Zoetis has announced that a batch of the bluetongue vaccines, Zulvac® 8 Bovis and Zulvac® 8 Ovis, is expected to become available to veterinary practices in mid-July, in time to manage the risk of an outbreak predicted by Defra to reach mainland UK by the late summer. 

The company says the quantity of vaccine will not be unlimited and that it will strive to achieve as widespread availability as possible.

The two vaccines (Bovis for cattle and Ovis for sheep) are licensed to “prevent viraemia” caused by bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8). Prevention of viraemia, the presence of bluetongue virus in the blood, ensures no onward spread of infection via the blood sucking Culicoides midge.

The vaccines can be used in cattle from three months of age, or six weeks in sheep, requiring two doses three weeks apart in either species. Each dose is 2ml administered intramuscularly in cattle or subcutaneously in sheep, and onset of immunity is 25 days after the second dose. The vaccine provides immunity for a full 12 months.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), Goat Veterinary Society (GVS), and Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) welcomed the announcement from Zoetis, and another from MSD, but sought clarification about the cost and the amount of vaccine likely to be available in July and thereafter.

BVA President Sean Wensley said: "We welcome the announcement that vaccine will be available in time to meet potential demand. This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control. While it is good news that vaccine will be available, we know that both farmers and vets will have questions about cost and whether there will a limit to the amount of vaccine available in July. It would be helpful to have these questions clarified as soon as possible."

Photo by Fourrure (http://www.boulesdefourrure.fr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Ceva Animal Health, maker of Rehydion, is urging vets to highlight the benefits of administering oral rehydration therapy (ORT) to scouring calves to farmers as part of its new ‘Making Milk Matter Against Scour’ campaign.

The company highlights figures which show that about 170,000 of calves born alive each year die in their first month of life¹ and that up to 50% of deaths are caused by scour², with over 48% of dairy heifer calves diagnosed with scour preweaning³. ORT, says the company, could help save the industry £60 million a year¹.

The new campaign will encourage farmers to use ORT during scouring to provide sufficient essential electrolytes to correct acidosis, while still continuing with milk feeding. The company says milk is the best source of energy and fluid replacement for scouring calves and stopping milk has been shown to have no impact on the resolution of scour. In fact, calves left on milk during scour can continue to gain weight. The Making Milk Matter Against Scour initiative is being backed by a PR and advertising campaign and a social media initiative.

During the campaign Ceva will be running surveys to capture both vets’ and farmers’ experiences of scour and ORT. To take part in the vet survey visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ORTVet.  There will be a prize draw from completed entries, with 10 vets receiving a £10 Amazon voucher.

Stephenie Clarke, product manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "The ‘Making Milk Matter Against Scour’ campaign will help highlight the financial and welfare benefits of using ORT at the first signs of scour and the importance of administering it alongside milk which is the best source of energy and will help calves maintain weight gain.

"The scour survey will provide us with an insight into the use of ORT in practice and on farm to help us drive improvements across the industry."

James Adams, BVSc FHEA MRCVS, farm animal lead at Langford Vets, University of Bristol, added: “If I could offer one piece of advice to farmers with scouring animals it would be to ensure hydration as dehydration is what kills! Rehydrating an animal is essential if an animal is to be able to regain its normal function and fend off any disease.

"We’ve been using Rehydion in our vet practice for approximately two years and we mainly recommend that farmers use it in cattle, but our clients also use it in lambs and kids.  We get a lot of positive feedback from farmers on Rehydion, as they feel that it is effective and convenient to use, which aids compliance, and it can be given with milk, which is essential for maintaining a positive energy status."

For further information on the ‘Making Milk Matter Against Scour’ initiative visit www.makingmilkmatter.co.uk, contact your local Ceva Account Manager, call Ceva on 01494 781510 or email cevauk@ceva.com. 

