Shakira Free Miles RVN has been reprimanded and warned by the RCVS VN Council Disciplinary Committee after pleading guilty last year to six counts of theft and one of the attempted theft of animals which she and her co-defendants mistakenly believed were in need of rescuing.

Miss Miles and her co-defendants mistakenly believed that the animals, which included a lamb, hens, piglets, goats, a calf, dogs and a pig, were in poor condition. 

They went to steal the animals from their owners' property after dark, dressed in dark clothing; some in balaclavas.

Miss Miles was sentenced to a community order for a period of 18 months rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work rehabilitation, to pay £250 compensation, an £85 victim surcharge, and £400 in costs.

The Committee found that the facts of the case were proved on admission by Miss Miles and on the basis that they accepted the copy of the Certificate of Conviction.

Deciding on Miss Miles’ fitness to practise, the Committee considered the evidence before it and the advice of the Legal Assessor.

It also considered the transcript of remarks of the sentencing judge, as well as the fact that the events which led to the convictions occurred while Miss Miles was a registered veterinary nurse with the RCVS.

In terms of mitigating factors, the Committee considered that there was no financial gain associated with Miss Miles’ actions.

In terms of aggravating factors, it noted the risk of injury to animals, that Miss Miles’ behaviour was pre-meditated, that individuals had been targeted in their own homes after dark, the stress and emotional harm to the owners, and that there had been repeated criminal offending.

The Committee also considered Miss Miles’ motivations in respect of animal welfare in coming to its decision.

However, it assessed the offences to be serious, taking into account their nature and circumstances.

Paul Morris, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee was aware that breaches of the Code do not in themselves mean that the respondent is unfit to practise by reason of the conviction.

"However, the Committee took into account the nature and circumstances of the conviction and also considered the wider public interest.

"The Committee was satisfied that the respondent’s behaviour which led to the conviction created a real risk of harm to the animals in question, as was clear from the basis upon which the respondent was sentenced.

“Further, the behaviour which led to the conviction for the repeated offences in the circumstances in question brings the veterinary nursing profession into disrepute.

"To find otherwise would undermine public confidence in the profession and fail to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour.

“Accordingly, the Committee found that the conviction, set out in the charge, renders the respondent unfit to practise.”

When determining an appropriate sanction, the Committee considered the same aggravating factors it had evaluated when assessing fitness to practice. However, further mitigating factors, in addition to the fact that Miss Miles had no financial gain, included:

• that there were no concerns about her competence or quality of practice,
• there had been a significant lapse of time since the incidents,
• her guilty plea,
• co-operation with the regulatory process,
• disclosure of the conviction to the RCVS,
• no evidence of repetition of the offending behaviour,demonstration of some insight into the seriousness and impact of the offences on public trust and confidence,
• positive personal character references,
• remorse expressed for upset caused to the owners,
• apology to the RCVS and her profession,
• compliance with the requirements of the criminal sentence,
• and low risk of repetition.

The Committee considered the testimonials and character references which attested to Miss Miles’ exemplary practice, integrity, professionalism, compassionate approach to animals, commitment to animal welfare, work in educating others in animal welfare, and commitment to campaigning for animal welfare.

However, it was noted that Miss Miles gave the impression to the Committee that while she accepted that it was wrong to commit the criminal offences, she also believed that her intention to protect the animals’ welfare was a justification.

Speaking on the sanction, Paul Morris said: “The Committee was of the view that the conviction was particularly serious, in that it involved offences of dishonesty on a repeated basis.

"The Committee also took into account that the respondent has invoked her beliefs to undermine an aspect of the sentencing judge’s remarks and has used those beliefs to justify her actions at the time before this Committee.

“However, the risk of re-offending is low and, as already stated, the Committee accepts the respondent’s assertion that she does not intend to break the law again, and the Committee is assured in this regard by the lack of repetition in the last six years.

"There was insight shown by the respondent into the effect of her conviction on public trust and confidence in the profession.

"The Committee weighed the demands of the public interest, as well as the previously stated mitigating and aggravating factors.

"In all the circumstances of this particular case, the Committee concluded that both a reprimand and a warning as to future conduct is sufficient and proportionate to meet the need to maintain public confidence in the profession and uphold proper standards.”

