The BSAVA has announced that Nottingham Trent University will be the accrediting body for the new Postgraduate Surgery and Medicine Certificates being launched in January 2012.

BSAVA says the planning for this new education initiative has been exhaustive, ensuring that the needs of the profession and the individual vet can be met by a provider with an excellent legacy in veterinary education. And also, an organisation with a genuine interest in seeing the highest scientific standards are matched by a relevant, cost-effective, and accessible programme that fits with life in practice today. To that end, finding the right validation partner was a crucial part of the planning.

Dr Frances Barr, BSAVA Academic Director, said: "This is an exciting new venture in postgraduate CPD, and will ultimately lead to qualifications which are achievable for those in practice and directly relates to their experience. Yet of course, these qualifications must remain challenging enough to merit the respect of the profession and meet the standards of the clinical excellence we all want to see.

"We are confident that BSAVA is the provider to deliver just this, but finding the right partner to validate the programmes was especially important. We want to know that we can move forward with the support and backing of an accrediting body that encourages academic excellence and at the same time understands the need to remain relevant and engaging to busy professionals."

These new qualifications are primarily aimed at veterinary surgeons in small animal practice, who have a particular interest in small animal medicine or surgery. So busy professionals is exactly who they are designed for. This appeals particularly to BSAVA President Andrew Ash, who as well as running the Association heads a six site practice in Sussex. He said: "As an employer I see more and more people who want some recognition for the time they spend fulfilling their professional CPD requirement - and with these discipline-based certificates I can see a way that at any point in your career you can now be rewarded with not only a greater breadth of knowledge and confidence, but with a certificate to show for your efforts.

"I am a great advocate of continual education, and having made a commitment to postgraduate study myself in the past I know how important supported learning is, and how essential it is to have an environment that both acknowledges your other commitments and gives you the support to achieve your ambitions. We are determined to do that.

"Of course I am delighted that this is being launched in my year as President. I am even more delighted that we have Frances Barr to lead this - her experience and enthusiasm is as impressive in this role as it was when she was BSAVA president".

Gill Richards, Director of Professional Development at Nottingham Trent chaired the validation visit at Woodrow House. She said: "Nottingham Trent is especially interested in working with professions in this way to help ensure the quality of provision on postgraduate education for people at all stages of their careers. It was our pleasure to confirm validation today and we look forward to working with the team at BSAVA. It is unusual for anyone to receive the number of commendations that were made today, and what has impressed us most about BSAVA is the impressive quality of the teaching team and materials, and the innovative response to meeting a national demand for a course of this quality".

Enrolment will opening October. The courses will be limited to 30 in each programme. Anyone interested in enrolling for one of these certificate programmes can email academicdirector@bsasva.com or call 01452 726700.

Andrew Groom has been appointed as the new Country Manager for Kruuse UK Ltd based near York, following the promotion of Lars Lund and his relocation back to Kruuse A/S in Denmark. Andrew takes up this new position to head up the UK sales and marketing team and to help implement the expansion programme within the veterinary and pet markets that Kruuse has planned for 2008.

Having studied agriculture and gaining a DHM, Andrew managed large farming operations, as well as being a contributing writer for the agricultural journal “Farmers Weekly”. He then continued his education by studying commercial management at Circencester College from where he went to United Milk as a Farm Liaison manager and commercial manager. His career progressed when in 2004, he joined Arnolds Veterinary Products as sales manager.

“I have known about Kruuse and its wide range of products for many years and have always admired the company’s vision in bringing innovative products onto the market for both the large and small animal sectors, including high quality pet toys and accessories,” said Andrew. “So when an opportunity arose to work for Kruuse in the UK, I did not need much persuading to apply for the job.”

“Andrew’s vast experience in both large and small animal industries will prove a real asset in all of the important market areas in which Kruuse operates,” commented Hans Alsted, Kruuse A/S Export Director.

Veterinary practices are being encouraged to enter the annual Veterinary Marketing Association's (VMA) awards, which now include a practice-only category.

The annual VMA awards are intended to recognise excellence in all aspects of veterinary and animal health marketing. The Practice Marketing Award, sponsored by Pfizer, is awarded to the companion or production animal practice that demonstrates the most initiative and innovation in the marketing of its products and/or services to end users. This can involve the use of any form of activity, including advertising, websites, direct mail and media relations.

Last year's winner of this award was Kessock Equine Vets from Aberdeen, who travelled down to London to receive their award at a presentation lunch. The 2009 awards presentation ceremony takes place on Friday, 19th March at the Old Brewery in Chiswell Street, London. The meeting also presents a very good opportunity for vets to meet representatives from all the major animal health companies.

