Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that it has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for a single-shot vaccination schedule of its Porcilis PCV vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections.
The new approval allows vaccination with 1 dose of 2 ml in pigs from an age of 3 weeks onwards (known as the 1 - 2 - 3 approach) in the case of low to medium levels of maternal antibodies against PCV2, and also to include reduction of mortality as an additional indication. This new single-shot application for Porcilis PCV offers additional flexibility over the currently available dosage scheme of this vaccine, which has been available in Europe since April 2009.
Intervet/Schering Plough says the major characteristics of Porcilis PCV are that: (1) it contains the Cap-2 subunit antigen coded by ORF2 and therefore induces strong immunity against PCV2 infection; (2) it is combined with XSolve, an adjuvant offering immunity until the end of the finishing period; and (3) is able to break through of all levels of maternally-derived antibodies in piglets depending on the vaccination schedule used.
The company adds that one single dose of Porcilis PCV has been demonstrated to induce both humoral and cell-mediated responses against PCV2, despite the presence of low to medium levels of maternal antibodies. According to a recent study published in Vaccine, the immunity induced by a single dose of the vaccine resulted in reductions of viremia, viral shedding and viral load in tissues in vaccinated pigs as compared to controls. Field trials have also demonstrated that vaccination of pigs at 3 weeks of age or older reduces the presence of virus load in the blood and reduces weight loss associated with PCV2 infection during the fattening period.
Infection with PCV2 is known to cause a variety of syndromes in pigs, together known as Porcine Circo Virus Disease (PCVD). Symptoms may include clinical signs such as weight loss or failure to grow, enlarged lymph nodes, difficulty in breathing, pale skin and jaundice.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a campaign supporting veterinary professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of otitis externa at BSAVA World Congress.
The campaign includes a range of guidance, information and case studies from key opinion leaders.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage the identification of the organism causing infection through cytology, support the selection of the correct treatment and assist with educating clients on how to apply and use products correctly. The cytology guidance has been produced in association with veterinary dermatologists Peter Forsythe and Ariane Neuber, who is also a speaker at this year's Congress in Birmingham.
A new website www.dechra.com/timetochange is being launched to coincide with the campaign which provides online CPD focusing on skin and ear cytology.
Dechra Veterinary Products' Managing Director Bob Parmenter said: "We are delighted to launch It's Time to Change at the largest international veterinary event ever held in the UK. BSAVA World Congress has a reputation for promoting best practice, as does Dechra in its support of veterinary professionals.
"Amid a growing concern surrounding the issues of antimicrobial resistance, the new dermatology drive will aim to support vets through a holistic best practice approach to managing ear disease."
"Without the appropriate treatment combined with correct owner compliance, antimicrobial resistance could be a major issue for the companion animal veterinary profession. That's why we have launched this campaign and we're looking forward to speaking to delegates about why it's time to change."
Referral Dermatologist Sue Paterson MA, VetMB, DVD, DipECVD, MRCVS, RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology is available to speak with delegates at the Dechra Veterinary Products stand on Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14.
The Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the AHT has identified a genetic mutation which causes a severe progressive disease in Parson Russell Terriers (PRTs).
Late onset ataxia (LOA) affects coordination and balance, making everyday movement and tasks increasingly difficult. The new DNA test can accurately predict the risk of developing the disease in 97-100 per cent of PRTs and will effectively reduce the number of LOA cases in the breed.
Dogs usually develop the disease between six months and one year of age but because there is no cure, sufferers are usually euthanised around two years after onset as their quality of life diminishes.
After testing DNA of over 200 PRTs in total, the AHT's scientists were able to isolate the genetic mutation which causes the disease and establish that LOA is an inherited recessive trait; therefore dogs must have two defective copies of the genetic mutation, one from each parent, to be affected.
The test results will inform dog owners if their dog is clear from, a carrier of, or affected by LOA.
Cathryn Mellersh, Head of Canine Genetics, at the AHT said: "This is great news for PRT breeders as we believe LOA is an emerging condition in the breed and through this test we should be able to cut the disorder 'off at the pass', before the mutation becomes any more widespread.
