IVC Evidensia Farm Vets is rolling out a new training programme across all its UK practices to help vets and farmers better understand cow behaviour signals, with the aim of improving welfare and productivity.

Led by Navaratnam Partheeban (Theeb) (pictured) OBE, Regional Head of Farm at IVC Evidensia, the programme is based on a methodology developed in the Netherlands.

The training focuses on the main behavioural indicators in cattle, helping vets and farmers assess health and welfare using basic senses such as looking, smelling, and feeling.

The one-day course includes a morning theory session followed by an on-farm practical session, equipping participants with skills to spot early signs of health or welfare issues before they become serious.

Theeb said: "Our goal is to train all our farm vets and vet techs in this approach, so they can provide even greater support to farmers.

"By integrating cow signals into routine practice, we can help farmers improve herd welfare, increase productivity, and contribute to more sustainable farming.

"Healthier cows live longer, produce more milk, and require less medical intervention.”

Petra Grabnar Rogers, Farm Veterinary Surgeon at Delaware Vets, an IVC Farm practice in Somerset, said: "The cow signals training has made a noticeable difference for our farmers.

"Being able to spot early signs of distress or health issues before they become bigger problems will help our farmers reduce vet visits and improve overall herd health.

"It's a simple yet effective approach that we hope will have a positive impact on the productivity of our farm clients."

IVC says that whilst this methodology is known in the UK, opportunities to receive formal training have traditionally been limited and it is the first corporate group to provide widespread cow signals training to all its farm vets.

MSD Animal Health has announced it will reduce the cost of Bravecto Injectable by 20% from 1st February 2026.

That'll bring the GB list price down from £434 to £347.20, something which can only be good news at a time when the veterinary profession is facing greater scrutiny over the cost of care than ever before. 

The company says it will also be increasing the product discount, which can be discussed with its Account Managers.

MSD says the price drop makes Bravecto Injectable the most affordable way to protect dogs with Fluralaner and highlights the convenience of annual dosing and the fact that it avoids tricky discussions about where to buy the product.

https://www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/

Improve International has announced the launch of a new General Practitioner Certificate in Dermatology: GPCert (Derm). 

The company says the programme aims to help vets develop their knowledge of dermatology and to assist them in applying these newly learned skills in their everyday dermatology cases.

David Babington MRCVS (pictured right), Managing Director of Improve International said: "Patients with skin problems attend practices almost on a daily basis, making the successful diagnosis and management of skin disease a major component of small animal work and an important way to build client satisfaction and loyalty.

"Our new modular programme offers a thorough, informed case-based approach to dermatology. Through lectures, case discussions and, where appropriate, practical sessions, delegates will learn how to approach dogs, cats and exotic patients presenting with various manifestations of skin disease in a logical and scientific manner." 

The GPCert (Derm) comprises 14 taught modules and can be completed over one  to two years. The first module on this programme will start in March 2015.

For further information, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.

A series of exchanges between pilots and control towers, which you might find amusing. Would be nice to have some veterinary equivalents, so do feel free to comment beneath this story with any quick-witted exchanges you've heard between vets and vets / nurses / clients.

San Jose Tower to a DC-10 that had come into land too fast, and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down:
"American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport." 
 
***************************************************************

Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 degrees." 
TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?" 
Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?" 
 
***************************************************************

Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7" 
Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way,after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway." 
Tower: " Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact Departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?" 
BR Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... we've already notified our caterers." 
 
****************************************************************

A BA 747, callsign Speedbird 206 landed at Frankfurt aiport and was just pulling clear of the runway

Speedbird 206: "Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway." 
Frankfurt ground: "Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." 
The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop. 
Frankfurt ground: "Speedbird 206, do you not know where you are going?" 
Speedbird 206: "Stand by, ground, I'm looking up our gate location now." 
Frankfurt ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?" 
Speedbird 206: "Er yes, just the once. It was 1944 ... We didn't land." 

Dr Kate Richards, the new President of the RCVS, has declared her intention to use her term in office to build connections between the RCVS and the veterinary professions, within the veterinary professions, and between the veterinary professions and other healthcare professions, as well as wider society.

Kate (pictured right) was confirmed as the 150th RCVS President at the College’s 2021 Annual General Meeting, which took place last Friday. Kate’s investiture makes her the 10th female President of the RCVS and the first to lead an all-female presidential team with Senior Vice-President Mandisa Greene and Junior Vice-President Melissa Donald.

Kate has been an elected member of RCVS Council from 2015 to 2019 and then from 2020 onwards, and brings with her a bank of professional experience having worked in clinical farm practice, in the pharmaceutical industry and as a senior civil servant in non-veterinary roles, including as Principal Private Secretary to three Secretaries of State for Scotland.