Tickets for the event cost £115+VAT for VMA/VMPA members (£150+VAT for non-members). The price includes a three-course meal (prepared by a two-star Michelin chef) with wine, a champagne reception and entertainment by a top comedian.

Further information on the awards is available on the Veterinary Marketing Association's website - http://www.vma.org.uk/. Closing date for entries is 5th February 2010.

The BSAVA has published a new factsheet about laparoscopic spaying for pet owners.

BSAVA’s client information leaflets are designed to be used as part of the veterinary consultation and provide information to help owners understand what is involved in a procedure or examination, including the reasons for it, the preparation required, any associated risks and what happens during and after the procedure.

They are available in a PDF format which can be printed and stamped with the veterinary practice details or emailed to clients.

Elise Robertson, ABVS American Board-Certified Diplomate Feline Practice and author of the endoscopic Client Information Leaflets, said: ‘The client information leaflets were created due to the need for accurate and reliable information from reputable sources." 

BSAVA’s Head of Publishing, Ian Mellor, said: "This new factsheet brings our total number of client leaflets to 178. Our client leaflets have been downloaded more than 10,000 times in the past year and are an important part of our drive to improve the health and welfare of small animals by providing practical resources to the veterinary profession.’

The new leaflet is available via the BSAVA Library (https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/cilgroupprocedures).

Access to the entire range of client information leaflets (including canine and feline behaviour, exotic pets and medicines) is available for an annual subscription of £40; BSAVA members have access to these leaflets as one of their membership benefits. 

BSAVA welcomes suggestions for new topics to cover in its client information leaflets. 

Send your ideas to publications@bsava.com.

Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food, Farming and Animal Health has announced seven new members to the Veterinary Residues Committee (VRC).

The VRC’s role is to advise the Chief Executives of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on the formulation of the residues surveillance programmes and on the significance of the results in terms of consumer safety.

The seven new members who have been appointed to serve on the VRC from January 2009 until December 2012 are:

• Jon Averns (Local Authority) is currently employed as Port Health Services Director by the City of London Corporation in its role as the London Port Health Authority.
• Tim Brigstocke (Agriculture Industry) runs a livestock consultancy business. He is the immediate past Chairman of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF).
• Gill Clare (Food Chemical Safety/Risk Assessment) is a genetic toxicologist, speciality cytogenetics, with a PhD gained in a hospital radiotherapy department.
• Andrew Grant (Fish Farming) is a veterinary graduate (Cambridge 1980). He worked in mixed, mainly agricultural practice for eight years.
• Declan O’Rourke (Pharmaceutical Industry), is a veterinary surgeon and works as an independent consultant in pharmacovigilance and livestock medicine.
• David Ralph (Feed Industry) comes from an agricultural background and has experience of a range of livestock production systems.
• Michael Roberts (Food Industry) has extensive experience in senior science management in the Research Councils and Defra dealing with a range of issues relating to the food chain and environmental objectives.

The appointments were undertaken in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Zoetis is holding a free webinar for veterinary surgeons, nurses and RAMAs to discuss the latest advice on best practice use of anthelmintics and the responsible use of moxidectin in horses, on Wednesday 26th October.

The webinar will take place at 11am and will be repeated at 7.30pm for those who are unable to listen during the day.

Hosted by Zoetis vet Dr Wendy Talbot the session will last for approximately an hour and equates to 8 AMTRA CPD points.

Wendy will explain the current situation and recommended approaches to help slow resistance.

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A to give everyone the opportunity to discuss any queries, concerns or common questions they hear from their customers with Wendy.

 Zoetis Equine Product Manager, Penny McCann said: "Our webinars continue to be very well received.

“This one is particularly important as it explains the important new thinking around the use of anthelmintics in order to address the serious challenge of resistance.

"It’s a must for all those involved with prescribing.”

To book the 11am webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6163460189961597967   
 
To book the 7.30pm webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6394015684169009164 

Linda Belton MRCVS has been elected to be the next Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Junior Vice President.

Linda, who was first elected to Council in 2019, will take up the post at the RCVS Annual General Meeting in July.

She is currently Chair of both the RCVS Standards Committee and the Riding Establishment Subcommittee and also sits on the Primary Qualifications Subcommittee and the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Liaison Committee.

Outside of the RCVS, Linda is a Director at The George Veterinary Group in Wiltshire, an independently owned practice providing equine, farm, pig and small animal veterinary services.

Linda has been part of The George since 1992, having started her career in practice in Winchester after graduating from Bristol University Vet School the previous year.