The Committee went on to consider an order of suspension but decided that this would serve no useful purpose in light of the low risk of repetition of criminal offending, the nature of which was unconnected to her daily role as an RVN.

It could see no identifiable risk to animals now and in the future.

The Committee decided that to impose a suspension would be punitive and disproportionate.

The reprimand and warning sanction imposed on the respondent will remain on her RCVS record indefinitely and will be taken into consideration should there be any future misconduct.

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/ 

Dairy vets will soon be receiving a DVD highlighting the economic losses due to coccidiosis in cattle, from Janssen Animal Health.

According to the company, coccidiosis is a major cause of scouring and poor growth rates in calves yet recent findings have demonstrated that a massive 61 per cent of the economic loss occurs in sub-clinically infected calves that are not showing any obvious clinical signs. Treated calves have been shown to put on 20 per cent more weight than untreated calves¹. Coccidiosis infects between 16 and 27 per cent of adult cattle who act as reservoirs of the disease^2,3,4,5. This means that most calves are likely to become exposed to the infectious form of the parasite. After the age of 6 months the majority of calves acquire immunity but if they are exposed to a massive challenge before that time due to large numbers of the coccidial oocysts or due to a stress factor, sub-clinical or clinical disease occurs.

The DVD describes the challenges involved in diagnosing coccidiosis and how to interpret faecal oocyst counts, as well as some of the characteristics of sub-clinical infection in calves.  The benefits of metaphylactic and preventative approaches to treatment with Vecoxan®, the only anticoccidial drench licensed for beef and dairy cattle at any age, indoors and out, are discussed.

Nigel Underwood from Janssen Animal Health said: "The diagnosis of non-specific scour is problematic at best but it is important that vets have coccidiosis at front of mind when considering the differential diagnosis. Prompt treatment of the whole batch of calves can stop the disease in its tracks and does not interfere with the development of future immunity. We hope this DVD will provide an update on the latest thinking and help increase recognition of this disease."

The DVD will be sent out in February and any vet with an interest in the disease who does not received one before the end of the month should call Janssen on 01494 567555 to request a copy.

Further information is available from Janssen Animal Health, 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4EG Tel 01494 567555 Fax 01494 567556 Email: ahealth@jacgb.jnj.com

References 

1. Daugschies A., Agneessens, J., et al. The effect of a metaphylactic treatment with diclazuril (Vecoxan®) on the oocyst excretion and growth performance of calves exposed to a natural Eimeria infection (2007) Veterinary Parasitology 149, 199-206
2. Occurrence and diversity of bovine coccidia at three localities in Sotuh Africa. P.T. Matjila and B.L. Penzhorn, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Veterinary Parasitology Volume 104, Issue 2 March 2002
3. Prevalence of Bovine Eimeridosis in Thracia, Turkey. M. Özkan Arslan, Erkut Tüzer. Journal of Veterinary Parasitology and Animal Sciences. 22 (1998) 161-164
4. Epidemiological factors associated to bovine coccidiosis in calves (Bos indicus) in a sub-humid tropical climate. Roger I. Rodriguez-Vivas, José L. Dominguez-Alpizar, Juan F. Torres-Acosta. Rev. Biomed. 1996; 7:211-218

The RCVS President and Principal of the RVC, Professor Stuart Reid, has announced that he is to run the London Marathon on 26 April, in aid of the RVC Animal Care Trust, the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) and Mind.

The RVC Animal Care Trust will use the funds to assist the student bodies at all of the UK veterinary schools. The VBF, through Vetlife, the Vet Helpline and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme, offers specific assistance to members of the veterinary team. Mind has been working with the profession and the veterinary schools at all levels in developing approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

Stuart said: "As President of the RCVS and Principal of the RVC I feel that I am in a privileged position and I would like to take every opportunity to help break down the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, and to raise what I can to assist these three excellent charities in dealing with what is, sadly, a major issue for us.

"Most of all, I am doing it for the nine people I know personally who are no longer with us, and the many more who have found, and will find, help in time."

If you'd like to help Stuart meet his sponsorship target of £10,000, you can sponsor him at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartReid.

A study by the Royal Veterinary College, published in the Equine Vet Journal has revealed new insights into how strangles spreads amongst horses in the UK¹.

