A recent UK Mastitis Panel meeting, sponsored by MSD Animal Health, has concluded that a lack of expertise in drying off and teat sealant administration is the limiting factor preventing more widespread adoption of selective dry cow therapy protocols in UK dairy farms
The panel representing practising dairy vets, research and Government agreed that whilst the use of selective dry cow therapy was at a relatively low level in UK dairy herds at the moment, a momentum was building that could see as many as half the nation’s herds adopting the practice within a few years.
Dr Martin Behr, technical manager at MSD Animal Health and chair of the UK Mastitis Panel meeting, said: "There is growing pressure from the milk processors and some supermarkets to see a reduction in antibiotic use on dairy farms, and dry cow therapy is one area under the spotlight.
"We know from our own training workshops with vets and farmers that the level of expertise in administering teat sealants, for example, is relatively low. Only about 30 percent of vets attending these workshops had any experience at all in administering a teat sealant."
The view from many on the mastitis panel was that there was a knowledge gap on farms when it comes to dry cow therapy protocols and that this presented a significant opportunity for vet practices.
Dr Behr added: "Mastitis control in general offers vets an opportunity for proactive engagement with farmers, but it is a notoriously difficult area to establish routine work. With the pressure on farms to adopt selective dry cow therapy and the need for training, there is perhaps a new opportunity for practices with a real interest in mastitis control to build stronger and more preventative strategies with dairy farmers."
Veterinary practices with an interest in training on dry cow therapy and teat sealant use are advised to contact their MSD Animal Health account manager for details of future workshops.
The RCVS is to embark on a communications campaign over the next few months to raise awareness amongst the general public of the difficulties that vets face in providing out-of-hours emergency cover, and the responsibilities incumbent on animal owners to know what to do in a veterinary emergency.
Emergency cover has been high on the College's agenda for some time.
Over the last 18 months, the RCVS 24/7 Working Party has considered the ongoing desire of vets to continue to offer emergency care 24 hours a day, and the feasibility of delivering this, against a backdrop of the Working Time Regulations, geographical variations in animal and vet density, and increasing practice diversity.
Working Party meetings have been supported by a survey of how vets are currently meeting their 24/7 requirements, a seminar of stakeholders and regular informal polls at RCVS Question Time meetings.
It was agreed at the September 2009 meeting of Advisory Committee, to which the Working Party reports, that the majority of vets remain willing to deliver emergency cover 24/7. Advisory Committee recommended that a communications project be undertaken to help raise awareness amongst the general public and animal owners that although the veterinary profession continues to make this voluntary commitment, EU rules, geography and financial constraints impose some limitations.
This campaign will kick off soon and focus on spreading messages via animal-owner publications and websites. The responsibility of pet owners to know how they can access emergency care for their animal in advance of need will be stressed, as will the fact that in the absence of an NHS for pets, emergency care is a service for which practices must charge a realistic fee (which is likely to be higher than for day-time work).
The campaign will also outline vets' responsibilities as part of the Guide, so the public knows what it can reasonably expect. It would be helpful if practices could ensure they have clear information available on their 24/7 arrangements - as outlined in the Guide - should this campaign stimulate requests from clients.
Jerry Davies, who chaired the Working Party, said: "There is overwhelming opinion within the profession that we must continue to provide round-the-clock veterinary care. The main tenet of the Working Time Regulations is that workers should not have their health or, importantly, skills compromised by unreasonable working patterns. Vets, VNs and the animals they care for deserve the same level of protection.
"However, this legislation has made continuing to provide such care at a reasonable cost to the animal owner a significant challenge. Meeting this challenge will require the understanding and cooperation of the animal owning public.
"If clients can be flexible and accept slightly longer response times, an effective service can still be sustained. The key is for all animal owners to establish, in advance, exactly what will be involved should they need to access veterinary care in an emergency. This simple step will help optimise response times and eliminate the frustration, confusion and inevitable dissatisfaction that may arise if ill-prepared."
Vet Futures has published a guest blog by Laura Kidd MRCVS which asks how the profession can increase the number of veterinary nurses entering and staying within the profession?
In her blog, Laura, a VN lecturer and clinical skills tutor for veterinary students, argues that the year-on-year increases in the number of veterinary nurses seems to be insufficient to meet demand. Furthermore, there is a trend towards people leaving the profession relatively early, with the average age being just over 30.
She writes: “Identifying the reasons for VNs leaving the profession at a young age and addressing these, is one potential way of increasing VN numbers in the future.”
Laura argues that poor pay, stress, not feeling rewarded or valued and perceived lack of career progression all contribute to people leaving the profession, although she welcomes initiatives from the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), BVA, RCVS and others to increase the status of the profession, create more diverse career opportunities and improve the profession’s mental wellbeing.
