The events will cover a range of subjects designed to boost morale, positively influence wellbeing and reduce the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). They will also demonstrate how to support employees and colleagues to ensure work is sustainable, productive and enjoyable and guide veterinary professionals through mechanisms to make working life a more positive experience, despite the current climate.
The series will feature 30-minute presentations by wellbeing professionals such as sports psychiatrist, Dr Claire Gillvray (pictured right), human factors specialist, Dan Tipney, and occupational psychologist, Prof Elinor O’Connor.
The full programme is:
Liz Barton, co-founder of WellVet, said: “WellVet exists to provide practical tools and a supportive network to help positively influence and improve wellbeing and boost morale. This programme of events is designed to answer specific challenges we’re experiencing – now more than ever in veterinary teams, and to bring us together for a bit of festive cheer."
Emma McAnally, territory manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. said: “During these challenging times, work and life in general can often seem overwhelming. We are delighted to support the WellVet Winter Wellbeing series to help improve wellbeing both in the work and home environments.”
For further information on the WellVet Winter Wellbeing series and for details on how to join visit www.wellvet.co.uk.
Defra has announced that new rules on pet travel will be introduced from 1st January 2012. The changes will mean that the rules on rabies vaccination for entry into the UK will be in line with the rest of Europe.
Defra has carried out a risk assessment to find out how the changes will affect the level of risk of rabies entering the UK. Although the probability of rabies introduction into the UK will increase, the assessment found the risk will remain very low after the increase.
The British Veterinary Association and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association are informing their members of the new rules so that the right advice can be given to pet owners planning to travel abroad with their animals.
Dogs, cats and pet ferrets entering the UK from an EU or 'listed' third country from 1 January 2012 must:
The current requirement to carry out a blood test followed by a six-month wait before entry into the UK will no longer be required.
From 1st January pets entering from a non-listed third country must pass a blood test 30 days after vaccination followed by a three-month wait.
Until now, the UK, Ireland and three other Member States have had derogations from EU pet travel rules to allow for additional controls to protect against rabies, ticks and tapeworms.
Successful vaccination programmes in wildlife in mainland Europe have now allowed the UK to consider whether the additional controls for rabies are still necessary.
The BVA and BSAVA have continued to lobby in Europe for additional controls to be maintained for tapeworms, which could introduce Echinococcus multilocularis to the UK - a significant public health concern.
Although a final decision has not yet been made the European Commission has indicated that it will support the UK case for additional tapeworm controls.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "It is vital that any controls on animal movements are proportionate to the risk.
"Due to the highly successful vaccination programme in wildlife in mainland Europe there has been a huge reduction in the incidence in rabies. Research carried out by Defra reveals that the risk of introducing rabies under the new rules is very low.
"However, it is essential that pet owners get good veterinary advice when planning to take their animals abroad because pets can be exposed to a number of diseases not currently endemic in the UK, for example leishmaniasis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis.
"As part of responsible ownership we would always advise pet owners to visit their vet for a pre-travel consultation to discuss how to protect the health and welfare of their animals when travelling abroad."
Andrew Ash, President of the BSAVA, added: "The Pet Travel Scheme has been highly successful in keeping the UK free of rabies. BVA and BSAVA have been working closely with Defra to ensure that any changes to the pet travel rules do not threaten our disease-free status.
"The rabies vaccine has advanced and now has a longer duration of immunity and we welcome the continuing requirement for all pets to be vaccinated before travel."
Virbac Animal Health has launched a broad spectrum wormer for dogs called Endogard (praziquantel, pyrantel and febantel).
Virbac says Endogard offers treatment against most types of intestinal worms found commonly in dogs. It is presented in two tablet sizes for easy dosage.
Victoria Hudson, Product Manager for Endo and Ectoparasiticides, said: "While we're known for developing innovative products which help practices generate additional revenue streams, we can also support them by offering cost-effective and proven products for routine use.
Endogard is a perfect example. The efficacy of its active ingredients is well-established; it's simple for owners to administer and it's also affordable which will bring them back to the practice. It's an excellent addition to Virbac's strong range of parasite control treatments."