"Interestingly, our research also suggests that there may be other causes of ataxia in the breed. It is important for breeders to understand that a clear result using the LOA DNA test will not exclude the formal possibility that dogs could still develop a genetically different form of ataxia."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "LOA is a relatively new but devastating condition and we are delighted that we've been able to work with the Animal Health Trust to develop a DNA test that will give breeders the opportunity to significantly reduce this disease. We will keep working together to develop tools and information for breeders, so that they are able to select dogs that will have healthy puppies."
The DNA test for LOA is available from the AHT at the price of £48. Full details are available at www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk.
Clients should be advised that exposure to small quantities of concentrated permethrin can cause severe and fatal poisoning in cats. If they have one of the products, it should be returned to the place it was bought, or returned to the company:
John Tharratt, Bio-Tech solutions. Telephone 08704 450154. Email: JTharratt@btsl.uk.com
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The survey - Surveillance use, understanding and engagement across the veterinary profession - is being carried out by the BVA's Surveillance Working Group, which is made up of 12 members of BVA and its divisions who have expertise in veterinary surveillance.
Chair of the BVA Surveillance Working Group, Kate Sharpe, said: "Following several reviews, the surveillance landscape has changed in England and Wales. This survey is your chance to tell us how you engage with the current system, what you value about the surveillance reports produced and to identify areas for improvement. We want to hear from the full breadth of the profession.
"Whilst we know that disease surveillance is a priority for the profession we would like to understand what drives veterinary professionals to engage with the scanning surveillance system as it currently stands and the barriers which prevent or limit engagement.
"This increased understanding will enable BVA to clearly set out its position on current surveillance systems and highlight key questions to pose to the Government in order to improve surveillance delivery, especially as we head into Brexit negotiations."
The survey was drafted by members of the Surveillance Working Group, with representatives from BVA’s specialist divisions, and will be promoted to members of all relevant veterinary associations.
It is the first of a series of surveillance surveys that will also include localised surveys for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Data collected will inform BVA’s policy position ensuring it is representative of disease surveillance across all the UK.
The survey will run until Friday 31 August 2017 and the BVA says that depending on your area of work, will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. As a thank you, participants will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon Voucher.
Take the survey.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, has launched a new guide entitled ‘Your guide to Exotic Diseases', to educate horse owners on these potentially fatal, insect-borne diseases, some of which are zoonotic.
Joining the company's guides on respiratory disease and vaccination, the leaflet features information on West Nile Virus, African Horse Sickness, Equine Infectious Anaemia (Swamp Fever) and Equine Encephalitis including overviews of each of the diseases and their clinical signs.
Spread by a variety of insect-borne vectors including midges, mosquitoes and horseflies, climate change is increasing the risk of exotic diseases having a severe impact on the country's equine industry. What's more, African Horse Sickness is transmitted from animal to animal by infected biting Culicoides midges, the same midges that carry the Bluetongue virus which has threatened UK livestock this year.
"It's essential that horse owners are aware of the threat of exotic diseases coming in from overseas and the clinical signs to look out for, especially during the summer and autumn months when diseases transmitted by insects are more likely to appear." comments Tim Zoch, Marketing Manager at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. "Our new leaflet features easy-to-understand overviews of each of the diseases to help educate owners, and practices can expect strong demand from their clients"
For further information about Intervet/Schering-Plough's range of horse owner guides, including ‘Your guide to Exotic Diseases', please contact your Intervet/Schering-Plough Account Manager or call the Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.
kcs-intervet.swfIntervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health is running a challenge over the next few months to encourage the early diagnosis of Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), a painful disease which leads to permanent blindness (see right).
Practices are being asked to perform a Schirmer Tear Test (STT) on 50 dogs not previously diagnosed with KCS for the chance to win one of 70 Samsung digital cameras.