She is a member of the British Veterinary Association, the British Equine Veterinary Association and the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and is also a Trustee for Brooke – an international equine animal welfare charity.

Linda said: “Having recently been re-elected to Council for another term by fellow members of our profession, I am really looking forward to joining the Officer Team in my role as Junior Vice-President and I thank my colleagues on Council for their endorsement and support.

“Since joining Council four years ago, I have learned a lot – one of the difficulties I have observed is the tension of our profession having a Royal College which regulates.

"Wearing two hats is never easy, and being both our leadership body and our regulator can position the College in a difficult place in the eyes of its members.

"There are, however, advantages for us as a profession in being self-regulating.

“As Junior Vice-President, I look forward to increasing Council’s direct contact with vets working in first-opinion practice.

"Working as part of a large independently owned practice, I am aware of many of the day-to-day issues currently facing the different species sectors.

"I understand what it takes to be a good workplace delivering veterinary care in a commercial environment and want, through my contribution to Council and the governance and regulation of our profession, to support others to have a successful and fulfilling career in practice.”

Photo: Linda (right) shaking hands with current President Melissa Donald MRCVS

Fitzpatrick Referrals has announced the launch of a new outpatients diagnostic imaging service, available to all primary care veterinary surgeons. 

According to the practice, its Siemens CT and closed field MRI scanners are among the most advanced in small animal practice in the world, and enable more accurate and timely diagnosis of both routine and potentially life-threatening conditions, including tumours. The practice is now making these scanners available to outpatients from primary care practices.

The service will be available 7 days a week, from 09:00hrs to 21:00hrs. Primary care vets can access the service directly and schedule an appointment at a time convenient to them and their patient, without the need of referral. The qualified team of radiographers at Fitzpatrick will operate the scanners and all scans will be complemented by detailed imaging reports created and sent electronically by Vet CT Specialists, a teleradiology company headed by radiology specialist Victoria Johnson BVSc DVR DipECVDI MRCVS.

Fitzpatrick Referrals says it acknowledges that many primary care veterinary surgeons do not have the resources to provide advanced diagnostic imaging on site, so it is very pleased to be able to offer its CT and MRI suite to help expedite diagnosis, whilst the patient remains under direct supervision by the referring practice and the patient is immediately returned to their care thereafter.  This can be an extension of the service offered by the primary care clinician to the client, hopefully resulting in rapid and appropriate treatment for the patient and expanding the range of services offered by practices to their clients.

Dr Noel Fitzpatrick, Director said: "It's as if the MRI and CT were actually in your own practice, because our facility is just an extension of your care package and you can advertise it as such. This improves the profile of your practice and enhances the bond of the client with the referring practice whilst facilitating appropriate intervention in a timely fashion. All types of scanning, soft tissue, orthopaedic and neurologic, can be catered for and all patients will be cared for and monitored by qualified veterinary nurses at a time to suit the owner. I see this as a win-win situation. If the primary care clinician needs any further help with the case, they can just ask on the day.  Seven-day week advanced diagnostic imaging is now within the grasp of each and every practice, marking a new era of an integrated team approach to efficient cost-effective diagnosis and treatment."

To book an appointment, call Fitzpatrick Referrals on 01483 423761 and in due course there will be an online booking facility.  For more information on the Outpatients Diagnostic Imaging Service, call Simon Hester on 07802 584133 or visit www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk.

Vetoquinol has launched Myo Power, the latest addition to the Equistro Performance range of nutritional supplements.

The company says that Myo Power has been formulated with the performance and convalescent horse in mind, and that it is an excellent source of easily digestible protein enriched with L-Leucine and other key essential amino acids necessary for optimal muscular cell development, specifically via the mitochondria.

Vetoquinol claims the product is extremely beneficial for young horses being prepared for sales, competition horses in training, and the convalescent or older horse following periods of box rest or restricted exercise.

Myo Power is available in 1.2kg and 2.3kg tubs. For further information, please contact your local Vétoquinol Territory Manager.

VetPartners has opened applications for its Farm Academy, which offers an on-farm placement opportunity for fourth and final year veterinary students in June.

Launched in 2023 to address the growing need for skilled farm vets, the VetPartners Farm Academy was created to provide more opportunities for future vets to gain hands-on experience.

VetPartners Farm Director Ian Cure said: “By opening up on-farm and simulated farm experiences to students, the academy aims to bridge the gap between veterinary education and practical farm work – ensuring a strong pipeline of talent into the industry.

“Designed by farm vets, for vets of the future, our three-day academy complements university education by providing veterinary students with a structured on-farm experience that builds confidence and prepares them for a career in farm practice.

