The College says the aim of the programme, which will replace the current Professional Development Phase (PDP), is to ensure that new graduates are fully supported in their new role and able to progress from day one competencies into confident and capable independent practitioners.
The new programme builds on the results of the Graduate Outcomes Consultation, a consultation which reported in 2019 to gather the views of the profession with regards to day one competencies, the PDP, extra-mural studies and clinical education for general practice.
The Graduate Outcomes consultation found that the profession felt that support mechanisms for new graduates needed to be strengthened, and the proposal to develop this new programme of support was approved by RCVS Council in January.
The first of the two working groups is the EPA Working Group, which is tasked with assisting the development of a bank of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). EPAs describe the everyday professional tasks carried out by vets in practice, covering a wide range of areas of clinical and professional practice which graduates and their mentors can access to build into their own e-portfolio.
The second working group is the Mentor Working Group, which will assist in shaping the role of the mentor in the new programme and create a training package for workplace mentors.
Sue Paterson, Chair of RCVS Education Committee said: "It is incredibly important for us to have input from veterinary surgeons who are working in general practice as they are well positioned to comment on how the development programme can effectively support graduates on a day to day basis."
The College is looking for veterinary surgeons working in practice and who have an interest in helping new graduates gain the best possible experience to join as members of these new working groups. It would be beneficial for applicants to have experience with mentoring and/or workplace training.
Successful applicants would be required to visit the RCVS for three half-day meetings over the period of a year and the RCVS would cover travel and subsistence expenses. There would be an additional time commitment to review and feedback on material via email.
Those general practitioners who are interested in applying should email Britta Crawford, RCVS Education Manager, via b.crawford@rcvs.org.uk giving a brief description of their current position and why they feel they would be an asset to the working group. The closing date for applications is 6 March 2020.
Despite being one of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs, affecting approximately 1-2 dogs per 1,0001, Cushing’s syndrome can often be difficult to diagnose due to non-specific clinical signs and the lack of a single, highly accurate test.
The webinar is being presented by Professor Carmel Mooney FRCVS, an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine (Endocrinology), who will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to confidently diagnose and treat Cushing’s syndrome and learn the essentials of monitoring trilostane therapy.
Carmel is currently Clinical Director of the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital, Director of the ECVIM-CA residency programme and Director of the DVMS Professional Doctorate Programme within the School of Veterinary Medicine.
She has published widely in the field of small animal endocrinology with over 80 original articles, reviews and case reports published in peer-reviewed journals, four books as joint editor and 30 book chapters.
https://membership.elearning.vet/cushings-webinarcarmel-mooney
Reference
Sheppard Robson, the architects behind the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital, have been celebrating this week after their design received a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North West Award.The Small Animal Teaching Hospital, located at the University’s Leahurst campus in Neston, was completed in 2007 and is considered to be one of the most advanced and complete animal veterinary facilities in the UK. It incorporates clinical services, undergraduate teaching and clinical research under one roof.The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) annually presents regional awards for buildings that make a substantial contribution to the local environment and have high architectural standards.Ian Butler, Managing Partner at Sheppard Robson North, said: "The Small Animal Teaching Hospital at Liverpool University is a fantastic building. It is very strong and bold yet it is also simple and unfussy. It combines truly cutting edge teaching and research facilities with a sustainable building that blends into its environment. It is fantastic for our design to be lauded by RIBA. The Sheppard Robson team is very proud."The Small Animal Teaching Hospital, along with ten other North West buildings recognised by the regional judges, will now be considered for the National RIBA Awards in June.
Are small animal vets as immune to recession as undertakers? Probably not, but there is some good news from Petplan, which has found that whilst 60 per cent of people would put off starting a family during the current economic downturn, a quarter would choose a pet instead.
And it’s not a battle of the sexes – the decision to put family life on hold in favour of nurturing a four-legged friend was equally divided between men and women.
According to Petplan, the findings are supported by a recent Mintel report showing that the pet care industry is thriving with animal lovers spending £484million on their cats and dogs this year. Pets at Home also announced its profits have doubled compared to this time last year.