However, she adds that: “perhaps we may, reluctantly, have to accept that, for the time-being, veterinary nursing is a young profession with a high turnover.”
With this in mind she suggests that training more veterinary nurses will be the key to increasing the number of qualified members of the profession in the immediate future. In order to do this she believes that more practices need to be supported to become RCVS-approved Training Practices offering clinical training and work experience for student veterinary nurses and that an alternative training pathway for veterinary nurses may need to be looked at.
She adds: “The entry requirements for the VN Diploma are relatively low, yet the qualification is academically demanding: the volume and depth of knowledge is considerable for the level and qualification and the requirement to demonstrate critical reflection through academic writing can be challenging.
“It is regrettable that some student veterinary nurses, who appear to have the qualities to be very good VNs, are lost to the profession, unable to pass awarding body exams. Should we be developing an additional VN training pathway which allows more students to demonstrate they have the required skills to provide high quality nursing to their patients?”
In response to her proposal, this month’s poll will ask visitors “Is there a need for another VN training option?” To read the blog, leave a comment and take part in the poll please visit www.vetfutures.org.uk/discuss
Last month’s poll asked if vets always acted as animal welfare advocates. This was in response to an article by animal welfare expect Professor David Main in which he argues that the profession should do more to demonstrate its animal welfare credentials and introduce safeguards against excessive profit-seeking. Although just 22 people took part in the poll, around two-thirds (68%) of them said that vets do not always act as animal welfare advocates.
The RCVS and VN Councils have each agreed to raise registration and retention fees for the financial year 2011-12 by 2%. This means the annual retention fee for a home-practising veterinary surgeon will increase by £5, and the fee for a veterinary nurse, by £1.
To encourage members who cease to practise to request removal from the Register, rather than simply allow their membership to lapse, the fee for restoration following voluntary removal will be reduced by almost 50%, from £147 to £75.
All fees for the current financial year were, exceptionally, frozen to help mitigate the impact of the difficult economic climate on the veterinary profession. The increases agreed for 2011-12 are below current inflation figures, and in line with the RCVS financial policy of introducing small fee increases on an incremental basis in order to avoid sharp fee hikes resulting from inflationary pressures.
A list of the new fees can be found in the June edition of RCVS News, also available online at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvsnews.
Unlike traditional PCR tests, Rhea molecular diagnostic tests need no lab equipment, allowing them to be used directly in the field.
The first panel test in the new range is Rhéa Vector-Borne Diseases, which simultaneously detects four major pathogens in under 40 minutes: Theileria spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. (including A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum), and Borrelia spp.
Enalees says the Rhéa range addresses a growing need in the sector, enabling vets to act quickly and accurately.
https://www.enalees.com
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is appealing for rural homes for a number of dogs currently housed at Dogs Trust Shoreham. Staff at the Rehoming Centre have affectionately nicknamed them ‘The Famous Five’.
This motley crew (pictured above, left to right) also go by the name of Kay (a five year old male Pointer cross), Ashes (a six year old male Collie cross), Josh (a seven year old male German Shepherd cross), William (a three year old male cross breed) and Maria (a four year old German Shepherd cross) and are unfortunately finding their time in kennels very stressful indeed. Dogs Trust are therefore looking for some very understanding new owners who have the patience and dedication to get to know these dogs on a one-on-one basis.
According to Dogs Trust, these dogs are exceptionally loyal and urgently need rural homes. Regrettably, they cannot cope with walks on a lead. A home with a large plot of secure land or fenced garden would be ideal for exercise and play. These dogs will be happy living in or outside as long as suitable accommodation is available.
If you you know anyone who might be able to give any of these dogs the perfect rural home then please contact Dogs Trust Shoreham on (01273) 452576 or visit the website http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/
The webinars will be available as live podcasts and will also be able to be viewed on demand on the Dechra Academy.
In the strangles webinar, Dave Rendle, Gayle Hallowell and Richard Newton will explore the current landscape of strangles control, focusing on the role of vaccination, testing and quarantine measures.
In the disease prevention webinar, Gayle Hallowell, Dave Rendle, Tamzin Furtado and others will give an insight into chronic disease management and preventative vaccination to improve uptake and optimise treatment outcomes.
Both webinars broadcast from 8pm GMT, with a live Q&A session from 8:45pm, finishing at 9:15pm GMT.
https://membership.elearning.vet/Dechra-equine-medicine-series.
Petplan has announced the first of three winners for their ‘Get Noticed’ waiting room notice board competition, which runs till the end of July.
The staff at Ayers Vets in Tyne and Wear were the winners but Petplan says it wasn’t an easy decision. Their submission was up against some other very informative and educational notice boards but, as a result of their research and creative ideas, they were the proud winners of a fantastic hamper filled with white and red wine, organic chocolates, coffee, fruit cake and other delectable snacks.