For further information, contact your Territory Manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
Petplan has teamed up with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to launch Summer Safety, a pet owner education campaign based on insurance claims received by the company.
The company reports that last year, 83% of all heat stroke claims occurred in the summer months (June-August), with 48% of them in July alone. Almost half of all heat stroke claims last year came in at an average of £315, with the highest claim reaching nearly £600.
80% of grass seed claims happened between June and August last year, 41% of which happened in July. The highest grass seed claim paid out by Petplan last year was just over £3,600, with the top ten highest grass seed claims totalling over £18,500.
Petplan says it also sees a significant spike in claims for injuries resulting from other foreign bodies in ears and paws in the summer months. Last year, 77% of claims arising from foreign bodies in ears and 55% for foreign bodies in paws occurred between June and August.
In order to alleviate the risk to pets and highlight the danger, Petplan and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have created a guide to help pet owners determine how at-risk to heat their pet is. The guide is available to download at petplan.co.uk/summersafety and Battersea.org.uk/funinthesun.
Petplan's vet Brian Faulkner MRCVS said: "Using the simple four step process, the guide encourages pet owners to answer a series of questions that reveals their pet's SPF score, whilst including useful tips to help keep their pet out of harm's way during the hotter months. The scale calculates a pet's risk to retaining heat based on four factors, those being; coat colour, coat type, length of the animal's nose and its age, to determine either a low, medium or high risk susceptibility."
The Committee heard a number of charges against Dr Davies.
Two of the charges related to convictions for drink driving in March 2014 and October 2015, for which she received driving bans for 17 months and 45 months respectively.
The third charge related to her breaching a number of undertakings she had entered into as part of the College’s Health Protocol, including her consuming alcohol on four occasions between May 2015 and January 2016 and missing a pre-arranged appointment.
The fourth charge related to being under the influence of alcohol on three occasions while she was on duty as a veterinary surgeon in December 2016 which was also in breach of her undertakings under the Health Protocol.
At the outset of the hearing Dr Davies admitted all five charges against her and that this meant she was unfit to practise veterinary surgery and that she was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect. The Committee accepted her admissions and found, with the exception of one allegation, that her conduct was disgraceful in a professional respect.
In considering the sanction for Dr Davies, the Committee considered a number of aggravating factors including the risk of injury to animals in her care; the fact that the misconduct was sustained or repeated over a period of time; the fact that her conduct contravened the advice issued to her by the Preliminary Investigation Committee upon entering the Health Protocol; and the fact that Dr Davies was in a position of trust and responsibility during the occasions she was under the influence of alcohol in December 2016 as she was the sole veterinary surgeon on duty.
In its consideration of sanction the Committee heard a submission from counsel for Dr Davies for the decision on sanction to be postponed for six months on the basis of Dr Davies complying with nine separate undertakings, including one not to practise as a vet. In making this application Dr Davies’ counsel told the Committee that her client was remorseful over her conduct and that she had been abstinent from alcohol since August 2017 after referring herself for treatment.
The Committee decided to postpone the hearing for six months on the basis of Dr Davies’ fulfilling her undertakings. These include not to practise veterinary surgery and to remain abstinent from alcohol during the period of postponement.
Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee accepted Dr Davies’ evidence and found her to have genuine remorse. Further it recognised that Dr Davies was fully committed to understanding and addressing her alcohol problem. Her efforts to avoid any repetition of misconduct were evident from the detailed undertakings which she had volunteered.
"The Committee took into account that Dr Davies had a hitherto unblemished career prior to her alcohol problem, having qualified in 1996. Further it noted that she had not worked as a veterinary surgeon since December 2016.
"The Committee therefore decided to postpone judgement so that Dr Davies could continue to demonstrate her improved insight and her abstinence from alcohol.”
The BVA has partnered with Closer Still Media, the impresarios behind the London Vet Show, to organise the event. They say it will cater for 1,500 veterinary professionals and provide high-value, low-cost, practical clinical and non-clinical CPD, big issue debates, and showcase key veterinary suppliers and vendors in the exhibition in a vibrant central location.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "I’m delighted to announce the launch of BVA Live. It’s an opportunity for BVA to return to hosting our own standalone conference for the first time since BVA Congress became part of the London Vet Show in 2013. The new conference will enable the veterinary community to come together, outside of London, to develop and thrive through a programme of excellent CPD, delivered by world class speakers.