The authors say the research marks a significant step forward in understanding how veterinary surgeons and owners can more effectively manage and prevent outbreaks of the disease.

For the study, researchers from the RVC, the University of Cambridge, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, analysed more than 500 S. equi samples from across the UK between 2016 and 2022.

In particular, they wanted to better understand the relative contribution of short-term (immediately post infection) versus long-term carriers (carriers that were infected months or years prior).

The samples were collected from clinical cases sent to diagnostic laboratories by veterinary surgeons seeking confirmation of infection.

Surplus samples were submitted to the Surveillance of Equine Strangles network and then cultured in the RVC’s research laboratory and their DNA extracted and sequenced to reveal each bacterium’s complete genetic code.

Adopting an approach that combined whole genome sequencing and epidemiological data, the researchers were able to trace how strains are related and have evolved.

With the use of computer programmes, they also tracked how genetically related strains spread between horses and across regions, over time.

By adopting this approach, the team was also able to pinpoint likely transmission events and chains of infection.

The main findings were:

• A significant and rapid change in the S. equi population structure in the UK between 2016 and 2022, suggesting that, contrary to previous assumptions, acutely infected or recently convalesced short-term carrier horses play a more influential role in transmission than long-term carriers.
• Frequent transmission across different UK regions, with nearly two-thirds of identified transmission pairs occurring between horses from different UK regions, and a significant transmission chain observed spanning large distances across the UK over a six-month period, involving horses from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This highlights the national and international importance of horse movements in spreading the disease.
• Most detected S. equi infections were transmitted from horses with overt clinical signs or those recently convalescing, underscoring the critical need for greater awareness and adoption of post-outbreak screening protocols to confirm freedom of infection, rather than solely the resolution of clinical signs.

The research highlights the need for early diagnosis, isolation and laboratory-confirmed clearance, particularly through guttural pouch testing, before assuming a horse is infection-free.

It also advocates for tighter biosecurity and movement protocols, especially when transporting horses across regions.

Dr Abigail McGlennon, former PhD student in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: “Strangles is a challenging and distressing disease for horses, owners, yards and vets, and this work has highlighted just how easily it can be spread across the UK in a short period of time.

“This study shows how important enhanced surveillance utilising epidemiological and genomic data is to investigate and understand strangles transmission across the UK.

"Our data highlights the importance of greater awareness and adoption of post-outbreak screening protocols to confirm freedom from infection, rather than owners assuming recovery based on the resolution of clinical signs.” 

Reference

1. McGlennon AA, Verheyen KL, Newton JR, van Tonder A, Wilson H, Parkhill J, et al. Unwelcome neighbours: Tracking the transmission of Streptococcus equi in the United Kingdom horse population. Equine Vet J. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14558  

Genitrix has taken on the exclusive UK distribution of the Oxbow Professional range of premium recovery diets for herbivores and carnivores. 

The Oxbow range was developed in the USA, covers a wide range of exotic species, and is offered in multiple pack sizes to ensure ease of use and cost effectiveness. Key products within the range include Critical Care, Critical Care Fine Grind and new Carnivore Care.

Carnivore Care is a recovery diet for carnivores including cats, ferrets, raptors and snakes, which are unwilling or unable to eat their normal diet. Developed specifically for carnivorous mammals, reptiles and birds, it contains easily digestible proteins, as well as high taurine and L-carnitine in a powdered formula which is easy to mix.  It can be self fed, fed by syringe or even by tube to cats, ferrets, raptors, and other carnivorous small mammals and reptiles. It is used for conditions including malnutrition, severe weight loss, appetite stimulation, gastroenteritis, pre and post surgical care and as a medication carrier.

Critical Care is a recovery diet for herbivores, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, tortoises and other herbivorous mammals and reptiles. Formulated to contain all essential nutrients, as well as timothy hay to ensure proper gut physiology and digestion, it can be self fed or fed by syringe and is used in cases including gastrointestinal stasis, severe weight loss, dental disease/post extraction, for gastric hair balls and pre and post surgery

Critical Care Fine Grind is a recovery food which is particularly suitable in cases where tube feeding is required. Formulated to contain timothy hay and essential nutrients, it is offered in a fine particle size to ensure easy flow through nasogastric tubes and syringes. It can be used to feed herbivorous mammals and reptiles unwilling or unable to eat due to illness, surgery or poor nutritional status.