Recent studies¹ have shown the incidence of KCS to be 4.6% of the UK dog population, rising to 8.3% in predisposed breeds. However, 20 veterinary practices have recently participated in an Early Diagnosis Programme and the number confirmed with KCS was 9.7%². 17 of the cases diagnosed had Schirmer Tear Test readings of zero.
KCS is thought to be under-diagnosed because not all cases have the classic 'textbook' appearance but look surprisingly normal despite severely reduced tear production. In addition, diagnosis usually requires clinical suspicion and a Schirmer Tear Test.
Claudia Hartley, BVSc CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS, European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology believes that: "All sore eyes (except where a descemetocoele is present) should have a Schirmer Tear Test, whether or not there is corneal change."
Melanie Dass MA VetMB CertSAM MRCVS ACIM, Product Manager for Optimmune said: "The results of our Early Diagnosis Programme made interesting reading and supported what we have always suspected - that KCS is under-diagnosed. It's really important that dogs suffering from this disease are detected promptly as early diagnosis and treatment with Optimmune gives the best prognosis.
"As part of the Early Diagnosis Programme owners of predisposed breeds received a personalised mailing offering them a free Schirmer Tear Test and some practices also elected to test all breeds at routine consultations such as vaccination. The tests were generally performed by veterinary nurses after they had received training, with the diagnosis made by a veterinary surgeon."
For more information about KCS, Optimmune and support in implementing an Early Diagnosis Programme, please contact your local Intervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health Territory Manager or call 01908 685685.
References¹ Pierce V & Williams D, 2006. Determination of Schirmer Tear Tests values in 1000 dogs. BSAVA Abstract 2006.² Intervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health Practices Study 2009
Guidance for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses on client confidentiality and microchipping has been amended by the RCVS.
The amendments deal with situations when a client presents an animal registered in another person's name, and a new flow diagram has been added to provide additional practical advice for vets and VNs dealing with these types of situations.
Animals can be registered in a different name to that of the client for various reasons. For example, an animal may have been re-homed or sold, but the details on its microchip have not been updated; it could have been stolen; or, the owners may be involved in a civil dispute.
Veterinary surgeons in practice may be unsure what to do in these situations. The new guidance informs veterinary surgeons about their options and provides advice on client confidentiality and data protection issues.
The College advises that veterinary nurses employed by a veterinary surgeon or practice should discuss the issues with a senior veterinary surgeon in the practice before breaching client confidentiality.
The amendments apply to Chapter 14 of the supporting guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. The supporting guidance and flow diagram are available at: www.rcvs.org.uk/confidentiality.
Veterinary nursing dominated the event held by the RCVS to celebrate the launch of its new Royal Charter at the House of Commons last week.
Over 200 guests attended the occasion, which was sponsored by the MPs Neil Parish (Conservative), Angela Smith (Labour) and David Heath (Liberal Democrats).
The new Charter, which came into effect on 17 February, sets out the objects of the College and underpins many of its core functions such as the Practice Standards Scheme. However, the main focus of the event was the impact the Charter has had on veterinary nursing. Specifically how it recognises veterinary nursing as a profession and empowers the VN Council to set standards for training and CPD.
Professor Stuart Reid, RCVS President said: “There is one more piece of this jigsaw that is missing. We would like to increase further the confidence of the public in veterinary nurses with formal statutory protection of the title veterinary nurse. It is simply unacceptable that unqualified individuals should be able to use the same title as a well-qualified, properly regulated professional.”
Kathy Kissick, a registered veterinary nurse and Chair of VN Council, commended the hard work it had taken to get a new Charter, adding: “I am so very proud to stand here as a registered veterinary nurse and an associate of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Registered veterinary nurses should wear their badges with pride.”
Nick Stace, RCVS CEO, closed the event by outlining how the College was fulfilling its strategy to become a first-rate regulator citing the streamlining of the complaints process, the new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) trial and the Mind Matters Initiative as just some of the ways in which the College is making a positive contribution to the welfare of animals, the public and the profession.
Picture shows (Left to right) RCVS President, Professor Stuart Reid, Neil Parish (Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton), Angela Smith (Labour MP for Penistone), Kathy Kissick RVN (Chair of VN Council) and RCVS CEO Nick Stace.