She’s a graduate from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh and during her time on RCVS Council has chaired the Standards Committee and been a member of the Legislation Working Party. She currently chairs the Preliminary Investigation Committee /Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee and sits on the Education Committee, Registration Committee, VN Council, Primary Qualifications Subcommittee and the Environmental & Sustainability Working Party.

During her first speech as RCVS President, Kate spoke about how experiences of loneliness early in her veterinary career, when she was working in rural farm vet practice, has led her to have a deep understanding of the importance of connection, something which has been reinforced by the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “The Covid pandemic has demonstrated the value of connections for our mental health and wellbeing. Social distancing has spotlighted in fluorescent pinks, blues and greens the need for social connections. When hungry we eat, thirsty we drink, when we feel lonely we need to connect.

“And that starts with connecting with ourselves, nurturing our minds and bodies, building our sense of self and resilience. I am passionate about initiatives including the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative and Vetlife that support our professions.

“Connections within the professions have been fundamental to my career, providing opportunities to collaborate, extend my knowledge and forge support networks. I look forward to building stronger connections with vets in the UK and abroad, including the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe. I’m so excited about the energy, new connections and networks springing up in the profession. 

“I’ve worked in non-veterinary roles where I’ve had the opportunity to make new connections and share knowledge across professional disciplines.

“Pre-pandemic I attended a seminar on domestic violence. Speakers from social services said how hard it was to identify victims of domestic violence who were too scared to report. I informed the room about the Links Group, which works hard to raise awareness of the connection between the abuse of animals and people. Sadly, there are still silos, disconnections between well-meaning professionals. That proves to me the critical role of vets in human health and welfare by reporting animals they suspect of non-accidental injury.”

She concluded her speech (which is available to read in full at www.rcvs.org.uk/features) by saying: “I am excited about my presidential year, thankful for my connections, my iceberg of support. I’m thankful for the wise counsel of past Presidents especially Mandisa Greene and Niall Connell. My priority is to encourage Connections that Count, making sure we look after ourselves so that we can build vibrant purposeful and powerful connections across ours and allied professions for the good of animal and human health and welfare, for our communities, society and the environment.

“My aim this year? To amplify and extend the reach of the veterinary voice.”

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is using European Antibiotics Awareness Day (today) to highlight its guidance on the appropriate use of antimicrobials.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day is an annual campaign held to raise awareness of prudent antibiotic use and the threat of antibiotic resistance. While in the past it has focused on use of antibiotics in human healthcare, there is an increasing realisation that antimicrobial resistance is a 'One Health' issue with implications for human and animal health as well as the environment.

Professor Michael Day, BSAVA President said: "For both veterinary professionals and those working in human health, the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria means that we may reach the point where we can no longer treat every day infections or diseases. So the responsible use of antimicrobials is an important focus for this pan-European campaign.

"Antibacterial resistance is now a politically important topic for our profession, and there are those who wish to restrict veterinary use of certain antibacterial products, which could have significant implications for animal health and welfare. It is therefore essential that veterinary surgeons are seen to be using antimicrobials responsibly."

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has launched its annual search for veterinary surgeons deserving of an award for significantly advancing the care of companion animals.

Nominations are invited for the following awards, which will be presented during the 2011 WSAVA World Congress which takes place in Jeju, Korea from October 14-17 2011.:

WSAVA Hill's Pet Mobility Award
To recognise the outstanding work of a clinical researcher in the field of canine and feline orthopaedic medicine and surgery. Through improvements in the mobility and quality of life of pets, the research should have contributed significantly to the well-being of pets' lives and to the human-animal bond worldwide.

WSAVA Hill's Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare Award
To recognise the outstanding work of a veterinary surgeon in promoting companion animal healthcare and the human-pet-veterinary bond through leading-edge clinical nutrition and through advanced medical and surgical techniques which enrich relationships between people and their pets.

WSAVA International Award for Scientific Achievement
To recognise the outstanding contribution of a veterinary surgeon who has furthered the advancement of knowledge of the cause, detection and management of disorders in companion animals.

Professor Jolle Kirpensteijn, President of the WSAVA, said:  "Our prestigious awards recognise the achievement of members of the veterinary profession around the world as they continue to push the boundaries of veterinary care for companion animals.  The standard of entries is always high, reflecting the ground-breaking research and work being carried out by our colleagues in many countries.  We look forward to reviewing the nominations for the 2011 awards.

We are also grateful to Hill's Pet Nutrition for its generous sponsorship of these awards and for its continuing support of the WSAVA.  The awards are just one of the ways in which we work to deliver on our joint vision to foster the development of veterinary knowledge on a global scale."