"For me the most important element of BVA Live is bringing the veterinary profession together to tackle the big issues we face and providing an opportunity to engage with BVA Officers, volunteers and staff in one central venue. By hosting the conference at the NEC, Birmingham, with its excellent direct road, rail and air links it means that we can provide a greater regional offering to the veterinary profession."
It remains to be seen what impact this new conference will have on BSAVA Congress, which for many years was pretty much the only gig in town. Then, with the London Vet Show snapping at its heels, it announced it would move north from Birmingham to Manchester from 2021. Hardly will the dust have settled, than BVA and CloserStill are filling the void. At this rate, BSAVA Congress will probably have to move to the Hebrides by 2025.
It looks like there are a lot of dice being rolled here. Will more vets want to meet in Manchester than Birmingham? Will any of us be meeting next year, or will coronavirus continue to limit gatherings in 2021?
For more information and to register your interest in attending, visit bvalive.vetshow.com
The courses are:
MMI Manager Lisa Quigley commented: “I am really proud of this new tranche of training.
"Whereas our previous training has focused on the individual experience, for example, mental health awareness and resilience, these new courses recognise that individual instances of poor mental health and wellbeing can often be caused by systemic issues – whether that’s a poor workplace culture where bullying and incivility thrive, or discrimination on account of someone’s protected characteristics.
The full range of courses, including the dates and times and details on how to register, can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/training
Feedback about any of the courses can be sent to info@vetmindmatters.org
Vetoquinol is advising vets and farmers to be on the lookout following the discovery of counterfeit Marbocyl on two farms in Northern Ireland.
The counterfeit product contains an unapproved source of Marbofloxacin in an untested formulation which presents an unknown risk to animal and human health if used.
Vetoquinol has informed the national authorities about this situation. It is illegal either to sell or supply the product or to knowingly buy and/or use it.
The withdrawal period of this counterfeit product is unknown. Should the product be used it could be detected in milk or after slaughter. Vetoquinol advises the veterinary community to be aware of the risk, to carefully check the product packaging before use and to continue to source the product from reputable suppliers.
Vetoquinol urges vets and farmers to take the following actions if you find this product on farm or are approached to purchase it:
Vetoquinol says vets can rest assured that it will do all that is necessary to remove this product from the market.
If you need further information or advice, do not hesitate to contact Vetoquinol on 0800 1698197.
The Animal Health Trust has begun a pilot study to investigate a possible link between seasonal canine illness (SCI) and harvest mites, continuing an initial study on the possible cause of SCI funded by the Kennel Club.
SCI is a mystery illness which in recent years has made a number of dogs walked in woodlands suddenly become ill.
Cases of SCI are usually seen from August to November, with dogs showing clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhoea and/or lethargy within 24 to 72 hours of walking in woodland. Dog owners are advised to seek immediate veterinary advice should they see these signs in their dog following a woodland walk.
So far this year, there have been 49 cases in total reported to the AHT, from across all of its current investigation sites. A number of cases reported to the charity have shown evidence of harvest mite infestation.
Charlotte Robin, SCI Research Co-ordinator at the AHT, said: "To enable us to eliminate harvest mites as a potential cause of SCI, we are advising dog owners to treat their dogs with a fipronil spray directly before walking in woodlands."
There are currently no licenced products that will specifically prevent against harvest mites, however fipronil spray is believed to be effective in preventing other mites. The researchers believe that it is important that dog owners use the spray and not the spot-on treatment, which may not provide the same level of localised protection on vulnerable areas.
Charlotte added: "Dog owners need to be aware that using fipronil spray may not protect their dog from SCI, but it could protect them from harvest mites and other external parasites. What we are trying to do with this study is eliminate the harvest mite and other external parasites from our enquiries.