A spokeswoman from Petplan, said: "It seems that pets of all shapes and sizes are now being considered a perfectly sensible alternative to starting a family for cash-strapped couples. We know that many owners develop very strong emotional ties to their pets that are often treated as part of the family. But we do urge all would-be pet owners to understand that pet ownership does come with responsibilities, just like parenthood."
Research shows the cost of raising a child from birth to 21 is £186,0321 – whereas RSPCA figures state that a dog costs approximately £9,600 during its lifetime a cat £8,000 and a rabbit £3,800.
Top 10 most popular child substitutes:
Survey conducted on www.onepoll.com Total number of respondents – 3,000 pet owners
New research published in Epidemiology and Infection (Cambridge University Press) reveals that direct contact between badgers and cattle is rare, suggesting that it may be rare for bovine tuberculosis (TB) to be passed on through the two species meeting each other on pasture.
For the research, which was conducted by the Royal Veterinary College and the Food and Environment Research Agency, researchers investigated direct and indirect interactions between badgers and cattle by fitting automated high-tech proximity loggers to animals and placing base stations at badger latrines located on pasture, in an area of south-west England with a high-density badger population, over a period of 12-months.
Direct interactions (within 1.4 metres) between badgers and cows at pasture were very rare, with only four out of over 500,000 animal-to-animal contacts recorded between the two species.
Indirect interactions (visits to badger latrines) were far more frequent than direct contacts, with 400 visits by badgers and 1700 visits by cattle recorded. This suggests that indirect contacts might be more important than direct in terms of disease transmission at pasture.
During the study half of the badgers tested positive for TB, however the infection status of individual badgers did not affect the frequency or duration of their visits to latrines located on pasture grazed by cattle.
Bovine tuberculosis caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis is endemic in cattle in parts of England and Wales and its control is hindered by the presence of infection in the European badger. While M. bovis is clearly transmitted between cattle and badgers, it is has not previously been known where, when or how often transmission occurs.
Dr Julian Drewe from the Royal Veterinary College who led the study, said: "Our findings reveal that direct contacts between badgers and cattle at pasture are surprisingly rare, despite ample opportunity for interactions to occur, suggesting that the two species may be ignoring or even actively avoiding one another. The study was conducted in an area with a high badger population, so it is likely that such direct contact will be even less frequent in areas of the country where there are fewer badgers.
"Indirect visits by both species to badger latrines were significantly more common than direct contacts between badgers and cattle, which suggests that these represent the more typical nature of interspecies contact. Future research aiming to quantify TB risk to cattle from badgers might be best to focus on indirect contacts occurring at latrines and on contacts occurring away from pasture, for example in farm buildings.
"This clearly has disease management implications, and more work is now needed in this area to look at how such contact can be limited, to reduce the number of cases of bovine TB in the future."
The BVA and the RCVS are inviting applications from veterinary surgeons to join the new Vet Futures Action Group, set up to drive forward the ambitions identified in the Vet Futures report launched at BVA Congress at the London Vet Show on 20 November.
The Vet Futures report, Taking charge of our future: A vision for the veterinary profession for 2030, was the culmination of a year-long joint project by BVA and RCVS designed to help the veterinary profession prepare for, and shape, its own future. The Action Group is a vital next step in the Vet Futures project, ensuring the delivery of the report’s six ambitions and 34 recommendations.
BVA and RCVS are seeking seven veterinary surgeons and one veterinary nurse to join the Action Group to ensure there is buy-in from across the professions and to drive forward workstreams of activity. The group will be co-chaired by the BVA and RCVS Presidents, and both Junior Vice-Presidents will sit on the group. Action Group members will be independent and will not represent, or be required to report back to, any particular organisation.
Veterinary surgeons or nurses keen to apply for an Action Group role should have experience of working as an active member of a group or committee and the ability to deliver, engage and inspire others. The veterinary surgeon members should have specific expertise, knowledge and experience in relation to at least one of the Vet Futures ambitions or the cross-cutting issue of veterinary education. The ambitions cover:
Successful applicants must be able to attend three all-day meetings in London (9 February, 17 March and 12 May) and an all-day Vet Futures Summit (20 June), with a time commitment totalling approximately seven days between February and June 2016. The group will be supported by BVA and RCVS staff. For the full Vet Futures Action Group role profile and terms of reference, please visit: www.vetfutures.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon, 31 December 2015.