The taskforce was established following the EU referendum result on 24 June, with the central purpose of putting the profession in charge of its future by maximising the opportunities and minimising the risks of Brexit.
Almost half of veterinary surgeons registering in the UK qualified from veterinary schools elsewhere in the EU. While the Government issued a statement in mid-July clarifying that as yet there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK or UK nationals in the EU, it is not clear whether this situation will continue once the UK has left the EU.
The Brexit Presidential Taskforce will consider, and proactively engage with, the many possible changes that could shape the future of the UK veterinary profession due to Brexit.
The members of the Taskforce are: the President of the College, Chris Tufnell; the CEO, Nick Stace; the Treasurer, Amanda Boag; Operations Director, Corrie McCann; Junior Vice-President, Stephen May; Acting Registrar, Eleanor Ferguson; Chair of Education, Susan Dawson; Head of Education, Chris Warman; Council member Stuart Reid; Chair of VN Council, Liz Cox; and Director of Strategic Communications, Lizzie Lockett.
The terms of reference include: considering how EU regulations currently impact the regulation of veterinary professionals in the UK, and making recommendations as to which should be maintained; looking at the issue of mutual recognition of veterinary graduates in Europe; considering workforce requirements and the implications of a new system of immigration; understanding the implications for the current RCVS agenda; considering whether a proactive RCVS agenda can influence any new UK legislation; reconsidering the College’s existing international strategy; and studying the financial impact on the College.
It was also agreed that the College should maintain communications with the British Veterinary Association and coordinate approaches where appropriate.
Dr Chris Tufnell, President of the RCVS, said: "Brexit has profound implications for our professions. The Presidential Taskforce is exploring all implications and will develop proposals that will seek to mitigate the risks and maximise the benefits that can flow to the veterinary professions and to animal welfare.
"We are working closely with representative bodies and others so that the veterinary professions have a coordinated and well executed plan in place. We are in discussions with all relevant Government departments, working collaboratively and constructively, ensuring that our voice is heard and our influence is felt."
The next meeting will be held on 15 September, with the third one scheduled for 9 November.
Diverse Undertakings Ltd. has announced that it is extending its services to include support for veterinary practices in securing their RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) accreditation.
The company was originally formed to provide business advisory services to small and medium sized enterprises across a range of industry sectors. Its services range from general H.R. advice, health & safety guidance and facilities management to candidate sourcing and call-centre services.
However, with previous experience supporting a substantial veterinary practice in Kent for both employment challenges and PSS accreditation, Company Director Neal Palk decided to extend the company's capability to support other veterinary practices in securing their PSS accreditation.
He says that because the needs of each practice vary, Diverse can adapt its service to reflect both the individual circumstances relating to accreditation as well as the capability/capacity with the practice to undertake necessary tasks itself. By using a network of associates, he says Diverse can call upon other specialities (for example - competitively priced office/building equipment) to smooth the progress to accreditation.
Diverse says it offers a range of transparent pricing options to suit the client which, without the overheads of large consultancies, often result in PSS accreditation being achieved for less cost than a typical administrative temp for a month. Monthly retention fee alternatives for other services are available, beginning at £95+ VAT.
Neal said: "Several organisations offer professional services to the veterinary practice sector, but few can claim to have 'been there, done that' and really understand the climate and culture the sector operates within. Diverse Undertakings Ltd. values its experience in the sector and aims to work with other practices to achieve both accreditation and wider business success."
For more details please contact Neal on 07771 843719, e-mail: info@diverseundertakings.com, or visit: http://www/diverseundertakings.com
Ceva Animal Health has produced a leaflet to help horse owners understand the cause, diagnosis and management of equine back pain.
The company says the management of back pain in the horse can be a particular challenge to vets and a source of frustration for owners. Early diagnosis is likely to be associated with a more favourable outcome but it's important to ensure that other causes of pain and poor performance such as lameness, are not contributing to the horse's clinical signs.