In addition to advising all dog owners walking their dogs in woodlands during autumn to use fipronil spray as an external parasite treatment, the AHT is working with the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to offer to offer dog owners who wish to participate in the study access to the spray free of charge, if deemed appropriate by their veterinary surgeon.
As this is a prescription only medicine, the charity is issuing vouchers to dog owners which they can redeem for fipronil spray through their local vet practice, on the proviso their dog is deemed a suitable candidate by their vet.
Dog owners who meet the criteria and wish to participate in the study will be required to complete a SCI online questionnaire following their visit to the Estate, and an additional follow-up questionnaire regarding the pilot study, regardless of whether their dog was taken ill or not.
You can register to take part in the pilot study at www.aht.org.uk/scipilotstudy
Image courtesy: Luc Viatour / www.Lucnix.be
The webinar was hosted by RCVS Senior Vice-President Dr Melissa Donald, with Standards Committee Chair and Junior Vice-President Linda Belton, Registrar Eleanor Ferguson, and Head of Standards Gemma Kingswell.
The panel gave an overview of the main changes for the guidance, which comes into effect on 1st September, the considerations to take into account when prescribing POM-Vs remotely, the circumstances under which POM-Vs cannot be prescribed remotely, the prescription of antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics, and antivirals, and how the guidance will be enforced.
The webinar also dealt with issues raised in a previous webinar, including a query about prescribing under the cascade and an update on the position when prescribing based on cultures and sensitivities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSTZKdbVD8g
For further information about the new guidance, including a range of practice-based scenarios and FAQs, visit: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/under-care-new-guidance/
Questions about the under care guidance can be sent to advice@rcvs.org.uk
The BSAVA has announced that comic Michael McIntyre has joined the line up for Congress Party Night.
McIntyre will be joining comedian Fred MacAulay and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin
To register for BSAVA, click here.
One of Carl's main presidential tasks will be implementing the BSAVA’s new strategy for 2024, which comes from a current project looking into the wider veterinary profession and how BSAVA can support the community.
Carl is the clinical director of a busy small animal and exotics practice in Newbury, which is also a partner practice for Surrey University, helping to train final year vet students.
He has been a member of BSAVA for 40 years and started volunteering for the Southern Regional Committee in 2013.
Carl said: “BSAVA has always been important to me in my professional life.
"Since becoming a volunteer, I have admired even more the dedication of the staff and volunteers who make up the association.
“I see my time on BSAVA Board as a service to the association and to the small animal veterinary world.
"Becoming President is a huge honour but is part of an ongoing commitment to doing what I can to help BSAVA thrive.”
BVA President Harvey Locke used his annual London dinner speech last night to urge the Government to take action on veterinary student fees and the welfare of dogs, and respond to the consultation on dangerous dogs.
Guests at the dinner included The Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP, Secretary of State for Defra, parliamentarians, veterinary surgeons, and representatives from the agri-food industry, pet industry, welfare charities, research and veterinary education.
Mr Locke began by raising concerns over cuts to animal health and welfare and disease surveillance budgets: "In the Comprehensive Spending Review Defra took one of the biggest hits. The profession remains deeply concerned that cuts in research and development and disease surveillance could have catastrophic consequences. Right now the UK enjoys some of the highest animal health and welfare standards in the world and so it is in all of our interests to ensure the viability of the farming sector amidst massive competition from abroad, where those standards may not always be as high."
On veterinary student fees, Mr Locke outlined the 'double whammy' of a long course and compulsory Extra Mural Studies in the holidays: "Our role as the guardians of animal health and welfare faces an uncertain future following the announcement that the cap on tuition fees will be raised to between 6 and 9 thousand pounds a year. We fear this could have a huge impact on the decisions of A-level students, with fewer and fewer opting for an expensive veterinary science degree.
"Although the plans are not yet finalised we are bracing ourselves for veterinary degrees, which are costly to run, to be priced at the top of the scale, meaning veterinary students of the future will graduate with at least £45,000 of debt in tuition fees alone. Faced with these levels of debt, our concern is that those who do make it to graduation won't opt for the food animal practice and public health roles that attract smaller pay packages. We need to think carefully about how we can secure the future provision of large animal practitioners."