The company points to the well-known veterinary mental health and suicide stats, such as the study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, carried out on 12,000 veterinarians in the U.S. from 1979 to 2015, which found that vets are 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.
The company says the new website offers personalised self-care formulas to help veterinary professionals counteract the stress derived from their work.
There are three sections: Emotional Health (Vet Voices), Vet Yogi and Eat Well Vet.
The content is a little thin at the moment, more of a consommé than a thick leek and potato, but no doubt more will be added over time.
For more information, visit https://www.happyvetproject.com
Hill's Pet Nutrition has decided to make its library of symposia proceedings freely available to all vets. It's part of Hill's drive to support vets with training during tough times.
The library, which has been built up over 13 years, is made up of the proceedings and supporting articles from lectures covering topics as diverse as inflammatory bowel disease in the feline and nutrigenomics.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager, said: "These proceedings contain definitive texts on conditions that are commonly seen in practice, described at an advanced level but in an easy to assimilate format. We do have a number of proceedings still in stock and I would much rather see them being used and all that valuable knowledge put into practice."
Anyone in practice with an interest in a particular area can apply to receive a copy of their preferred symposium.
According to Hill's, these booklets are excellent tools for those seeking to fill their CPD requirement through self-directed learning and provide advanced material that can be difficult to access elsewhere (note that undocumented self learning can only account for up to 10 hours on the RCVS record card).
The service is completely free of charge and orders can be placed by calling 01923 814454. As copies of some seminars are available only in limited numbers, applicants are asked to select only those proceedings in which they have a genuine area of interest. Only one copy of each symposium proceeding will be supplied to each individual, although multiple topics can be selected.
Symposia Proceedings TitlesHill's European Symposium on Chronic Renal Disease 2004Hill's European Speaker Tour on Canine Joint Health- Advances in clinical management and Nutrigenomics 2005Hill's European Symposium on Advances in Feline Medicine 2006Hill's Symposium on Dermatology Palm Springs 2006 Hill's European Symposium on 'Moving on with mobility' 2007
Those who wish to supplement their learning further may wish to visit The Vet Nutrition Academy which also provides a number of free and subsidised courses to members of the veterinary healthcare team. Registration is free at www.myhillspet/vna. To complete registration the practice U number will be required and this is available by contacting Jane Quail at Hill's on 01923 814454.
Emotional Resilience Skills for the Veterinary Profession, which the BSAVA presents in association with the RCVS Mind Matters initiative and Two Roads Charity, are half day events will be now held virtually by the BSAVA Regions.
Mary Harrison, Programme Director at Two Roads Charity, said: “Twice as many members of the Veterinary Profession suffer mental health issues as the general population; due to many reasons including overwork, trauma, imposter syndrome, unsupportive colleagues and overly demanding clients. Emotional Resilience is a major defence against many mental health issues including depression and anxiety and the good news is that it’s primarily learned behaviours."
The programme is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the role emotional resilience plays in protecting our mental health. Emotional resilience is mainly a learned behaviour, and there are recognised steps that can be taken to increase resilience and reduce the risk of developing mental health issues including depression.
Jennie Bartholomew, Education Coordinator at the BSAVA said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer these courses to the veterinary profession again, especially given the exceptionally tough year we have all experienced which has placed additional strain on mental health and wellbeing for many. We know that this programme will be well received and will be helpful to all members of the profession, wherever they are based”.
Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager, said: “We know how tough the last 18 months have been for the veterinary profession, and we’re pleased to be working in partnership with two organisations who are as passionate about supporting the mental health of the profession as we are. We are really looking forward to the launch of the programme and we are sure that anyone who attends will come away with a better understanding of their mental wellbeing and how to respond to emotional challenges.”
Designed for the whole practice team, the programme is suitable for anyone who wishes to increase their own resilience and develop the ability to help others at work or at home. Participants will work in groups, and no personal disclosures are necessary, although participants are welcome to discuss private issues after the programme.
The programme is free to BSAVA members; £40 to non-members. Spaces are limited and the sessions will not be recorded. You can book your place online now at: https://www.bsava.com/emotionalresilience.