“By welcoming students into the Farm Academy, we’re helping them develop the practical skills, confidence and knowledge needed to thrive in farm animal practice from day one.

"The academy also offers those students who haven’t had previous farm exposure the chance to try farm vetting for the first time.

“With the agricultural sector facing increasing pressures, from sustainability targets to animal health challenges, ensuring the next generation of farm vets is well-prepared is more important than ever.”

This year’s academy will take place at a VetPartners practice in Cornwall, from 14th to 16th June.

Students will receive training from experienced farm vets, and gain valuable skills in herd health, disease management, and sustainable livestock production.

The Farm Academy programme in 2025 will offer students:

• On-farm training days led by experienced farm vets
• Simulated practical calving techniques
• Surgical anatomy procedures and fertility intervention
• Decision-making skills, including appropriate medicine selection
• Hands-on sheep and camelid vetting experience
• Mentorship and career guidance from established professionals
• Exposure to diverse farm settings, including dairy, beef, and sheep enterprises
• Opportunities to develop clinical and consultancy skills

To apply, send a CV and covering letter to farmsupport@vetpartners.co.uk

Applications close 25th April.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has accepted an application for restoration to the RCVS Register by James Main, who was struck off in 2011, following his administration of a prohibited substance to a racehorse and his subsequent attempts to conceal his actions.

At a Disciplinary Committee hearing held on 22 February 2011, Mr Main, a partner in the O'Gorman, Slater, Main & Partners veterinary practice in Newbury was found guilty of serious professional misconduct and his name was removed from the Register. The then-Committee established that, contrary to the British Horseracing Authority's (BHA) rules of racing, Mr Main had injected tranexamic acid into the racehorse 'Moonlit Path' on 19 February 2009, knowing that the horse was to race later that day. He was also found guilty of dishonestly concealing this injection in his practice records as a "pre-race check".

At yesterday's hearing, the Committee noted that the decision to remove Mr Main from the Register had sent a clear message to the profession of the importance of strict compliance with the BHA's Rules of Racing; it was the inevitable consequence of his breaches of those rules and his dishonesty in concealing the administration of the injection. In oral evidence, Mr Main said he accepted the findings and decision of the previous Committee, and he apologised.

The Committee also noted a number of changes since implemented at Mr Main's practice, including a pharmacy review to improve traceability of drugs; withdrawal of the use of tranexamic acid in the management of Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage; and a cautious approach to drug withdrawal times. Mr Main's practice had also reviewed its processes to ensure its veterinary surgeons complied with all relevant rules, regulations and guidance, and that any requests by clients to breach these rules would be refused.

The Committee accepted evidence that Mr Main had worked in a management capacity in his practice since 26 March 2011, performing no clinical role, and had undertaken appropriate continuing professional development since being removed from the Register. It also noted the large volume of testimonials and public support presented at the hearing from both veterinary surgeons and clients in the horse world.

Furthermore, it noted that removal had been financially and emotionally detrimental to Mr Main, his family and practice and, if his name were not restored to the Register, there would be a continuing detrimental effect on his family finances and the practice.

Committee Chairman Professor Peter Lees said: "The Committee accepts that Mr Main has found the removal of his name from the Register a humbling and salutary experience and accepts his apologies. It is satisfied that he is very unlikely to breach the rules of racing in the future and does not consider that there is a risk to the future welfare of animals by restoring his name to the Register.

"The Committee does not consider that any further period of erasure would be of benefit either to the public or the veterinary profession."

The Committee directed that Mr Main's name be restored to the Register.

Ceva Animal Health, the manufacturer of Cevac Chlamydia, has launched an interactive map to help demonstrate to farmers that Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) is a real threat and encourage them to discuss vaccination with their veterinary surgeon.

The interactive map, which has been launched as part of Ceva’s ‘For Flock’s Sake – Vaccinate!’ awareness campaign, uses data from the company’s on-farm testing for Chlamydophila abortus, the bacterium that causes EAE.

Ceva says the map shows that the disease is present across the UK, although cases may well be much higher than shown, as the map is only based on farms that the company has tested positive for the bacterium.

Positive EAE cases on farms are recorded by county on the map, so farmers can check for EAE in their area. 

The map, available at www.eaemap.co.uk, will be updated regularly as new farms test positive for EAE.

Stephenie Clarke, product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "Our new EAE interactive map will be updated on an ongoing basis and will be a useful tool to ensure that farmers are up-to-date with EAE cases throughout the UK."

For more information, visit www.eaemap.co.uk, contact your local Ceva Animal Health account manager, call Ceva on 01494 781510 or email: cevauk@ceva.com.