References

1. Ortiz-Pelaez A, Pritchard DG, Pfeiffer DU, Jones E, Honeyman P, Mawdslew, JJ (2008) Calf mortality as a welfare indicator on British cattle farms. Vet. J. 176:177-81
2. Onstad I (2010) Calf Nutrition and Colostrum Management. NADIS https://www.nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/cattle/calf-management/calf-nutrition-and-colostrum-management/ accessed 07/10/20
3. Johnson KF, Chancellor N, Burn CC, Wathes C (2017) Prospective cohort study to assess rates of contagious disease in pre-weaned UK dairy heifers: management practices, passive transfer of immunity and associated calf health. Veterinary Record Open 4:e000226. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2017-000226
4. DEFRA 2003

The RCVS Academy has launched ‘Client confidentiality,’ a free course which offers guidance for situations when vets and other members of the veterinary team feel it’s necessary to disclose confidential information without a client’s consent.

Designed with the RCVS Standards and Advice team, the ‘Client confidentiality’ course explains the steps veterinary teams need to take when deciding whether or not to make a disclosure, and how to remain compliant with their professional obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct.

Senior Standards and Advice Officer, Victoria Price said: “Deciding to breach confidentiality is often a difficult decision with no right or wrong answer.

"The course should help learners to feel confident about what to consider in order to make justified and well-supported decisions.”

The course takes around one hour to complete.

academy.rcvs.org.uk

International Cat Care has announced the winners of four new ‘Easy to Give’ awards and three ‘Cat Friendly’ awards.

The Easy to Give award was created to reward pharmaceutical companies whose products are easy to administer to cats. Previous examples have included drugs in a highly palatable form, smaller tablets, longer lasting preparations or those with an easier mode of administration.

Easy to Give winners this year are Virbac's Prinovox (ectoparasiticide), Norbrook's Loxicom (NSAID), and Ceva's Vectra Felis (ectoparasticide) and Zodon (antibiotic).

These latest winners bring the total number of Easy to Give awards presented, since their inception in 2005, to 35.

International Cat Care CEO, Claire Bessant, said: ‘It is so important that cats receive treatments prescribed for them, whether it is for preventive care or to treat a problem. If a drug is too difficult to get into the cat, owners often fail to complete the course, leaving the cat inadequately treated – as we worry about antibiotic resistance, this is particularly important beyond the individual animal too. Struggling with a cat to medicate can put a tension into the owner/cat relationship at a time when owners feel they want to be more supportive rather than seen as something to fear. This year we asked those trying the products if the act of medication had a negative effect on their relationship with their cat, as many people find that in the struggle to medicate, often the cat becomes fearful or aggressive towards them which owners also find very distressing. This kind of innovation by pharmaceutical companies is essential to feline health.’

Easy to Give awards are confined to prescription only medicines (POMs) or methods of delivering POMs. International Cat Care also recognises other products which have made a difference to cat wellbeing and welfare, with its Cat Friendly Awards.

The Cat Friendly Awards go to the SoftE Smart Collar from MDC, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder from SureFlap and the Cat Carrier Tree from Royal Canin.

For more details on the work of the charity go to www.icatcare.org.

The new RCVS brand has been highly commended in the 'Brand Development' Category of the Membership Communication (MemCom) Awards.

The new look, which was launched last year, aimed to clarify the role and function of the College, with the strapline 'Setting veterinary standards' and a professional new livery of blue and gold.

The award was made at a presentation at the Institute of Directors on 17 May, and the judges' citation said: "[The rebrand] sought to overcome a remote and stuffy image whilst at the same time seeking to underline that it is the only Royal College that is primarily a regulatory body acting in the public interest," adding that "to put this into second place took a remarkable entry".

The top award in the category was taken by the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, with its book 'Watching Waterbirds', endorsed by the TV celebrity Kate Humble.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Head of Communications said: "Design can be subjective but the important thing is what it communicates. We are delighted to have received this commendation in recognition of the work we have done to ensure the role of the College is clearer for both the public and the profession."

Hamilton Specialist Referrals in High Wycombe has launched a cardiology referral service run by European and RCVS recognised specialist in Veterinary Cardiology, Andrew Francis.