BSAVA’s new Congress Programme Committee Chair, Paul Higgs MRCVS (pictured right) said: "The new venue provides an opportunity to really shake up the content. It’s the first time BSAVA Congress delegates will have met in two years and we want to deliver an unforgettable experience."
"We’ve thought long and hard about what delegates want and need, as well as the way people like to learn, integrating those approaches within the programme. Delegates will find few long-format lectures, instead there will be lots of opportunities to participate, to discuss, to do and to experience."
He added: “For general practice vets and nurses, we’re offering an immersive experience designed to support the skills required in first opinion practice yet rarely provided in a lecture alone. And while the CPD will provide ample opportunity to learn about the clinical aspects, delegates will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in true-to-life case management events in a dedicated space to help reflect those paraprofessional skills that are so critical to first opinion practice.”
Delegates will also be able to drop-in to practical sessions and perfect a technique such as undertaking cytological examination, reading radiographs and performing endoscopy in as little as 15 minutes. For the first time, the practical sessions will be included within the ticket price.
BSAVA will also be giving delegates the opportunity to meet and pick the brains of the speakers in a dedicated space in the exhibition during lecture breaks.
Although some sessions will be more aligned to veterinary nurses, all sessions will be open to both vets and nurses. Paul said: "Nurses are increasingly looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge, horizons and skillsets, while many vets want to, and would benefit from, learning from our excellent nurses. The programme will reflect this."
The BSAVA Programme Committee is also going to incorporate practice management within the programme. Paul said: "Vets and nurses aren’t isolated from the fact practices are businesses and the decisions they make have a financial impact."
“Everyone in the profession has something to give and BSAVA Congress 2022 is a chance for everyone to come together to hear people you’ve never heard before, see things you’ve never seen and do things you’ve never done."
Tickets will be on sale late October. To find out more visit: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2022/en/page/home.
Avis includes over 350 articles, images, client factsheets, and diagnostic trees about avian diseases, diagnostic techniques, medications, legislation and parasitology, with a particular focus on domestic poultry.
The publishers say that content on Avis is authored and reviewed by leading avian veterinary specialists, including the St David’s Poultry Team, which has over 350 years of poultry veterinary experience.
Vetstream CEO, Dr Mark Johnston MRCVS said: We are really delighted to have worked with such a strong contribution from the St David’s Poultry Team whose experience in commercial flocks is provided to veterinarians being presented with smaller flocks.
"We have also had significant additional contributions for this launch edition of Avis across a broad range of poultry veterinary expertise.
"We want as many people as possible to take Avis for a “test flight” and so will be providing free access to all Vetlexicon subscribers for the month of June.”
www.vetlexicon.com
Vetoquinol has announced that it will continue to offer a wetlab service to support Alfaxan®, its injectable anaesthetic for dogs and cats, throughout 2009.
The company has hosted 101 Alfaxan® wetlabs around the UK since the product was launched in April 2007, and says that they've been very well received. A wetlab day starts with a presentation outlining the purpose of the wetlab service, explaining how the drug works, what to expect and how to use it properly. The day's patients are then anaesthetised using Alfaxan® under the supervision of the Vetoquinol vet, who talks through the procedure. Following the practical session there is a chance to discuss the morning's events. The aim is to leave the practice feeling comfortable and positive about using Alfaxan® routinely in its operating theatres.
According to Vetoquinol, anaesthesia is a discipline which carries with it much trepidation, especially when it comes to trying new products. The company says that education has therefore been paramount to ensure that practices use Alfaxan® appropriately and are able to appreciate the benefits that it can give them. Vetoquinol believes it is important that ALL members of staff involved in patient anaesthesia are educated about Alfaxan® before they start using it on a day-to-day basis, and practice meetings and wetlabs have been an invaluable tool to help practices develop a smooth transition between products.
For more information on Alfaxan® and holding a wetlab at your practice, please contact your Vetoquinol representative or telephone the dedicated free Alfaxan® technical support number 0800 345 7560.
Vetoquinol is offering vets the opportunity to win one of five Selekt Cattle Pumps worth £240. In order to take part, you'll need to tell Vetoquinol about your experiences with Marbocyl 10% when treating acute mastitis.