John Chitty BVetMed, CertZooMed, CBiol, MIBiol, MRCVS of the JC Exotic Pet Consultancy said:  "In my opinion, the Oxbow Professional Line is the best recovery diet range on the market as it gives vets a variety of high quality options for multiple species. It can make really make the difference in a successful recovery."

Howard Wilder, Genitrix' Managing Director, said: "We're focused on delivering innovative products for companion animals and exotic pets which advance veterinary care and provide revenue opportunities for veterinary practices.

"The Oxbow range covers a uniquely wide range of species giving vets a flexible 'one range fits all' recovery care diet for convalescing pets, which has been well researched and formulated. We're delighted to launch the Oxbow Professional range in the UK and believe many veterinary practices will find it a beneficial addition to their armoury."

he leaflet has been produced following changes in legislation concerning maternity, paternity and adoption, and covers issues such as:

• When employees need to tell their employer that they're pregnant, when maternity pay starts, all about paternity rights, and what to do when they're ready to return to work
• For employers, a timeline of when to do what, what to do when a locum tells them they're pregnant, and all about paternity and adoption rights
• Where locums stand on maternity, paternity and adoption

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.

The RCVS is seeking applicants for an Appointment Group which will be responsible for deciding the membership for the governing body of the new RCVS Fellowship.

In June, RCVS Council approved proposals to develop a new style Fellowship to move it away from being an examination-based award to a formal learned society with routes to entry for those veterinary surgeons who can demonstrate meritorious contributions to clinical practice, to the profession or to learning. The Fellowship by thesis route has been discontinued as of 1 August 2015, although all applications received by this route prior to that date are being processed.

The new Fellowship will be governed and administered by a Fellowship Board with an additional Credentials Panel of up to 30 members to review new applications.

The College says it is now in the process of putting together an Appointment Group which will decide the membership of the Fellowship Board and the Credentials Panel. It is currently seeking to appoint a veterinary surgeon in the earlier stage of their career to the Group. The full details of the role, including details of the person specification, how to apply and information on expenses and remuneration can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/workforus

The Group will be chaired by former RCVS President Lord Trees with other members being RCVS President Dr Bradley Viner and BVA President Sean Wensley as well as a lay observer. The first meeting of the Appointment Group is likely to take place before the end of the year and, once the Fellowship Board and Credentials Panel are established, the Group will be dissolved.

For an informal chat about the role before applying, contact Dr Simon Wallace, RCVS Education and Scientific Officer, on s.wallace@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0702.

Pneumonia-induced lung damage could be costing some cattle almost 74kg a year in lost lifetime growth potential with even moderate damage resulting in animals losing 39kg over an 18 month beef finishing system.

These are the figures from a major collaborative study between Schering-Plough and Blade Farming, announced yesterday. They suggest that some producers may not be treating cattle pneumonia as effectively as they could. The project also highlights how better abattoir feedback can be used to improve cattle pneumonia management regimes on farm.

In the study, 645 commercial beef animals from 15 units were examined at slaughter for evidence of lung damage. Data on carcase weight, age and grade were also collected to allow estimated daily live weight gains (EDLWG) to be recorded.

According to project co-ordinator Paul Williams MRCVS from Schering-Plough, the research team recorded a significant level of pneumonia-induced lung damage in the slaughtered cattle.

“Nearly half the cattle (48%) examined on the slaughter line had some level of lung damage. But there was also huge variation between units, with all the cattle from one particular farm having damaged lungs,” he said.

The researchers also established that the extent of lung damage was strongly associated with reduced EDLWG. “The more lung lobes that are affected, the greater the potential daily liveweight gain loss and those cattle that had the most lung damage experienced a significant reduction in EDLWG of 202g per day throughout their entire lifetime.

“For the animals with any degree of lung damage (310 cattle), the average reduction in weight gain over 14 months was 15kg – equivalent to a financial loss of £16.90 per animal based on a live weight price of £1.10 per kg. So the overall loss for this group of animals was potentially £5,239 – money the industry simply cannot afford to lose,” Paul Williams stressed.

“In addition, those carcases with lung damage were significantly more likely to have a lower conformation grade and so receive an even lower price,” he explained.