First opinion practices can refer dogs and cats for routine echocardiography, ECG analysis and full cardiac work-up. In addition, orthopaedic and neurological cases referred with a pre-existing murmur, arrhythmia or cardiac condition will also benefit from screening at the centre.

Andrew was awarded the ECVIM-CA diploma in Small Animal Cardiology in 2013 and brings with him a wealth of experience from both referral practice and the pharmaceutical industry. He said: "I am delighted to be joining the expanding team at Hamilton Specialist Referrals. The desire for the team to provide patients, clients and staff with the best experience possible is close to my heart and I'm looking forward to being a part of that journey."

Director, orthopaedic surgery specialist Michael Hamilton, said, "We're excited to welcome Andrew to the team. His expertise and experience will be invaluable for providing a comprehensive cardiology service, not only to our referring practices, but also for our existing caseload where a cardiac problem is suspected."

For more information, visit: www.hamiltonspecialists.vet. 

The Competition and Markets Authority has confirmed that it will now launch a full market investigation into the veterinary sector, following its initial review in September 2023.

The CMA says its main concerns remain the same as it outlined in March, namely whether consumers are getting enough information to make informed decisions, whether corporatisation is stifling competition in certain areas, whether corporate groups have incentives to act in ways that reduce choice, whether pet owners might be overpaying for medicines and whether the regulatory framework is outdated 

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: "The message from our vets work so far has been loud and clear – many pet owners and professionals have concerns that need further investigation.

"We’ve heard from people who are struggling to pay vet bills, potentially overpaying for medicines and don’t always know the best treatment options available to them.

"We also remain concerned about the potential impact of sector consolidation and the incentives for large, integrated vet groups to act in ways which reduce consumer choice.

"In March we proposed that a formal market investigation was the best route to fully explore these concerns and, if appropriate, take direct action to address them.

"That proposal has been overwhelmingly endorsed through our consultation.

"While we’re aware of acute staff shortages and difficult working conditions for vets, we consider a formal market investigation is essential to ensure good outcomes for the millions of pet owners in the UK as well as professionals working in the sector.

"The independent inquiry group will now take this investigation forward and, in the meantime, we’re publishing some tips to help pet owners better navigate vet services."

Meantime, the CMA has published 3 tips for pet owners, which are to look further than their nearest vet, to question treatment options and to consider buying medication elsewhere.

Vet Futures, the RCVS/BVA project designed to put the profession in charge of its destiny, has reported on the work that has taken place since the launch of the Vet Futures and VN Futures Action Plans last July.

The Vet Futures Action Plan included a series of 24 work-streams to be completed over five years (2016-2020), building on the six core themes of: animal health and welfare; veterinary professionals’ wider roles in society; the health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals; diverse and rewarding veterinary careers; sustainable businesses and user-focused services; and leadership.

Vet Futures reports that over the last twelve months, key activities have included:

• The setting up of a UK One Health Coordination Group, which brings together representatives from the veterinary, medical and environmental professions to provide a focus for One Health activity in the UK, and delivering the actions in the BVA animal welfare strategy.
• The establishment of the Veterinary Animal Welfare Coalition, which aims to coordinate public communications on key animal welfare issues to amplify messages about the five welfare needs. The Coalition has launched the five welfare needs logo and undertaken PR and social media activity throughout National Pet Month.
• The launch, by the Veterinary Schools Council (VSC) Research Committee, of a UK summer studentship programme that aims to increase the number of vets engaged in research – 16 students will start the programme this summer.
• The planning stages for an online careers hub as a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in studying for, or progressing, their veterinary career.
• The launch of a Graduate Outcomes project to consider the skills and competences of future veterinary professionals, including the viability and desirability of limited licensure, the behaviours and skills required of veterinary graduates and how the undergraduate course might be structured in the future.
• A survey amongst non-UK EU graduates to better understand the support required by this group (as well as their intentions with regard to working in the UK post-Brexit), which received a 55% response rate.
• A collaborative research project on workforce issues with psychologists at the University of Exeter, as part of which researchers are currently undertaking a literature review and analysing existing data in preparation for further research into some of the major workforce trends and challenges.
• Research towards the development of a leadership massive open online course (MOOC) and also a hub to promote and develop leadership skills at all levels within the veterinary profession. 
• The creation of an Innovation Symposium which will bring together thought-leaders and those involved in innovative veterinary technologies and business models, to lead discussions on how these can be embraced by the profession. The event will also see the launch of an online innovation hub.
• A consultation across the professions and the public to gather views around how new veterinary technologies should be regulated, with a view to establishing a framework to encompass future innovations; around 1,500 views were received and the findings are being considered by the RCVS Standards Committee.
• Agreement on options for a framework for the regulation of allied professionals by RCVS Council at its June 2017 meeting, which are now being progressed into more detailed proposals.
• Following discussion with the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), the Vet Futures model is now being embraced across Europe, with the FVE adopting aspects of it into their own strategy plan, and France, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark developing similar projects. Some of the European associations, such as the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations and the European Veterinarians in Education, Research and Industry, have now added Vet Futures Europe to their strategies. 