Susan Mitchell, Vetoquinol's Large Animal Product Manager said: "This case study competition aims to gather information on the incidence and treatment of acute mastitis. Acute mastitis is a genuine veterinary emergency and rapid treatment is vitally important."
Vetoquinol says Marbocyl 10% has proven to be an effective treatment for acute E.coli mastitis, with a bactericidal action which does not liberate endotoxins. Administered intravenously, Marboyl 10% provides rapid improvement and an early return to milk production.
The company also says farmers have found toxaemic mastitis cases have benefited from the use of fluid therapy, using the Selekt Cattle Pump. Oral fluid therapy is a quick, easy and inexpensive option to intravenous treatment and improves the efficacy of hypertonic saline.
To enter the competition, visit http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/, click the Marbocyl link on the right, and download and complete a brief case history.
Five winners will be chosen at random on 30th June 2010.
Royal Canin has announced it is to launch Catom, a piece of software developed to help educate cat owners during veterinary consultations, at this year's London Vet Show.
Initially, the software will be available for PC and Mac, with iPad and Android versions coming by the end of the year.
You can can find out more by visiting Royal Canin's stand at the London Vet Show, where the company says it will have a large touch-screen TV displaying the software, along with laptop demos running throughout the exhibition.
Improve International has announced that several of the Postgraduate Certificate programmes (PgC's) which it delivers in conjunction with Harper Adams University and the European School of Veterinary Studies (ESVPS) have been added to the list of qualifications conferring eligibility for applications for RCVS' Advanced Practitioner status.
The qualifying PgCs are:
These PgC's are accredited at Masters level 7 and provide 60 credits, at least 40 of which are in the designated clinical area. Improve says this places them at the same academic level as those offered by other CPD providers and termed as eligible entry qualifications to RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status.
Improve has welcomed the RCVS' decision to include these PgC's in the list of entry qualifications accepted with no further requirements required. For the PgC Small Animal Surgery and PgC Small Animal Medicine programmes, a further demonstration of professional key skills is required within a five-year period, which the company says it can help with.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director, said: "Our clinical taught programmes are led by experts in their field while the European School of Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) has responsibility for the associated assessments. Harper Adams University brings the Higher Education body quality assurance to our partnership, ensuring that our qualifications meet the strict criteria laid down by the QAA Framework.
"Our programmes utilise a combination of review lectures, case-based discussions and, where applicable, hands-on practical sessions. We are also increasingly offering courses using 'blended learning', a format which combines both face to face and online learning.
"We are delighted that the RCVS has recognised that the content and rigour of the PgC programmes, make them deserving of the same status as other qualifications awarded by other providers. Our delegates can now have full confidence that achieving one of these postgraduate certificates will enable them to meet the requirements of Advanced Practitioner status."
For more information, see the RCVS website, Advanced Practitioner Guidance Notes, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
The BSAVA is warning the profession to steer wide of a website which purports to offer hotel bookings for this year's Congress, but which is in no way affiliated to BSAVA or Congress.
The website - www.bsava2016.org - does have a distinctly fishy smell to it. Aside from the fact that it describes Birmingham as "one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom", noted for its "awe-inspiring architecture" and "many food joints", there are other clues that this website may not belong to someone familiar with the location or the event, such as the description of BSAVA being "founded to create an excellent forum that promotes research in Animal Veterinary".
Notably, the site also offers no offline contact details.
The association says it is seeking legal advice, but in the meantime, the Birmingham Convention Bureau is the official BSAVA Congress partner for accommodation and the team has a range of accommodation for all budgets. Their online reservation service has now closed so if you want to make a new reservation or amend an existing reservation, contact the Birmingham Convention Bureau by email at bcb.accommodation@marketingbirmingham.com or telephone on 0844 888 3052.
The nomination period runs up until 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2017 and, in order to stand, candidates need to submit a nomination form, a short biography and personal statement, and supply a high resolution digital photo.
Each candidate also needs two nominators: veterinary surgeons who are on the College’s Register but are not current RCVS Council members.
Dr Chris Tufnell, RCVS President, discusses RCVS Council and various committees in a video urging members of the profession to put themselves forward:
The election period starts around mid-March and will run until 5pm on Friday 28 April 2017. Ballot papers will be sent to veterinary surgeons who are eligible to vote in the week commencing Monday 13 March 2017.
Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for prospective RCVS Council candidates can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil17.
As part of an increasing focus on wellbeing at Congress, Jenny will be sharing her thoughts on balancing a successful career with family commitments. Prior to becoming a dragon, Jenny worked in banking for 30 years. She became CEO of cash machine company Hanco, bought out the business, turned it round and sold it for £50 million.
The expanded 2020 Congress programme offers 450 hours of CPD delivered by more than 100 globally recognised speakers. The Association says this year's highlights include more 'open to all' streams, a new range of practical workshops, small group sessions, wetlabs and nurse case reports. There will also be an increased number of AVP streams, an infectious disease stream as well as a popular favourites stream, which will include endocrinology, critical care and trauma medicine, ophthalmology and cardiology.
New wet labs are being introduced, with a chicken anatomy refresher focussing on linking this knowledge to clinical presentations and common procedures. There's a similar session for rabbit anatomy along with a new dermatology practical and surgery of the small intestine.
BSAVA Congress Programme Committee Chair Sue Murphy said: "Our ethos with the 2020 programme is to deliver unrivalled education, designed to tackle the current needs of the profession, with topical, clinically relevant and evidence-based content. Each stream is devised by our committee of volunteer vets, nurses and practice managers, ensuring our entire programme is created by the profession, for the profession."
BSAVA President, Sue Paterson said: "We are extremely proud to be hosting such an impressive programme of education at our 63rd annual Congress and 30th year in Birmingham. With our prestigious keynote speaker, the small animal focussed exhibition, the BSAVA Awards and a packed social programme including a DJ, band, Bongo’s Bingo and Silent Disco at the V20 Party Night, Congress 2020 celebrates the very best of the profession; a not to be missed date in this year’s veterinary calendar!"
To register for BSAVA Congress visit www.bsavaevents.com. If you book before the 29th January, you'll get 20% off.
Apparently the commonly reported use of AI technology was for radiography diagnostics and reporting (44%), followed by laboratory diagnostics and reporting (27%), communications with clients (11%) or to assist with administrative work (7%).
Vets were asked about the benefits and risks of using AI technology in their work.
The most common reported benefit was data interpretation (55%), followed by diagnostic testing (49%), saving time more generally (40%) and for routine admin tasks or note taking (38%).
The most commonly reported risks of AI were the possibility that results are interpreted without context (83%) or that AI is used incorrectly, without follow up checks (82%).
The other reported risks were an overreliance on AI undermining human skills (68%) and a lack of data protection (25%).
BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “It’s fascinating to see how many vet teams are already using AI technology in their daily work.
"The massive boom in the use of these tools represents an exciting opportunity for the profession, particularly around diagnostics and interpreting large data sets.
"But as well as benefits there are clear challenges and risks, so this timely session is a great opportunity to address some of the ethical questions around the use of technology when it comes to treating animals and ensuring their welfare.
"It’s set to be an interesting debate, with the chance for delegates to pose questions to our incredibly knowledgeable panel, and I hope many of you will join us to add your voice to the discussion.”
On the AI discussion panel at BVA Live will be: Nick Jackson, Director, Veterinary Surgeon, Council Member - NGJ Locum Ltd, Ben O'Halloran, Policy Officer - BVA and Nicolò Frisiani, Co-founder and CEO - Lupa Pets.
https://bvalive.vetshow.com/conference-programme
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
The Government's updated Exotic Animal Disease Contingency Plan was laid in Parliament today.
The revised plan is produced by Animal Health for Defra, and includes changes which have been subject to formal public consultation. This includes a framework response plan for dealing with exotic animal diseases and plans for responding to specific diseases including Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.
The changes to the plan reflect lessons identified from the incidents handled during 2008 and address recommendations made in Sir Iain Anderson's review of the 2007 outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease and feedback from the public consultation.
Jane Kennedy, Minister for Farming and the Environment said: "An animal disease outbreak can be devastating for those concerned. Defra remains totally committed to ensuring we learn lessons from our experience of outbreaks, so that we can make sure we respond effectively in future".
