to clients, an improved business or environmental case, or better working conditions for the team. In addition, applicants will be assessed on their passion for QI, and for encouraging and championing QI.
Applications are invited from anyone who works within the veterinary industry or veterinary education, including educators and learners from under- and post-graduate education and everyone working in a practice setting, including the administration team, veterinary nurses, practice managers and surgeons at all levels.
Individuals can nominate themselves, their team, or their colleagues.
Louise Northway RVN and RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement Clinical Lead (pictured right), said: “QI has completely changed the way I approach my role as clinical lead RVN in practice. It has provided me with helpful tools to help me measure how we are doing and guidance on improving areas that require further work.
“QI is a continuous, reflective process that stops you doing things the way they’ve always been done and enables you to review the systems, measure the outcomes and consider how things can be improved for the benefit of your patients and team.
“I encourage anyone who is passionate about implementing QI to apply for the 2022 Knowledge Awards, or nominate a colleague who is championing QI in your workplace.”
Winners will be named ‘Knowledge Champions’ or ‘Champion Practices’ and receive a £250 prize, tickets to the awards ceremony and the chance to work with RCVS Knowledge to continue promoting their Quality Improvement work.
The winners of the 2021 Knowledge Awards were recognised for a range of QI initiatives:
The deadline for nominating colleagues is 18 October 2021, and the deadline for applications (whether you have applied directly or have been nominated) is 4 December 2021. Winners will be announced in early 2022.
For more information, visit: www.rcvsknowledge.org/KnowledgeAwards/
A new US colic study, published in Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), in partnership with the American Association of Equine Practitioners, has identified various risk factors, including delayed faecal output and increasing blood lactate, associated with post-anaesthetic colic.
The study Risk factors associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction in horses undergoing elective procedures under general anaesthesia was conducted by surgeons based at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, USA.
The authors say that the research should enable vets to implement preventative measures to help reduce incidences of colic in the future.
Gastrointestinal pain has been estimated to occur in 2.8-6% of horses following general anaesthesia for elective procedures, the most common cause being impaction of the large intestine or caecum.
The medical records of 416 horses undergoing general anaesthesia were collected over a two-year period and the potential risk factors were examined. 8.7% of horses were diagnosed with gastrointestinal dysfunction - higher than previous estimates probably because the study included horses requiring treatment for decreased faecal output whereas previous studies did not. Potential risk factors were assessed, including faecal output, which was decreased in 38.9% of cases, blood lactate, position during surgery, rectal temperature and breed of horse.
The results showed that Arabian horses, increasing blood lactate, right lateral recumbency, decreased rectal temperature post-procedure and delayed passage of faeces were significantly associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Diana Hassel, who instigated the study, said: "These findings should help the clinician identify higher risk horses and be proactive about their management in the post-anaesthetic period.
"This may include pre-emptive nasogastric intubation and administration of mineral oil and/or water and electrolytes. Although core temperature control in horses is difficult to achieve in adult horses during surgery, further research into this field may prove beneficial."
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal said: "This study brings obvious and immediate practical benefits for clinicians and the horses under their care. Rigorous monitoring of higher risk surgical cases should lead to a reduction in incidences of post-operative colic, making recovery procedures less difficult and outcomes more favourable."
Bayer Animal Health reports that sales of Drontal have achieved double digit growth following the company's recent advertising campaign.
The company says its marketing push has been so successful that 83% of cat and dog owners now name Drontal ahead of any other wormer.
Apparently, vet practice waiting room posters are most commonly the way pet owners learn about Drontal, while approximately half of those regularly tuning in to the popular TV series The Dog Whisperer and GMTV were aware of Drontal's sponsorship of the programmes.
Dan White, Drontal's product manager said: "Bayer has invested heavily in advertising Drontal direct to pet owners effectively driving them into veterinary practice and producing accompanying practice support materials such as waiting room posters and wormer reminder cards which have really paid off. Three-quarters of pet owners surveyed stated they last purchased their wormer from their veterinary practice," comments.
"We will continue to support veterinary practices through advertising and sponsorship initiatives to help raise awareness of the importance of regularly worming pets with Drontal and boost sales further."
For further information or to order more Drontal practice support materials, please contact your local Bayer territory manager.
The British Veterinary Association is delighted to announce the election of new chairmen for two of its standing committees.
Fred Landeg is the new chairman of the Veterinary Policy Group (VPG) and James Yeates is the new chairman of the Ethics and Welfare Group (EWG).
Both positions were filled at the first meetings of the Association year in November when Richard Harvey and Peter Jinman reached the end of their three-year terms as chairmen on VPG and EWG respectively.
Fred Landeg CBE BVetMed MSc MRCVS qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1971 and spent some time in veterinary practice before joining the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food in 1975 as a Veterinary Officer. In 2004 he was appointed UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and Director in Defra and became acting Director General and Chief Veterinary Officer in November 2007. He retired from public service at the end of April 2008. Mr Landeg said: "The UK veterinary profession is small and has a very wide range of diverse skills and specialisms. It will continue to become more diverse but in diversifying, if the profession is to continue to have influence, it must have a coherent public voice based on sound policies and respect for each other's specialism.
"The BVA provides that coherent voice and the VPG is a key component in developing BVA policy."