'Understanding back pain' explains the anatomy of the back, as well as the clinical signs of back pain, and how it is diagnosed, including the treatment options and the general prognosis. Copies of the new leaflet are available, free of charge, from your Ceva sales representative. Leaflets on 'Understanding bone spavin', 'Understanding navicular disease', 'Understanding sacroiliac disease' and 'Equidronate discharge instructions', are also available.
For further information contact your local Ceva representative or Ceva Animal Health Ltd, Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 9FB, Telephone +44 (0) 1494 781510.
Burgess Excel and the PDSA are urging veterinary surgeons and nurses to get their clients to sign up to the free PDSA Rabbit Wellbeing Challenge by the closing date of Friday 22 November.
According to the organisers, the PDSA Rabbit Wellbeing Challenge is designed to help all rabbit owners understand and meet their pets' five welfare needs - the five things that all pet rabbits' need to be healthy and happy. Since the campaign was launched in June, more than 1,000 rabbit owners have signed up to take the challenge, and veterinary practices are now being urged to ensure their clients take advantage of this free resource by visiting www.rabbitneeds.org.uk to register.
The Challenge website allows owners to take a monthly quiz to find out how well they are currently meeting their rabbits' needs, with advice on how to further improve their health and wellbeing. At the end of the challenge, owners will be presented with a Rabbit Wellbeing Challenge certificate and receive monthly vouchers together with money-off coupons for the Excel Feeding Plan. They will also be entered into a prize draw to win a 16gb iPad.
The Challenge is being featured on stickers on every pack of Burgess Excel Rabbit Nuggets. One million packs will have been sold by the final date for sign ups on the 22 November.
Burgess Pet Care Veterinary Surgeon, Suzanne Moyes, said: "With help from the veterinary community we really can make a difference by raising awareness about important rabbit welfare issues and in turn change rabbit owner behaviour. Working together, we are can improve the health and wellbeing of the UK's third most popular pet by educating pet owners, especially in relation to diet and regular veterinary check-ups."
Sean Wensley, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA, added: "Sadly, the welfare needs of pet rabbits are often not met. Common problems include a poor diet, living alone in a small hutch with no exercise run, and a lack of preventive healthcare. The PDSA Rabbit Wellbeing Challenge is a great tool for owners to assess how well they are currently meeting their rabbit's five welfare needs and to get advice on making practical, positive improvements. Most owners want their pets to be healthy and happy, and we hope this Challenge will help tackle some of the preventable health and welfare problems commonly seen in pet rabbits."
For further information on The PDSA Rabbit Wellbeing Challenge visit www.rabbitneeds.org.uk or for further details on the Burgess Excel Feeding Plan visit www.excelfedingplan.co.uk
The service has been free of charge since March 15th 2020, when it first became clear how difficult things would become. However, as life has become less restricted, now seemed an appropriate time to introduce a very modest charge to help with the site's ongoing development and maintenance.
Over the last four and a half months, there has been a significant increase in the number of jobs advertised on VetSurgeon (to the extent that VetSurgeon and VetNurse Jobs now have more jobs advertised than either the Veterinary Times or the Veterinary Record). What's more, feedback from advertisers is that they've received more enquiries both on VetSurgeon.org and over on VetNurse Jobs.
On VetSurgeon, this may be due in part to a number of locum vets seeking permanent positions. However, it also seems likely to be a consequence of a 'virtuous circle' whereby more jobs advertised = more visibility on Google and other social networks = more enquiries = more jobs advertised = more visibility and so on.
For this reason, the plan for the future is to optimise the price of advertising on VetSurgeon.org at the lowest level needed to encourage the largest number of vacancies, the greatest number of enquiries and the revenue needed to pay for the ongoing running of the sites.
For more information about recruitment advertising on VetSurgeon.org.
Taking place on 26th November, the event will focus on putting the Cat Friendly Principles into action within the veterinary clinic, including how to work with cats in challenging situations, the role of appropriate handling techniques and the use of anxiolytics and sedation.