On companion animal issues Mr Locke asked Defra not to defer all decisions on dog welfare to the newly-formed Dog Advisory Council: "While the BVA fully supports the Advisory Council, we would urge the Government not to use it to delay decisions that might improve the health and welfare of dogs now. At a recent meeting of the Associate Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW) ...there was overwhelming support for provision for healthy breeding to be brought into Defra's welfare codes.
"We have long maintained that to ignore breeding in the dog welfare code is a serious oversight by Defra. In England we already have regulations that protect our farmed animals from breeding procedures that cause suffering or injury, but not for our pets. This contradictory approach makes little sense. Updating the welfare codes to include breeding would send a clear message that the Government is committed to improving the health and welfare of man's best friend."
On dangerous dogs Mr Locke renewed the BVA's call for the Government to respond to the Defra consultation, which found 77% in favour of scrapping breed-specific legislation: "Despite this overwhelming call from the public, the Government has kept its powder dry, repeatedly promising to announce its response soon.
"Secretary of State I would like to assure you that the BVA is prepared to work with all of the other organisations with an interest in dog welfare and public safety to find an effective solution. We all want to see people protected on private property; legislation that targets irresponsible owners and not just the way a dog looks; and tools that allow the police and other enforcement agencies to act swiftly to protect the public.
"And, crucially, we all want to work with you to achieve these aims."
Fourth year veterinary students from the University of Sydney's Faculty of Veterinary Science have produced a nude calendar in which they use a variety of strategically placed animals to protect their modesty.
The calendar, called Under the Overalls, features a variety of animals, including three lucky (depending on your point of view) llamas, a calf, three sheep and a rather unfortunate fish.
It's all in aid of charity. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/undertheoveralls, or you can buy the calendar for $20 at www.undertheoveralls.com.
Picture: House of Cameo
The company held a draw for the centrifuge via VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk at the start of January. The draw attracted entries from 577 vets and nurses.
However, the rules of the draw stated that people could enter as many times as they liked, so in total there were 1699 entries.
In fact, one gentleman was so eager to win, he entered no less than 759 times.
By comparison, the 155 entries from a Northumberland practice and the 69 entries from staff at Severn Edge Vets looked comparatively modest.
Jo, pictured right with her prize, said: "It’s the first time I've won anything. Our centrifuge was over 10 years old, and ready to spin in its grave. Our new CombiSpin arrived today. I like it because it’s so quiet, takes up hardly any space and looks sleek and robust."
Fiona Sturgess from Vetlab Supplies said: "It’s great that the prize was won for a practice by a veterinary nurse. Perhaps she’ll get a raise! Also nice to hear that it’s replacing a machine that was obviously living on borrowed time.
"All entrants to the draw are entitled to a 20% discount on a new CombiSpin, we’ll be emailing vouchers shortly."
The recategorisation means that pharmacists and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) will be able to prescribe Zolvix.
The VMD says that making the anthelmintic more widely available will increase its usage as part of strategic worm control programmes on farms, which could in turn result in long term health benefits for sheep, for example by reducing the development and spread of anthelmintic resistance, thereby prolonging the effective use of anthelmintics.
The VMD adds that SQPs will now have additional training to ensure they are sufficiently familiar with Zolvix and how to prescribe it effectively and responsibly so that it is used appropriately. A new compulsory training module will be implemented by The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) to augment the skills of all AMTRA-registered SQPs permitted to prescribe farm animal products. New SQPs will be required to undertake a revised and extended module before gaining their farm animal registration with AMTRA.
Pharmacists and SQPs will be able to prescribe Zolvix from 1st July 2017.
UPDATE 16th March:
BVA President Gudrun Ravetz has issued a statement expressing concern over the recategorisation of Zolvix:
"We know that resistance to anthelmintics is increasing in grazing animals and needs to be addressed if the livestock industry is to avoid a potentially disastrous situation of being unable to tackle parasites. The reclassification of Zolvix from POM-V to POM-VPS is in direct opposition to the trend in Europe, where we are seeing increased control over dispensing of anthelmintics in species where resistance is a serious threat to animal welfare and profitable production; we're extremely concerned that we might start seeing resistance develop in group 4 as a result.