VN Futures

The VN Futures project (Action X of Vet Futures) isolated six ambitions to achieve by 2020, with the shorter time-scale reflecting the faster rate of both turnover and training for veterinary nurses. 

A number of development groups have been created, focusing on each of these ambitions and creating specific actions to ensure their completion. Of these:

• The One Health Working Party has collaborated with the Royal College of Nursing on smoking cessation.
• The Careers Progression Group has met twice and is planning four regional events, the first of which will take place at Hartpury College in Gloucester on 11 July, and will focus on veterinary nurses as managers. 
• The Schedule 3 Working Party has asked vets and nurses for their thoughts on, and experiences of, the role of the veterinary nurse. About 35% of veterinary nurses and 20% of veterinary surgeons responded, feeding into a wider analysis of whether Schedule 3 should be reformed.

RCVS President, Chris Tufnell said: "When we launched Vet Futures back in 2014, the scope of the project seemed daunting and some were sceptical of our ability to succeed. However, through a robust process of evidence-gathering, analysis, action planning and now taking action itself, we are starting to make an impact on some of those core areas that are so fundamental to the future of our profession, such as animal welfare, technology, veterinary skills and knowledge, and leadership.

"Our Action Plan set out a five-year timeframe and we have made some really excellent progress in year one. This will form the foundation of work yet to come – although it remains important to ensure we scan the horizon for new issues that will have an impact on the profession, navigating our way through challenges as they arise."

BVA President Gudrun Ravetz added: "The excitement was palpable at the Vet Futures Summit last year and it spurred us on to roll up our sleeves immediately to start working on the Action Plan, and so a lot has been achieved already.

"Many of the actions are interlinked and so BVA, RCVS and the VSC are working closely together to oversee their delivery, but we have been particularly pleased at the high level of engagement and enthusiasm from others. The success of Vet Futures will be in the profession coming together to bring about the changes we need for a sustainable future.”  

Vets should now consider Angiostrongylus vasorum a countrywide parasite and not one that is restricted to the traditional hotspots of the South East, the Midlands and south Wales. This was the main message delivered by Shelia Brennan of University College Dublin to almost 300 vets attending the recent Bayer-sponsored A vasorum CPD meetings, held across the north of England and Scotland.

Sheila said: "Until recently, angiostrongylosis was only recognised in limited areas of the UK, and confirmed cases were few and far between. Now we are hearing reports of the disease as far afield as Kent and Glasgow and dogs are dying as a result. If caught early enough, the disease can be treated successfully. Vets should be aware of the many and varied symptoms and consider this parasite as a differential in any dog with suspicious clinical signs."

Dogs of any age can be infected with the parasite, but the majority presenting with clinical disease are less than two years of age. A number of clinical presentations are recognised. Dogs may present with respiratory signs (cough, exercise intolerance), coagulopathy, neurological signs, syncope and in a small number of cases hypercalcaemia. These signs can occur in isolation or in combination, and not all dogs have respiratory signs. Haemorrhage following routine neutering has been anecdotally reported. Dogs with a history of eating the parasite's intermediate hosts (slugs and snails) should be considered as being at high risk.