The Contingency Plan is subject to ongoing revision based on the latest scientific advice, developments in policy, comments from stakeholders and operational partners together with the lessons identified from disease outbreaks. It can be accessed here:www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/control/contingency/index.htm
A new eBook from electronic publisher Quicklook Books aims to give outsiders a broad overview of the veterinary profession.
According to author, veterinary surgeon Bob Lehner, Quicklook@Vets offers readers the opportunity to get below the surface of the veterinary working practice and gain insight into the profession, without becoming 'bogged down' in complicated medical terminology.
He said: "The veterinary world, although considered by many to be an enthralling subject, is accessible to very few people. Texts are, more often than not, written for veterinary graduates instead of the general public.
"In Quicklook@Vets, I wanted to explore all the aspects of this exciting subject in a clear, coherent manner, without unnecessary jargon, to enable anyone to read and learn about the captivating world of veterinary practice."
As a vet with over 35 years of experience, Bob Lehner worked with a wide range of animals and has experience in commercial deer farming, working with zoo animals and as a veterinary surgeon for the pharmaceutical industry. Now retired, Bob Lehner works part-time in practice, as an inspector for the RCVS Practise Standards Scheme and work with an animal charity in Botswana neutering feral village dogs.
The book is available for download here
Pet owners who believe in preventative healthcare have maintained or increased the money they spend on their pets this year, and 84% visited their vet at least once in 2010, up from 78% in 2007, according to a survey commissioned by the National Office of Animal Health.
According to the survey of 1000 owners carried out by Noesis, 44% of 'preventers' increased their spending on their pets in the last year with only a very small number (5%) decreasing it. There has also been a significant increase in the number of dogs insured by this group since 2007, which now stands at 55% compared to 41% in 2007.
The research covered both 'preventer' and 'non-preventer pet owners and sought to understand: awareness of preventative medicine in cats and dogs; how the decision is made as to what areas of preventative medicine are important and which to adopt; what types of preventative medicine are carried out and the reasons and frequency of this behaviour as well as the sources of information.
In addition to visiting their vet more frequently and spending more on their pets, preventers also visited a pet shop significantly more often than non-preventers with nearly two thirds (61%) of preventers visiting at least once a month compared to 36% of non-preventers, a figure that has decreased from 43% in 2007.
Looking at specific preventative treatments, attitudes to vaccination had not changed between the 2007 and 2010 surveys, with preventers believing that being a responsible pet owner means regularly vaccinating your pet, while non-preventers did not believe vaccination was relevant to their situation. This points to a clear need to educate non-preventers to break habits that have sometimes been handed down from generation to generation.
Most owners from both groups had used a flea treatment on their pets in the past two years although 68% of preventers were much more proactive in their usage of flea products compared to only 40% of non-preventers. Cats (80%) are more likely to have been treated than dogs (69%) among both groups of owners although flea treatment of cats has significantly decreased among non-preventers since 2007.
Use of wormers was also in decline. Although 86% of preventers worm proactively as part of a healthcare routine for their pet, this figure has decreased from 96% in 2007. Non preventers chose not to worm because they did not see the need, citing reasons such as their pet being fit and well or not going outdoors. Likewise, although preventers are more likely than non-preventers to be aware of the zoonotic implications of pet parasites, this awareness had decreased since 2007 pointing to the need for more work to be done on this aspect of pet health. On a more upbeat note, those that were worming proactively wormed their pets more frequently with 50% worming at least every three months in 2010 which was significantly more than compared to 41% in 2007.
When asked where they obtained general healthcare advice, the vet was the most frequently cited source of information with 84% of preventers and 58% of non-preventers referencing their vet. The internet is an increasingly important information channel for non-preventers with almost a third (31%) citing it as their source for pet healthcare advice, an increase from 25% in 2007.
There was huge interest from both groups (87% of preventers and 79% of non-preventers) in using a dedicated website such as NOAH's http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/ which 10% of the pet owners surveyed had heard of. It was welcomed for providing easy access, immediate, independent advice and being written by veterinary experts.
Commenting on the research, Phil Sketchley, chief executive of NOAH said: "We commissioned the original piece of research in 2007 to understand the differences between both groups of pet owners and understand where they sourced their information in order to influence the pet healthcare habits of the non-preventers in particular. The importance of the internet as a source of information proved that our strategy to launch http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/ was on target and the latest survey shows that this channel is increasingly important, particularly among non-preventers.