The WSAVA Executive Board also makes a special additional award for service to the profession. The award is designed to recognise exemplary service by a veterinary surgeon to foster and enhance the exchange of scientific and professional ideas throughout the world.  For 2011, the award will be sponsored by Dr John Holt, a long-term supporter of the WSAVA, past president (1986-88) and Service to the Profession award winner (1998.)   

Nominations for all awards can be sent to the WSAVA Secretariat by e-mail, fax, or post (http://www.wsava.org/Contact.htm ) and should include a covering letter, nominee CV and list of nominee publications. Nominations must be received by the WSAVA Secretariat by 15 November 2010.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative and the Doctors’ Support Network (DSN) have now signed up seven ambassadors for their AndMe (#AndMe) mental health campaign, designed to de-stigmatise mental ill-health within the healthcare professions.

The College says that although professional bodies advise their members to value their own wellbeing and seek help if unwell, there has been an absence of senior professionals who have felt able to say 'been there myself'.

By asking senior medical professionals to share their stories of overcoming struggles with mental health, &me aims to encourage other medical professionals to seek help, in part by showing that such experiences do not exclude people from achieving leading roles in healthcare.

With the addition of Dr Cathy Wield in August, there are now seven ambassadors for the &me campaign, and all of their stories can be read at www.vetmindmatters.org/&me: 

• Dr Caroline Reed O’Connor, who went on to be a senior trainee psychiatrist and psychotherapist after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder
• David Bartram, a veterinary surgeon and member of RCVS Council who was in hospital multiple times as a result of depression before gaining additional qualifications and moving into roles of increasing responsibility
• Dr Malcolm Kinnear, a psychiatrist who took long-term sick leave for depression before completing his training to become a consultant and taking an honorary teaching position at the University of Dundee
• Dr Susan Atcheson, a senior GP who has experienced multiple episodes of psychotic depression
• Rob Pettitt, a vet and Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool who experienced depression, taking eight weeks off work before slowly returning to a full-time schedule 
• Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes, a psychologist, psychotherapist and supervisor, who was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder. He then went on to gain a consultant post with the Ministry of Defence, achieve three fellowships and four professorships, establish a research institute and become President of the British Psychological Society
• Dr Cathy Wield, a doctor who experienced two bouts of severe depression including hospital admissions and brain surgery. She returned to work in emergency medicine, and has written two books about her experience of being a doctor with depression.
• Dr Susan Atcheson, a senior GP who first experienced recurrent psychotic depression 20 years ago.

Lizzie Lockett, Director of the Mind Matters Initiative, said: "Over the past eight months we have seen an incredible level of support for our &me ambassadors. Our Facebook post about Rob Pettitt, for example, reached nearly 25,000 people, many of whom posted stories about Rob helping them navigate veterinary school and better understand their own mental health issues. These kind of role models really do help reduce stigma, and we thank every one of our ambassadors for having the courage to share their own experiences with mental health."

Louise Freeman, Vice-Chair of the Doctors’ Support Network, said: "The &me campaign has really shown how the medical professions can work together when it comes to mental health. Medical professionals face many of the same challenges, and we needn’t face them alone – instead we can work as one to tackle stigma and speak openly about mental health issues. And it’s not just in the UK that health professionals can feel as if they are ‘not allowed’ to experience mental health problems. As a direct result of the &me campaign, health professionals from around the world including Australia and the U.S. have been in contact with DSN to confirm that they have similar issues within their local health culture."

The campaign is still interested in hearing from not only doctors and veterinary surgeons but also nurses, veterinary nurses, dentists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who want to open up about their experiences of mental ill health. To participate in the campaign, please email Dr Louise Freeman on vicechair@dsn.org.uk.

On social media tweets about the campaign are sent from @vetmindmatters and @DocSupportNet twitter accounts using the hashtag #AndMe.

FMD
Most of you will be aware that IP8 was declared yesterday. This is a farm in the POZ that was slaughtered on suspicion after detection during surveillance visits. This has lead to further slight changes in the boundaries of the PZ and SZ. These were early lesions and initial laboratory results confirm this.

The epidemiology of the spread of FMD in the area north of Egham suggests that cattle on 4 premises in the vicinity of IP8 have been exposed to infection either via possible aerosol or fomite spread and are likely to develop disease. These premises will be culled as dangerous contacts.

BLUETONGUE
The various zones for controlling Bluetongue have now been defined. These are difficult to describe because they use roads etc. as boundaries but detailed maps and description of the boundaries are available at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/pdf/declaration-bt-pzcz290907.pdf

When farms straddle a road that is a boundary the whole of the farm is classed as being in the zone. It may be possible to put parts of a holding that is outside the zone as a separate unit with consultation with local Animal Health office.