Joy Cook, receptionist at Ayers Vets commented, “We’re delighted to have won the competition. We always promote the benefits of pet insurance to as many pet owners as possible so it is great to be recognised for this. The notice board has certainly caught the interest of our clients and we’ve had lots of comments about how great it looks!”
Practices have the opportunity to create their own notice board using a kit provided by Petplan with a remit to educate their clients about the benefits of taking out pet insurance.
The competition challenges vet receptionists and vet nurses to create an interesting notice board on the theme of insurance and send in a photo of it to Petplan.
The competition is open to all practices, regardless of their regulatory status. The second winner will be chosen at the end of June and the final winner at the end of July. For more information about entering the competition or to order a notice board kit, click here.
Purina says that assessing water intake can be difficult for pet owners and appreciating what is ‘normal’ is of course central to identifying when intake is excessive, requiring further investigation, or inadequate, requiring alternative hydration strategies.
The company developed the water calculator to help vets and nurses give guidance to pet owners on a pet’s recommended daily water intake, depending on lifestage, bodyweight and diet.
Libby Sheridan, Scientific Affairs Manager at Purina said: “All too often a pet has been suffering polydipsia for some time when they are presented at the clinic.
"That may be because water intake isn’t being measured or observed, but often there is a confusion with knowing what is normal for the individual pet.
"Cats, particularly when they are older may struggle to meet their water needs and this tool can be helpful in assessing their intake and suggests some strategies for improving hydration.”
Any member of the clinical veterinary team can email vettechline@purina.nestle.com to get access to webinars on hydration and a short video on how to use the water calculator within Vet Centre.
https://vetcentre.purina.co.uk
The report comes on the back of a survey by the association which found that 93% of vets say sustainability is important to them.
The BVA says the report aims to break down the challenge that both teams and individuals face in working towards net zero emissions.
It explains the impact of climate change, what the veterinary profession’s role is in tackling it and why the BVA thinks it is so important that the profession plays its part.
The report also includes resources and showcases the ways real veterinary workplaces are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Anna Judson said: “Many veterinary professionals have long been concerned about the impact the sector is having on the environment, and many are already taking action to mitigate this.
"However, there is still more work to do.
"Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets; is trusted on mitigating its own carbon footprint; and is a leading advocate for environmental sustainability.
"This new report is providing vet teams with the tools and the inspiration to do their bit, because small changes add-up to make a big difference.”
There'll be a session on the subject at the London Vet Show this year, chaired by Anna Judson, with panelists Ed Bailey, Clinical Director and Sustainability Lead at George Farm Vets, Laura Binnie, Sustainability Lead at Paragon Veterinary Group and James Bevan, Planetary Health Senior Teaching Fellow Public Health Registrar, University of Southampton.
"Practice what you preach: Reaching net zero is a team effort" will be held at 10.45am - 11.45am on 14 November in the BVA Congress Theatre.
www.bva.co.uk/net-zero-report
The webinar will be presented by Will Gratwick BVSc MMedVet MRCVS (pictured), veterinary surgeon at LLM Farm Vets in Shropshire and RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Cattle Health and Production.
Along with colleagues at LLM, Harper-Keele Vet School and VetPartners, Will carried out an Udder Cleft Dermatitis (UCD) prevalence and risk factors study which demonstrated that over 10% of cows are affected by the condition, drawing attention to the need for improved awareness and management of the condition.
The webinar will cover the causes and risk factors for UCD, as well as how vets can approach the diagnosis and management of this challenging condition in their clients' dairy herds.
To register, email Joely Plunkett, digital marketing manager at NoBACZ Healthcare, on j.plunkett@nobacz.com.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons has unveiled a new logo in response to member feedback and a desire by the society to update its image to tie in with a more modern and campaigning approach. Here it is (roll of drums please):
The European Commission has announced the EU's animal health strategy for 2007-13. The announcement provides the framework for animal health measures over the next 6 years, taking into account feedback from stakeholders and potential challenges in the future.
The overall aim is to put greater focus on precautionary measures, disease surveillance, controls and research, in order to reduce the incidence of animal disease and minimise the impact of outbreaks when they occur. Click here for more ...
The RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses Council elections are now underway for 2013, and ballot papers and candidates details have been posted to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar, said: "At a time when the College is experiencing a period of significant change, it's more important than ever that the Councils have the right personnel to help steer us along the path to becoming a first-rate regulator. The annual Councils elections represent a key opportunity for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to ensure this happens."