Speakers include Dr Sarah Heath (Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine), Dr Matt Gurney (Veterinary Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia), Linda Ryan (Veterinary Technician Specialist in Oncology and Behaviour) and Kelly Eyre (RVN).
Head of ISFM Dr Nathalie Dowgray said: “This has been a really exciting programme to put together.
"Some cats can be challenging in the veterinary clinic even when the team has made every effort to be cat friendly. We wanted to recognise that and include in our panel discussion real-life scenarios to equip vets and nurses with the tools they need for when things don’t go according to plan.”
The Feline Fine London congress is open to all veterinary professionals, including nurses and receptionists.
https://icatcare.org/isfmcongress-2022-london
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a calculator which provides vets with an instant analysis of how much they can save when stocking veterinary licensed generic products over an equivalent.
The new margin calculator enables practices to manipulate their mark-ups for a greater increase in profit while also providing cost savings for clients.
Roger Brown, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products said: "With the rise of veterinary licensed generic products on the market, our calculator provides practices with an added opportunity to increase their own profitability. This can be achieved through a simple re-calculation based on the purchase price of a product, versus its mark-up and how much they are sold on to clients for. In many circumstances, practices will see an increased profit for themselves and cost reductions for the client – everyone wins!"
The margin and profit calculator compares market prices with Dechra’s own generic range – Veterinary Essentials – to show just how much mark-up can be applied to products without impacting on a client’s budget.
Roger added: "It’s a simple, but very effective calculation. The beauty is that this calculator can be run from any computer and does not require supporting software."
For more information about the margin calculator please contact your local Dechra territory manager or call Rachel Horton on 01743 441 632.
The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) has launched the European Journal of Companion Animal Practitioners (EJCAP) Online, the first European fully online veterinary journal.
As the official journal of the FECAVA, the EJCAP online is exclusively available to members of national companion animal veterinary associations which are in turn members of FECAVA (which include the BSAVA).
According to FECAVA, the EJCAP online will continue to offer the sort of high quality CPD articles which the magazine was known for during its 21 year history in print. However it will now also be able to offer rich media, such as videos with clinical presentations, endoscopy and ultrasound recordings, diagnostic and surgical techniques, interviews with experts, conference presentations as well as slide shows, interactive quizzes, surveys and animations.
The frequency of publication has also been increased, from three to four issues per year, including one special issue.
The EJCAP online is available in two languages - English and Spanish. More languages are planned in future.
Simon Orr, FECAVA president, said: "Since the momentous decision to publish EJCAP online was taken by our Council in Lille in 2009, we are delighted to offer our members this new and engaging way to gain new information and skills.
As we start work on the next issues, we invite all our readers to give us feedback on this first volume of EJCAP online. On the last spread (page) there is a link to a survey on this new format, to help us further improve and optimize EJCAP online."
To register, visit EJCAP online (www.fecava.org/ejcap).
The event, which is open to 2019 and 2020 graduates, offers a day to catch up with classmates, network and create new connections, whilst accumulating six hours of CPD.
During the day, delegates will be able to practise their skills with real-life actors who play the part of clients, recreating difficult situations they may be facing in practice, which will then be dissected by the audience.
You will also be able to talk to the heads of the main veterinary organisations and get advice from representatives of the BVA, RCVS, VMG, BSAVA, SPVS and SPVS Educational Trust.
Ticket holders will also have access to a digital delegate bag with exclusive content from VDS Training, Supporters & Sponsors.
Tickets are £35 and can be bought at: https://www.bit.ly/VDSGraduateSupportDay2021 or for further information, contact info@vds-training.co.uk
Dechra Veterinary Products, manufacturer of the leading feline hyperthyroidism treatment Felimazole®, has launched a new website for cat owners about the disorder: www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk
The website is an online version of Dechra's popular client booklets on feline hyperthyroidism and, since its launch, has averaged 500 unique visitors a month. With pages on diagnosis, treatment and even tips on how to give a pill to a cat, owners now have a place to go for more information and advice on the disease.