"BVA believes that prescribing of anthelmintics requires a level of control best provided by a veterinary surgeon who has the animals under his/her care, and is based on a sound clinical diagnosis, in order to protect animal welfare and safeguard the efficacy of these products for the future."
Further information on BVA's policy on anthelmintics can be found on BVA’s website: www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/policy/medicines/anthelmintics.
The study, which was carried out by researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences at the University of Nottingham, is one of the first to look at colostrum hygiene in Great Britain. The researchers analysed data from 328 colostrum samples from 56 British dairy farms.
Samples collected from collection and feeding equipment had higher levels of bacteria than those collected directly from the cows’ teat, suggesting that whilst colostrum from the cow is relatively low in bacterial levels, improperly cleaned equipment can be a major source of bacterial contamination. Over one third of samples collected from collection or feeding equipment were over the threshold for high bacterial levels and represented a significant risk to the health of calves.
Dr Robert Hyde (pictured right), one of the researchers on the study, said: “By analysing colostrum collection protocols on the farms, we were able to identify a small number of management practices likely to have a substantial impact on colostrum hygiene for the majority of farms.
"For example, the use of scalding hot water to clean collection and feeding equipment could reduce bacteria levels by over 90% compared with using cold water only. Less than half of farms used scalding hot water to clean colostrum collection and feeding equipment, suggesting there are a large number of farms that could make this simple change.”
The main recommendations from the research are that colostrum hygiene protocols should include the cleaning of colostrum collection and feeding equipment after every use with hot water as opposed to cold water, and hypochlorite or peracetic acid as opposed to water or parlour wash.
Cows' teats should be prepared with a pre-milking teat disinfectant and wiped with a clean, dry paper towel prior to colostrum collection, and colostrum should be pasteurised where possible.
The AHDB guide to colostrum hygiene can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FziQX0B9yb4
Robert added: “This study provides a first look at bacteria levels in Great Britain, and the results suggest there are a few simple changes to collection and cleaning protocols that could have a significant impact on colostrum hygiene levels on British dairy farms. By making these simple changes there is likely to be significant improvement in colostrum hygiene, which is essential in minimising the risk of disease and ensuring the optimum health and welfare of calves on dairy farms.”
The full study is open access and can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.601227/full
The University of Nottingham herd health toolkit contains a “Colostrum bacteriology” section, where vets and farmers can use the results from this study to see what management changes might have the largest impact on colostrum hygiene, can be found here: https://herdhealth.shinyapps.io/toolkit/
Reference
The toolkit contains triage forms, a contact directory, emergency action guidelines and a drug glossary, together with dosage rates for its Anti-Tox Range.
Miranda Davis, Territory Manager at TVM said: "The Toxin Toolkit is designed to make it as easy as possible to access advice when veterinary staff are dealing with pet poisoning cases which need immediate attention.
"We are launching the Toxin Toolkit to make information more easily accessible to vets, however an added benefit is that it helps us and our clients to minimise our environmental impact by reducing the need for our printed poisoning guidelines."
To access the Toxin Toolkit, visit: https://www.tvm-uk.com/vet-resource-library/
A short survey, which has been emailed to BVA members this week, asks respondents to confirm which Official Controls Qualifications (OCQ(V)s) they currently hold or previously held.
They are also asked to give reasons if they have chosen to drop a particular qualification without revalidating it.
The BVA says members have raised concerns via Council about the OV training and revalidation process, citing time, cost, a lack of relevance and duplication of learning across different modules as reasons for choosing not to renew their qualifications.
The BVA plans to take the data and insights captured in the survey to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and make recommendations for how the system can be made more user-friendly and fit for purpose.
John Fishwick, BVA President, said: "Official Veterinarians have a critical role to play in upholding high standards of health and welfare across the supply chain, certifying products for export and safeguarding against disease and food fraud. We are already aware that this area is facing significant challenges as Brexit is likely to drive up demand for product certification.