James Yeates BSc BVSc DWEL MRCVS qualified from Bristol in 2004 and worked as a veterinary surgeon, undertaking a bachelors degree in bioethics and starting a PhD in veterinary ethics. He is currently an RCVS diplomate in animal welfare science, ethics and law, an active member of the SPVS, and works as the BSAVA Petsavers/RSPCA Bristol Resident Scholar in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. Mr Yeates said: "Bringing together scientific, clinical and ethical insights, the BVA EWG is uniquely placed to give progressive recommendations about how we interact with animals. Animal owners, vets, retailers and our whole society have to make difficult ethical decisions about the millions of animals that rely on them for their care.
"There is so much that the profession does, and even more to do in the future. The EWG can provide a focal point for that progress."
Presenters at the webinar will include: Professor Melissa McDermid MD, MPH, division head, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, University of Maryland, Prof. Clare Knottenbelt BVSC MSC DSAM MRCVS, owner and founder of specialist referral service, Hawk and Dove, and previously clinical director of the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Sam Fontaine MSc, lecturer and director of the MSc Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing and module leader within the BVMS programme at The Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine. There will also be a video from the oncology centre at The Queen’s Veterinary School, Cambridge University.
The webinar will also look at the use of Closed System Transfer Devices, such as Tevadaptor, to improve safety and break down barriers to treatment across all practices.
Clare Knottenbelt (pictured right) said: “Pets with cancer need to be able to access chemotherapy treatments locally. The advent of new closed administration systems mean that practices can now safely administer chemotherapeutics in house without the need for large investment, but still protecting the health of their staff."
Delegates will be able to to submit questions to the speakers and will receive a certificate for one hour of CPD. The session will be recorded so it can be watched again.
For the full programme or to register, visit: https://aesculap-academia.eventbritestudio.com/160802290981
Intervet / Schering-Plough has announced that following the success of National Vaccination Month, which targeted the owners of unvaccinated dogs, cats and rabbits, and resulted in more than 32,000 additional vaccinations, a second National Vaccination Month will run throughout March 2009.
According to the company, National Vaccination Month 2008 won strong support from vets nationwide and succeeded in increasing awareness among pet owners of the need to vaccinate their animals, with the end result of driving unvaccinated pets into practices across the country.
Just over 2,100 veterinary clinics registered to take part and following a heavyweight marketing and TV advertising campaign, the pet owning public responded in their thousands.
Almost 70,000 people visited the website www.vaccinationmonth.co.uk with over 32,000 pets vaccinated as a result.
To build on the success of this campaign and in light of data suggesting a continued escalation in the number of unvaccinated pets, Intervet / Schering Plough Animal Health is calling on veterinary practices to sign up and benefit from the massive marketing drive that will underpin the second National Vaccination Month.
As in 2008, central to the success of the campaign will be a nationally co-ordinated amnesty encouraging owners of unvaccinated dogs, cats and rabbits to have their pets fully vaccinated for the cost of a booster. The amnesty will highlight the shocking fact that only half of the nation's dogs, a quarter of cats and just 10 per cent of rabbits are up to date with their vaccinations. This is in the face of survey work, indicating the widespread and prevalent nature of certain infectious diseases.
Angus Robinson of Intervet / Schering Plough said: "The success of the 2008 campaign blew us away. Of most significance was the feedback that we had from vets, which suggested that rather than drawing from their existing client base, National Vaccination Month improved pet vaccination levels by attracting new clients into practice.
"However survey results show we have a long way to go. Too many cases of serious infectious disease are still seen in practice and wider vaccination uptake would reduce the number of animals susceptible to these serious and preventable diseases.
"In 2009, given the prevailing economic climate, pet owners will be particularly alive to the fact that there is a cost benefit to them and this may give even greater impetus to the campaign."
During National Vaccination Month, participating vets will provide a free healthcheck and discounted vaccination saving owners up to £30 per pet.
As well as TV advertising, a radio campaign, PR editorial across a range of media and marketing support, this year's campaign will be backed by a leading TV wildlife broadcaster and celebrity who will be unveiled at the consumer launch.
As in 2008, the website www.vaccinationmonth.co.uk will give pet owners the chance to search for their nearest participating vet.
For more information on how to register your practice to take part in the campaign, please contact your Intervet account manager or call Intervet's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.
The College says that its new WhatsApp channel will give alerts of upcoming RCVS events, feature articles, blogs, videos and podcasts.
To follow the RCVS on WhatsApp, you would normally click 'Updates' at the foot of the app and search for "Royal College of ...", but as of today, the channel is still so new, it is not yet listed in the search results.
Until it is, you can follow the RCVS on WhatsApp using this link: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78yutE50UlFWxf4h07
The College's relaunched podcast will start with a news segment before going on to a more in-depth discussion on a specific topic.
The first episode - ‘Research with Purpose: An RCVS Perspective’ - discusses the integral role of research in supporting veterinary professionals in the workplace, as well as busting some common workforce myths.
Listening to the podcast can also count towards your CPD requirements.
Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, said: “We understand how busy veterinary professionals are and how challenging it can be to stay up to date with College updates – particularly for those working in settings with limited access to emails.
"By reintroducing our podcast and launching a WhatsApp channel, we aim to make information more accessible, giving professionals and animal owners alike new and more flexible ways to engage with us in a way that suits them.”