Matthew Olsen, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products says: "This website is perfect for helping owners better understand and manage hyperthyroidism in their cat. It's also useful for practices as they now have somewhere to refer owners to for more information about the diagnosis and management of this complex hormonal disease."
Cards with the new website address are available for practices to hand to clients, along with waiting room posters that will serve as a further reminder of the new site. "The website allows clients to browse the site in the comfort of their own home and is also ideal for practices with limited storage space for client information materials," Dr Olsen continues. "The posters, cards and website enhance Dechra Veterinary Products' existing range of marketing materials available to vets and owners on the subject of feline hyperthyroidism."
Dechra also encourages practices that have their own websites to link directly to http://www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk/. Practices can order posters and hand-out cards by contacting Dechra on 01743 441632 or email: info@dechra-uk.com
he leaflet has been produced following changes in legislation concerning maternity, paternity and adoption, and covers issues such as:
The leaflet includes timelines for quick reference together with health and safety advice, including a template risk assessment form.
Professor Bill Reilly, BVA past president, chaired the members services sub group which developed the document. He said: "This Guidance tells everyone in the practice team what they need to know about pregnancy in the workplace.
"Developed with the help of human resources and legal experts this Guidance answers common questions, gives a great overview of what should happen when, as well as who has which rights and responsibilities.
"It is specifically tailored to the veterinary environment so vets, vet nurses and practice managers should all find the clear advice useful."
BVA members can download the guide from www.bva.co.uk/guides.
Designed for the whole practice team, the Congress theme will be Smarter Working – better outcomes: focussing on how individual and veterinary practice life can be transformed through consistent incremental gains.
Congress will be opened by Cath Bishop (pictured), Olympic rower turned business coach, with an insight into how working smarter revolutionised her rowing career, and the importance of continued learning to help achieve the marginal gains required to help thrive in practice.
The Smarter Working non-clinical lecture and workshop programme will incorporate the following streams:
Saturday workshops are also included in the full congress ticket price.
The social programme includes an afternoon Happy Hour in the exhibition hall, a networking event and the President’s Party with a reception, three course meal and party band.
There will also be a commercial exhibition.
www.spvs-congress.co.uk
Pfizer has sponsored the publication of a new English-Polish dairy health guide for vets to give farmers.
The guide has been published to help farm staff from Poland improves their knowledge, skills and performance at work. Topics covered including milking routines, causes and control of clinical mastitis, intramammary tube infusion and dry cow therapy.
Copies are available free of charge from Pfizer Animal Health's Dairy Territory Managers, or by calling 01737 330727.
A survey of more than 3,000 farms has found that 16% employed foreign workers, among whom more than half were from Poland.1 According to Pfizer's livestock business director Tomas Rosival, Polish workers are keen on training and eager to put it into practice and get results.
He said: "Communication is the key. By presenting each topic in English and Polish on facing pages, the booklet helps develop workplace vocabulary and language skills as well as improving technical knowledge."
[1] Farm Business, 2009. The significance of migrant labour in UK agricultural employment. Survey of 3,375 farms.
The RCVS has launched the recruitment process for new Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) Assessors, ahead of the Scheme's relaunch in November this year.
The College is looking to recruit 18 experienced veterinary surgeons as Assessors who will work directly with RCVS-accredited practices to help them comply with the Scheme and maintain the highest possible standards of veterinary care.
Successful candidates will be expected to actively assess and inspect veterinary practices at the different PSS accreditation levels - core, general practice and hospital - to encourage continuous improvement; they will work proactively with practice teams to ensure that the Scheme's standards are understood and being worked towards. The College is aiming to recruit Assessors from across the UK who have experience in small animal, equine and/or farm animal practice.
An Open Day will be held at the RCVS on Friday, 12 June 2015, to give prospective candidates more information about the roles. Anyone interested in attending should contact Alicia on 020 7202 0786 or email atAliciaM@rcvs.org.uk. As places are limited, they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The recruitment process is being handled by Thewlis Graham Associates. Those interested in applying should contact them for a confidential discussion on 020 7850 4781. The deadline for applications is Monday, 29 June 2015.