Blade Farming managing director Richard Phelps pointed out that the study had convinced him that paying closer attention to minimising pneumonia-induced lung damage could easily make some beef producers an extra £40-£50 an animal.

“All the cattle we take look healthy, but I’ve been surprised at the level of undetected lung damage once the animals have been slaughtered. This lung scoring trial work in the abattoir is now helping us assess just how much lung damage diseases like pneumonia can cause. The feedback will be able to help producers reassess early stage rearing issues and be more vigilant. It’s not just grading issues that we are concerned about.

Blade Farming consultant veterinary surgeon Rob Drysdale from the Westpoint Veterinary Group stressed that whilst pneumonia prevention should be the number one objective for all cattle producers, having an effective disease treatment protocol in place is increasingly vital – and particularly one that prevents permanent lung damage from occurring. He said: "Pneumonia infections can quickly damage lungs and once this happens the animal will not be able to express its full genetic potential. This means that even if the affected animal survives it is likely to have damaged lungs for the rest of its life, and this will reduce productivity and growth."

T

Pfizer Animal Health is advising vets and horse owners to be on guard against the threat of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the UK, following a spate of outbreaks of the disease in several European countries this year.

West Nile Virus has recently made headline news because of a human outbreak in Greece which resulted in a number of deaths. Outbreaks have also occurred in Russia, Romania and Italy during 2010. West Nile Fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which carry the virus after biting infected birds. Primarily occurring between July and October, in line with typical peak activity of mosquitoes, it can have serious consequences on human and equine health, with severe cases resulting in fatal neurological disease.

There is no cure, though supportive treatment can aid recovery. However if the disease progresses to a state where the animal is not able to stand up, their chance of survival is considered low. Prevention of infection is difficult, but any steps that reduce mosquito numbers or the likelihood of horses and people being bitten may help to reduce the risk in areas where the disease is present. However, the only way to reduce the risk of an individual horse developing disease due to WNV is through vaccination.

Ben Gaskell, Pfizer's equine veterinary advisor said: "West Nile Virus may well become a very real threat to both horses and humans in Northern Europe. It is important for vets, horse owners and infectious disease experts to work together to mitigate its impact in the event of the virus becoming endemic across Europe. The rapid spread of the disease across North America is an illustration of what could potentially happen in Europe and it is important to remember there is no curative treatment - the only way to prevent clinical disease in horses is by vaccination." 

Pfizer Animal Health supports the PrEquID (Prevention of Equine Infectious Disease) group, which consists of internationally recognised equine and infectious disease experts. The group was formed to develop guidelines on the prevention and control of a number of equine infectious diseases, on a global basis. 

Klaus Osterrieder, Professor and Chair in the Institut für Virologie in the Veterinärfakultät at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany and a member of the PrEquID group advises: "Horse owners should ask their veterinarian for advice on appropriate prevention measures.  Experience has shown that adopting a prudent prevention strategy can be a very effective way of managing this devastating disease."

Further information on WNV is available at www.westnile.eu.

Lauren Pears, an Australian entrepreneur, is about to launch the country's first 'cat café' in London, where aficionados of felines will be able to enjoy a cappuccino in the company of ... a cat.

Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium is aimed at city dwellers who are unable to have their own pet, novelty seekers, parents and tourists.

At this stage, Ms Pears intends to have around 10 cats in the café, with up to 50 people having coffee with them at any one time.

Interest in the new café has been phenomenal: over £100,000 has been raised for the project so far, via the crowd-funding website Indiegogo, and over 3000 pre-sales tickets sent to those people who have invested.

Meanwhile the British Small Animal Veterinary Association has highlighted some of the potential problems with the concept. BSAVA President Professor Michael Day said: "While some cats appear content living in groups and interacting with human strangers, other cats can be very stressed in these circumstances. It isn't always easy to identify whether a cat is suffering from stress - this is often missed or misinterpreted. For example, inactivity can be seen as contentment, but they are actually internalising their anxiety. The input of a veterinary behaviourist and appropriate staff training will be essential."

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the veterinary division of International Cat Care, has announced the publication of the new ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease in this month's Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery¹.

The guidelines represent the consensus of an expert panel of clinicians and academics gathered from the UK, France, Australia and North America. In making their recommendations, the panelists considered various management approaches and graded the quality of the available published evidence with respect to their impact on quality of life and longevity. 