"It is particularly worrying to hear that members are finding the system both frustrating and resource-intensive. Losing skilled professionals now at a time when they are needed most would be a real waste of specialist knowledge and could leave gaps in the UK’s provision for responding to disease outbreaks and meeting export certification needs post-Brexit.
"We understand and support the need to keep veterinary skills up to date, but the process for demonstrating this must be straightforward and proportionate. BVA will ensure that all insights offered by respondents are raised with APHA with the aim of getting the system right for OVs working in the UK both now and in the future."
BVA members can access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7Y2Y3RR. The deadline for responding is 29 June 2018.
Elanco says Baycox Iron offers a time-saving flexible dosing treatment which complements the company’s existing piglet gut health portfolio.
Louise Radford, marketing manager at Elanco, said: "By treating piglets at two or three days old, it’s possible to allow enough exposure to the coccidiosis parasite to enable them to develop natural immunity, while preventing any damage to the gut caused by subclinical and clinical coccidiosis which leads to poor growth and low weaning weights.
"By combining treatments, it's possible to limit the number of times they are handled, which in turn reduces stress and enhances growth”.
Elanco also makes the Coliprotec vaccine against post weaning diarrhoea (PWD).
Louise added: “As farmers and vets prepare for the removal of zinc oxide as a treatment option next year, focusing on gut health throughout all stages of development has never been more crucial.
For more information, contact your Elanco pig team specialist or visit https://www.myelanco.co.uk/cpd/swine/hub.
Petsox Ltd has launched a new waterproof and breathable bandage cover.
According to the company, most products available to practices are either waterproof or breathable, but not both, and so cause the wound to overheat and the underlying skin to become "sweaty". Petsox, however, has a membrane system which allows the wound to breathe while providing protection from the elements.
Designed to go over the already cleaned and dressed wound, PetSox can be secured in place by attaching a length of cohesive bandage to the top. Petsox can also be trimmed to fit each animal perfectly.
Petsox have a non-slip base, so the animal can feel secure on slippery surfaces, such as wooden or tiled floors.
The company will be exhibiting at the London Vet Show this year on the Barber of Sheffield stand, where there will also be a competition with the chance to win lunch for 2 on the Orient Express.
For more information about Petsox, visit: www.petsox.co.uk
Royal Canin has announced the launch of its Christmas promotion through which practice clients will be rewarded with activity balls for cats and leashpods for dogs.
The stocking fillers will be distributed to practices along with promotional materials such as posters and shelf wobblers, to encourage clients to buy Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition (VCN) pet food.
Veterinary Marketing Manager, Lindsay Calcraft, said: "Customers who purchase any 1.5kg bag of feline VCN or any 3.5kg bag of canine VCN from their vet will receive a cat activity ball or a leashpod to thank them for their custom and support.
"For those who don't know what a leashpod is, it's a fantastic dog lead handle to help you carry all those essential items needed for walking a dog. It has an integrated bag dispenser, its own scented mini bin for storing smelly used bags and two secure pockets for treats, keys, money or your mobile phone."
For more information about the Christmas promotion, visit www.royalcanin.co.uk or contact your Veterinary Business Manager.
There will now be significant changes to the RCVS Council, as follows:
A gradual reduction in the number of elected members of RCVS Council from the current 24 to 13 by the year 2021.
A change of composition to include six lay members and two veterinary nurse members. Furthermore, the number of Council members appointed by each university whose veterinary degree is recognised by the RCVS will be reduced from two to one and Privy Council will no longer be required to appoint members. From 1 July 2020 university membership will undergo further changes as, from then on, veterinary schools will collectively appoint three members in total to serve on Council.
Members of Council will no longer be able to serve more than three consecutive four-year terms of office and, after serving three consecutive terms, they will not be eligible to re-stand as a candidate for two years.
Members of Council may be removed from office if they fail to satisfy any conditions about fitness to be a member, as determined by their peers on Council. If removed from office they will not be eligible to re-stand as a candidate for two years.