"The 2011 survey also reveals some positive insights into the preventative healthcare habits of those pet owners that we termed preventers. This group are more likely to insure their pet (45% vs 12%), go to the vet at least once a year (84% vs 30%) and visit a pet shop at least on a monthly basis (61% vs 36%). And, as a final piece of good news, this group have increased their total spend on their pets in the last year and very few members of either group had decreased their spend.
"Whilst all pet owners consider themselves responsible clearly some do not see regular preventative healthcare as part of that responsibility. So there remains a clear need to educate pet owners, particularly the non-preventers, to change some of the patterns of behaviour and complacency regarding their pet's health that have become entrenched and seem to have been influenced by friends and family."
Virbac Animal Health is calling on practices to prepare for Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM), being held by the company in November to highlight the prevalence of the disease and to encourage owners and practices to test for it.
Last year, 400 practices sign up to support the event, and the company says that feedback from many taking part confirmed a significant lack of understanding among clients as to the risk of prostate disease in dogs.
Canine Prostate Awareness Month is timed to coincide with 'Movember', when thousands of men grow moustaches to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer. During the month, Virbac is providing promotional materials including dog leads; educational and display materials and a press release for local media.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "With more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)¹, we wanted to give practices a reason to highlight the risk and encourage owners to test for it. Timing CPAM to coincide with Movember seemed a good way to interest dog owners at a time when some might be considering the state of their own prostate.
"The support we received last year confirmed that it was a topic which practices were keen to discuss with dog owners so we're already planning to make the initiative even bigger and better this year."
Stephen Bamber, Principal at participating practice Warwickshire-based Avonvale Vets, added: "CPAM was an attractive campaign as it was a bit different. It offered the opportunity to see some of our older patients with other, less obvious pathologies. Non-symptomatic testicular tumours in particular surfaced in the checks we did. Clients generally had little idea about dogs' prostates so it gave us a good platform to discuss prostate disease with them."
Virbac has introduced OdelisTM CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH, available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. The company says it's a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation. Virbac also offers Ypozane, a tablet treatment for BPH which takes effect within a week and lasts for up to six months.
Chris added: "BPH is an unpleasant condition occurring in nearly all entire dogs as they get older, but one which is entirely treatable. We hope that, by running our Prostate Awareness Campaign at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, we can help spread the message that owners should be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease."
For further information on the Prostate Awareness Campaign, email cpam@virbac.co.uk; contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.
References
The WSAVA is calling on veterinary surgeons and nurses to volunteer to help with outreach projects in Africa in September 2014.
The projects are part of a new initiative from WSAVA called the 'WSAVA Global Outreach', which is designed to help share the knowledge and experience of its members more widely around the world.
The first two projects will take place as an extension of the WSAVA World Congress in Cape Town, from 16th-19th September:
The WSAVA-SAVA Community Veterinary Clinics ProgrammeThe WSAVA is also offering the opportunity for ten veterinary surgeons registered to attend World Congress to volunteer for a five day placement working with the South African Veterinary Association's Community Veterinary Clinic (SAVA-CVC). They will assist with a range of activities including running mobile veterinary clinics and providing basic care such as vaccination and parasite treatments. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to carry out basic diagnostics and treatment including neutering.
WSAVA President Colin Burrows said: "WSAVA Global Outreach is a vehicle to enable us to create a lasting legacy in every region which hosts World Congress because, if we all work together, we can help to build a better future everyone in the profession."
Further details on how to apply for both volunteer programmes can be found at www.wsava.org.
The presentation comes in the form of an editable Powerpoint presentation which can be downloaded from www.training-progress.com (visit 'downloads').
Laura Shaw from Training-Progress said: "Most of our clients are PSS accredited practices. Getting the practice accredited is a great achievement and the whole team should be aware of this and ‘singing it from the roof tops’. The resource outlines why PSS is good for the practice, the clients, the patients and the practice team - helping team members to promote it."
Training-Progress is a training management system and communication tool to support a practice through PSS accreditation. It includes features such as ensuring processes are in place; sharing information; implementing change in processes and reporting systems which provide evidence for accreditation and allow concentration of training resources.