Further information about the role, including the candidate brief and application form, is available at www.thewlisgraham.com.
Professor Susan Dawson (pictured right), Chair of the Mind Matters Taskforce, will introduce the event and will be followed by the symposium’s plenary speaker, Rory O’Connor, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Glasgow and President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
Rory's talk: ‘When It is Darkest: Understanding Suicide Risk’ will draw upon his research and work on the psychological processes which precipitate suicidal behaviour and self-harm, an area of expertise that has seen him advise the Scottish Government, as well as other national and international organisations, on suicide prevention strategies.
The next presentation will be from Dr Victoria Crossley from the Royal Veterinary College and Navaratnam Partheeban, co-founder of the British Veterinary Ethnicity & Diversity Society (BVEDS), on their research into the mental health impact of racism and discrimination on Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) veterinary surgeons.
They'll be followed by Professor Neil Greenberg and Dr Victoria Williamson from King’s College London, who will talk about their research into the impact of ‘moral injury’ on the mental health and wellbeing of vets.
The day will then split into different research streams with presentations on a variety of topics including: the impact of cyberbullying and harassment; the wellbeing of veterinary interns and residents; stigma and stress in veterinary nursing; mental health awareness training in the undergraduate veterinary curriculum; and the relationship between ‘patient safety culture’ and staff burnout.
Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Manager, said: “As with previous years the Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium promises to be a very informative and important day in terms of international researchers coming together to share their research, their conclusions, areas for further work and study, and best practice.
"Some of the topics we will be discussing, such as suicide, will be difficult, but research into issues affecting the international veterinary community is a vital first step to putting in place strategies and support mechanisms to help those in need. This is why research will be one of the key strategic priorities for the Mind Matters Initiative and our forthcoming actions in this area will be published later this year in our Mind Matters Initiative Strategic Plan.
“I would like to thank Dr Rosie Allister, a veterinary mental health researcher from the University of Edinburgh and manager of Vetlife Helpline, for putting together an excellent programme.
"As with previous years we are also offering free attendance of the symposium to those who have lived experience of mental ill-health, those who are currently not working, and veterinary and veterinary nursing students. If you have any queries about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact me on l.quigley@rcvs.org.uk to discuss further.”
Registration for those not entitled to a free ticket is £10.
To register for the event visit: www.vetmindmatters.org/events.
The College points to data gathered from its 2024 VN Vision workshops which showed that many nurses believe their skills and capabilities, and the scope of tasks that can be performed within the current legal framework, are not being fully used.
This new project aims to gather insights and empower nurses to play a more central role in the sector by promoting greater involvement in:
Session dates, times and locations are as follows:
Julie Dugmore RVN, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, said: “Informed by conversations with professionals across the sector and a deep understanding of current practice, this new project recognises that achieving meaningful change requires a fundamental cultural shift.
"Clear guidance, structured support and open dialogue will be key in empowering veterinary teams to adapt to a new way of working.
“An additional crucial focus will be on enhancing public understanding of the Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) role, alongside support for developing stronger interprofessional and public-facing communication.”
Jill Macdonald RVN, VN Futures Lead, added: “These interactive sessions will play an important role in this new branch of VN Vision work, helping to define long term goals, identify the practical steps needed to achieve them, and determine how success will be measured and shared with the wider public.
“We were honoured to have so many fantastic nurses come together last year to help shape the future of the profession, and we’re looking forward to many more engaging conversations with vet team members this time around.
"This is more than just a conversation though – it’s a national effort to strengthen the RVN role through collaboration, clarity and confidence.”
The ‘A vision or a necessity: strengthening the role of veterinary nurses in team-based veterinary healthcare’ workshops are open to all practice team members, including, but not limited to, veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons, practice support staff, directors, managers, and practice owners.
Workshops will be informal, informative and made up of small groups.
Supper will also be provided.
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/vet-nursing-vision-events-3253639
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/publications/vn-vision-the-future-of-team-based-veterinary-healthcare/