The movement restrictions between the various FMD and BT zones are available at

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm

Defra are worried that farmers are not reporting cases of BT because they feel there is nothing that can be done so why bother. It is still a notifiable disease and there is a need to monitor spread for various trade implications. There are, of course, likely to be welfare considerations with clinically affected cases. These will need to be addressed with veterinary consultation and may involve symptomatic treatment or euthanasia.

The prevalence of the disease in infected herds/flocks is still low with 1:53 and 1:190 being affected on surveillance.

Ceva Animal Health is calling for nominations for its 2017 Animal Welfare Awards, which celebrate the achievements of remarkable people from the veterinary, farming and charity sectors.

Of the seven awards, two are dedicated to recognising veterinary surgeons and nurses who go beyond the call of duty to better the lives of animals: the Chris Laurence Vet of the Year and the Welfare Nurse of the Year.

The winners are decided by a panel of judges including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc and James Yeates, chief veterinarian at RSPCA. This year’s winners and runners up will be honoured at a ceremony taking place on the eve of BSAVA Congress on 5^th April 2017.

If there is a veterinary surgeon or nurse that you feel deserves to be recognised for their ongoing commitment to animal welfare, you can nominate them for an award at: www.cevawelfareawards.com. Entries must be in by January 13^th 2017, and nominations are also accepted from members of the public. 

Ceva managing director Cuneyt Seckin said: "We really have been awed and humbled by the nominations for Ceva’s Animal Welfare Awards over the past seven years and we expect this year to be no exception.

"The lengths to which some wonderful people go to ensure the health and happiness of animals across the world really knows no bounds. Not only do the awards champion people involved in animal welfare, but they also raise awareness of this important work to wider audiences."

Tickets for BSAVA Congress, taking place at Manchester Central from 24th–26th March, have gone on sale, with early bird discounts for those who register before 17th February 2022.

There have been major changes to the format for Congress this year.

Sarah Fitzpatrick, BSAVA Head of Partnerships and Events, said: “Last year’s online event proved this can all be delivered in a much more interactive and engaging way.

"Returning to a face-to-face format enables us to take that even further and provide delegates with a truly immersive experience."

Many of the sessions at this year’s event will have two speakers delivering different perspectives on a topic, followed by a Q&A.

With 15-20 minutes to get into the detail, lectures will get straight to the point, be fast-paced and rich in content.

Programme committee lead, Paul Higgs (pictured right) said: “Each subject will be delivered in a mix of formats, lectures, debates and interactive sessions, for example.

"It means delegates won’t find themselves sat for hours passively listening, instead they’ve the opportunity to actively engage with the topics, which will promote deeper learning.

“Where topics overlap subject areas, module delegates will come together to explore diagnostics, treatments and ethics.”

For the first time, delegates will also be able to get hands-on in practical sessions at no further cost. 

BSAVA’s President, Sheldon Middleton, said: “I can’t wait to get to BSAVA Congress in 2022. 

"The new venue, new format and new exhibition layout will enhance everything that BSAVA Congress is known for.  

"Now we’ve got a hybrid format, the on-demand feature means that for the first time I can catch up with friends and not miss the CPD!”

Delegates can also attend online, through an interactive virtual platform, which will run alongside the live event.

To buy your tickets before the touts get hold of them visit: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2022/en/page/home.

VetCT has announced it will be matching donations made to Wildlife Vets International (WVI) during the London Vet Show. 

Visitors to the company's stand will be invited to make a donation.

Anyone not attending the show, but who nevertheless wants to support this charity's work, will be able to do so via social media. 

VetCT says it is hoping to raise a total of £6000 to fund the training of local veterinary teams in wildlife medicine.

Head of Communications, Liz Barton said: “We are learning so much about the far-reaching and important work of WVI through our charity partnership - how they are helping to preserve biodiversity and support the conservation of species, which is absolutely key to global sustainability.

"Education is core to everything we do at VetCT, and we are excited to be raising funds that will be used to support local vets and nurses to undergo comprehensive training in wildlife medicine, enabling the dissemination of knowledge and expertise to support conservation projects globally.”

Olivia Walter, Executive Director of WVI, said: “We are incredibly excited at the prospect of launching our education initiative with the support of VetCT and LVS delegates.

"Training local veterinary teams to provide exceptional care to wildlife is vital to the longevity and success of conservation projects.

"In addition to raising funds and awareness of our work, the direct clinical support from the VetCT experts is helping us to continue providing much needed veterinary input to conservation efforts around the world.”

WVI representatives, including Matthew Rendle RVN and Dr Asumah of the Wildlife Division, Forestry Department, Government of Ghana, will be on VetCT stand D44 at 12:30-1:30pm on Friday 17th November.

The charity will also be on Millpledge Veterinary stand J60, which also supports the work of WVI.