Introducing the LRO before the House of Lords last Tuesday, Lord Gardiner of Kimble said: "The proposed changes… reduce the size of Council and revise the balance of membership between vets and non-vets, including veterinary nurses and lay persons. They will bring the RCVS in-line with many other modern-day regulatory bodies and allow for greater efficiency, transparency and accountability to both members and the general public. For all the reasons I have outlined today, I commend the use of Legislative Reform Order to make changes that will benefit the veterinary profession."
The full text of the Legislative Reform Order can be found on www.legislation.gov.uk and the full transcript of the debate in the House of Lords can be found in Hansard Online (https://hansard.parliament.uk).
Professor Stephen May, RCVS President, said: "We have been looking at reform of Council as an issue of some urgency since 2013, in recognition of the fact that, with the formula-driven growth of Council, it was becoming unwieldy, which has an impact on the cost of each meeting and the frequency with which it could reasonably meet.
"This reform has been long in gestation and so we are glad that this has now been approved and that we can look forward to a more modern, agile and efficient governance structure, aimed as always at benefitting the professions, animal owners and animal health and welfare."
One immediate impact of the LRO relates to the results of this year’s RCVS Council election as the Ministerial sign-off now confirms that only the first three candidates (in order of number of votes) will take up their four-year terms at RCVS Day on Friday 13 July 2018. These are Susan Paterson, Mandisa Greene and Neil Smith, all of whom are current members who were re-elected.
The RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council agreed reforms to its own governance last year, including shortening the term of office from four years to three years; introducing a consecutive three-term limit for elected members; and, reducing the size and changing the composition of VN Council to six elected veterinary nurses, two appointed veterinary nurse members, two appointed veterinary surgeon members from RCVS Council, and four appointed lay members.
Acepromazine-based Acecare is used alongside other opioids and reduces the amount of anaesthetic necessary to induce anaesthesia by approximately one third.
Animalcare Product Manager Eleanor Workman Wright said: "Practices are looking for greater cost-effectiveness in the products they use and are also keen to reduce waste.
"We are delighted to announce that Acecare, a trusted staple of anaesthetic protocols in use at many practices is now offering improved performance in both of these areas.”
For more information, contact your Animalcare Territory Manager or contact Animalcare’s head office on 01904 487687.
In 2022, Winchester published the results of a study led by Professor Andrew Knight, which claimed the headline: "Vegan diets may be the healthiest to feed pet dogs, say researchers"1,2.
For the study, 2,639 dog owners were invited to report their own opinion of seven indicators of their dog's health.
The researchers also looked at the prevalence of 22 specific health disorders, reported as being based on 'predictions by vet assessments', finding 49% prevalence in traditional meat diets, 43% for raw meat diets and 36% for vegan diets.
However, it was not clear in the report what "predictions by vet assessments" actually means. Whose predictions? The vets'? Or the owners'?
Closer examination of the original study reveals it was "owners' predictions of vet assessments".
Owner-reported opinion, otherwise known as anecdote, is of course notoriously unreliable, and if there is one thing more unreliable than owner-reported opinion, it would surely be owner-reported opinion of their vet's opinion.
Furthermore, the original study was of an observational design, and therefore could only suggest correlation, not causation.
Lastly, the original analysis only looked at the relationship between diet and owner observations/opinion, without considering the impact of other factors assessed by the study, such as the age of the dog and whether the owner was a vegan.
For the new study3, therefore, researchers at the University of Liverpool led by Professor Alex German re-analysed the data used for the original study, in particular correcting the data for confounding variables.
When analysed in this way, significant illness in dogs correlated most strongly with the age of the dog, whether it was on medication, and the frequency of visit to the vet.
Compared to these, the association between owner opinions of health and feeding vegan dog food was minimal.
Co-author of the second study, Richard Barrett-Jolley, Professor of Neuropharmacology, said: “We know how seriously owners take their pet’s health.
"By revisiting and further interrogating these data, we have been able to draw more nuanced insights. “Crucially, we cannot draw a firm conclusion as to what diet type is actually best for dogs; this was never possible given the nature of the original dataset and study design.
"However, we can conclude that variables other than dog diet are more strongly associated with owner opinions about the health of their dog.”
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