The authors say dietary management is supported by good evidence. Notably, specific commercial renal diets have been shown to significantly prolong longevity and improve quality of life. A common problem, however, is poor acceptance of these diets, which are generally less palatable than maintenance diets, and the guidelines include a number of recommendations to assist in transitioning cats to a new diet.

Other interventions with good supportive evidence are routine assessment of blood pressure in cats with CKD, and use of antihypertensive medications (when indicated) to help protect organs at particular risk of damage, such as the eyes and heart. 

Given the chronic nature of CKD, the guidelines, which are free to access and download, emphasise how vital it is for the veterinary clinic to establish a good relationship with the cat’s owner. This will facilitate treatment plans to be created that take into consideration the wishes and ability of the owner, as well as the needs of the individual cat.

You can read the guidelines here. There is also a podcast recording of the panel chairman Dr Andrew Sparkes discussing the guidelines is available here.

Reference

1. Sparkes AH, Caney S, Chalhoub, et al. ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. J Feline Med Surg 2018; 18: 219–237.

The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons last week ordered a month's suspension for a veterinary surgeon from Dolgellau for dishonest certification of bovine tuberculin testing in the Gwynedd area in early 2007.

At a hearing that concluded last Friday, Iwan Parry, a partner of The Veterinary Surgery, Bala Road, Dolgellau, and an Official Veterinarian, was charged with serious professional misconduct for certifying on eight separate occasions that he had tested and inspected cattle for clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis (TB), when he had not done so. At the outset of the hearing, Mr Parry denied the charges.

The Committee heard that Animal Health (a DEFRA Executive Agency) had discovered irregularities in TB testing paperwork from Mr Parry's practice. These included two locum veterinary surgeons, who were not Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs), having carried out TB pre-movement testing, but the relevant paperwork being signed and certified by Mr Parry. It therefore suspended him from LVI duties and lodged a complaint with the RCVS.

The Committee heard that, at the time, Mr Parry's practice was in difficulty as all eight of his assistant veterinary surgeons had recently left and he was struggling to maintain services. It was also reported that the incidence of bovine TB in Mr Parry's area was very low.

Under questioning, Mr Parry admitted that he had not done the testing, but had allowed non-LVI veterinary surgeons to do so and then signed the certificates himself. Denying the charge of dishonesty, he maintained that he had thought his actions were legitimate, providing he questioned the veterinary surgeons afterwards and checked their results. However, he told the Committee he now deeply regretted this "honest mistake", made at a time of great personal pressure, and that it would not be repeated.

The Committee also heard evidence from a number of character witnesses, including Mr Elfyn Llwyd MP, testifying to Mr Parry's good character, integrity and good standing in the local community and agricultural sector.

Nevertheless, in view of Mr Parry's long experience as an LVI, his understanding of the importance of routine herd testing and accurate veterinary certification and his reputation for keeping up to date with legislative and professional developments, the Committee decided that his actions were not just inappropriate, but were the result of conscious impropriety on his part. It found that he was not only guilty of dishonesty, but of allowing non-LVIs to perform TB testing, both of which amounted to serious professional misconduct.

In passing judgment, the Committee emphasised that the integrity of veterinary certification was of the utmost importance, especially when carried out on behalf of the Government, in order to safeguard animal health and facilitate international trade. It also felt that Mr Parry could not have failed to have been fully aware of what he was signing and that he should not have done so.

It was, however, prepared to take account of some exceptional mitigating factors in this case, including the low risk of TB spread following Mr Parry's actions; that no financial gain had been sought or received by him; his unblemished career and uprightness of conduct to date; the esteem in which he was held in the farming community and the potential (financial) impact on that community if he were to be removed from the Register (therefore unable to practise) for a significant period of time.

Nigel Swayne MRCVS, chairing the Disciplinary Committee, concluded: "We are reminded that the primary purpose of any sanction is not punishment, but the maintenance of public confidence in the profession and to uphold professional standards of conduct.

"Whilst only a reprimand is not an appropriate sanction where dishonesty and false certification have been found proved, and such findings would normally attract at least a long period of suspension, given the wholly exceptional circumstances of this case and the strength of the mitigating factors, we direct that Mr Parry should be suspended for one month."