This year, 13 candidates, five of whom are current Council members, will contest the six available seats on RCVS Council, and four candidates are contesting the two available places on VN Council, including one existing member. The candidates are as follows:
RCVS Council
VN Council
*denotes existing Council member
For the first time this year, the College is organising an online hustings for RCVS Council candidates to allow veterinary surgeon voters to put their questions to them directly. This will be run as a free, live webinar by 'The Webinar Vet' and will take place on Tuesday, 19 March at 7pm. Questions need to have been submitted in advance as there are too many candidates to hold a debate, but veterinary surgeons can still register to listen to the hustings at www.thewebinarvet.com/rcvs. The hustings will also be recorded and available to listen again via the same web address until the voting deadline.
Votes in both elections may be cast online, by text message or by post, and must be received by 5pm on Friday, 26 April 2013. Details of how to vote are printed on the ballot papers and candidate information is also available on the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil13 and www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil13.
Anyone in need of a replacement ballot paper for RCVS Council should contact Ian Holloway (i.holloway@rcvs.org.uk / 020 7202 0727), or for VN Council, contact Annette Amato (a.amato@rcvs.org.uk / 020 7202 0713).
To ensure independence, the elections are being administered by Electoral Reform Services.
CPD Solutions and Onswitch have announced that they have joined forces to offer a new online training course for veterinary receptionists called a Mini Series.
Dr Susie Coughlan, Managing Director of CPD-Solutions, said: "Today's competitive pricing between practices means that securing a client's return spending can depend largely on the quality of their early interactions. However, with such a busy schedule, it's almost impossible for most vets and practice managers to provide dedicated in-house training for frontline staff, even though many appreciate how crucial it is. The mini-series allows receptionists to perfect their skills in their own time and in the comfort of their own surroundings, saving the practice valuable time and resources while enhancing the initial customer experience. At the end of the day, this is what every veterinary practice is striving for - contented clients."
The first course commences on the 19th of February 2014 with a full programme planned for the future. More information is available at www.receptionistwebinars.com, or call CPD Solutions on 0151 328 0444.
Taking over the Presidency from Julian Hoad, David will continue to focus on the Programme of Change and the BSAVA’s new strategy, which includes some new products and services.
David qualified from the RVC in 1988 and has had a career largely in small animal practice, including a year in Canada.
He and his wife Rosie started the first feline-only practice in England and David is now an Advanced Practitioner in small animal dermatology.
He has postgraduate qualifications in small animal dermatology and medicine, becoming board certified in feline practice, and has an RCVS Fellowship on Feline Osteoarthritis.
David helped to set up the BSAVA West Midlands committee, before then becoming a BSAVA Council member and Chair of the Regions for three years before joining the Board and the presidential ladder.
David said: “It is an honour being BSAVA President for 2025-2026, but this next year will not be about me.
"It will be about the renewal of BSAVA, it will hear us shouting out with an ever-increasing voice about the most exciting innovations and I promise to do my very best.”
Julian Hoad will now move into the role of Senior Vice President, whilst Niall Connell begins his new role as Junior Vice President alongside Jo Megarity, who joins the Board as Honorary Treasurer.
The organisers of Rabbit Awareness Week (15th-21st September) are calling on veterinary practices to show their support and sign up to its free health check scheme, to highlight the importance of preventative healthcare for rabbits.
This year's RAW campaign is focusing on vaccinations, to protect one of Britain's most popular small pets from two painful and potentially fatal diseases, myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD).
Participating practices will receive free support packs to help them advertise and run their own health check events, as well as care advice materials to give out to clients who bring their rabbits in.
Rabbit Awareness Week 2012 is backed by Burgess Excel and various partners, including MSD Animal Health, RSPCA, PSDA, Blue Cross, Wood Green The Animals Charity and RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund).
Justin Heaton, Head of Marketing at Burgess Pet Care, said: "This September, RAW aims to promote the importance of preventative healthcare, including regular vet health checks and vaccinations for rabbits, to protect them from disease. Rabbits are at risk from myxomatosis and RHD and this year's goal is to highlight how important vaccinations are against these diseases and encourage owners, particularly those not currently registered with a veterinary practice, to bring their rabbits in for free veterinary health checks and vaccinations.
"RAW partners believe that many rabbit owners are unaware that injections for rabbits are a necessity for them to live a long and healthy life. The average rabbit should live at least 8-12 years, but one in three pet owners (38 per cent) estimate a rabbit's maximum lifespan to be five years*. Along with meeting their dietary, behaviour, environment and companionship needs, Britain's rabbits' must be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease to ensure they are healthy and happy. Vaccinations are an important part of responsible pet ownership and will help to ensure that rabbits live a long and healthy life."
If you are interested in supporting RAW 2012, by hosting rabbit healthcare clinics at your veterinary surgery, visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk to order your free support kit and register your event.