Chris White, Bayer's Advocate product manager said: "The attendance of nearly 300 vets at the four-meeting series, in areas not normally associated with the disease, is further evidence that vets are becoming increasingly concerned about the threat posed by A vasorum. This is the third series of meetings we have held, reaching around 1,000 vets and vet nurses across the country."

At BSAVA’s Congress 2023 (Manchester Central on 23rd-25th March 2023), Andy Green, People Director at Pennard Vets in Kent, and Helen Silver-MacMahon RVN, VN Research and Development Director at VetLed will be presenting a talk about leadership and time management, in particular how nurses may hold the key to a harmonious practice.

Andy said: “High functioning practices, revolve around the nurses. Naturally, they are a communication hub.

"It makes sense to recognise the essential role they play and develop a nurse-centric structure.”

“Start by making sure you’ve enough nurses and look at how the rota is set up.

"Ensure everyone understands the practice’s vision and mission, as well as the shared values and the behaviours which demonstrate those values.

“When there’s alignment between individual and organisational goals and values, you all naturally pull in the same direction.

“Then it’s about how the day is set up and who runs each part.

"In our practice, the nurse is responsible for the running order, for allocating who’s doing what and making sure everyone understands their roles, and liaising with the vets.

"It’s about ‘working in flow’.”

Helen (pictured right) says empowering nurses is as much about how the team interacts, as its structure: “Like anyone else, nurses need to be acknowledged and have a psychologically safe space to discuss ideas and challenges.

“We can all build trust by being curious and asking lots of different questions.

"Experienced team members need to be fallible and humble, setting the scene so that everyone in the team has voice.

"Ideas should be expected, and welcomed – after all, the outcome of a patient is rarely due to just one person’s expertise.”

She added: “Where nurses’ contribution and potential are recognised, and the hierarchy is shallowed, they make incredible leaders."

“At BSAVA Congress 2023, I’ll be speaking about delegation.

"As leaders we feel we have to ‘own’ tasks and that inevitably means doing it ourselves.

"But that’s not always the best option.

"It can leave leaders feeling overwhelmed, whereas delegating tasks can empower others, build resilience within the team and help with retention.

“Small practices often have that traditional command and control structure – it’s the classic triangle, where the owner sits at the top with others underneath.

"Broadening that hierarchy is both possible and practical.

"Leverage the talent on the team, grow it, develop it and you’ll be nurturing next level of the leaders.”

Andy says he has sometimes found it a challenge to let go: “Like many vets, I used to be a bit of a control freak and had to consciously learn to delegate.

"It’s accepting that others may do it differently, and at first, not as well or as quickly as you.

"The temptation is do it yourself but it immediately blocks others from learning the skill and hampers growth within the team.”

Helen says that when considering promoting anyone into a leadership position, it is important to remember that it isn’t always an innate skill. 

“Often, nurses become experts clinically, and then get asked to become leaders in that area.

"This is difficult for some people.

"They feel they should be able to do it, but have had very little training on the subject, don’t have the knowledge or skills and therefore feel unsupported in their role.”

"As the pressure mounts, stress levels rise and it starts to impact on their wellbeing, potentially great leaders step down.

“When this happens everyone loses, and is why I’m so passionate about leadership training.”

www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2023.

Evolution Exotics, a new, independent exotics referral clinic which is opening on the 1st October in Cleobury Mortimer, South Shropshire, is hosting an open day for vets on Saturday 21st September from 10:00am to 4:00am. 

The new clinic is led by Marie Kubiak, an RCVS Specialist and diplomate in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and one of only a small number Specialists that are accredited for reptiles, birds, pet mammals, wildlife, zoo species, fish and invertebrates.

The open day offers a chance to see the new clinic, meet the team, find out how it can support your practice and discuss any challenging cases you have. 

Light snacks and drinks will be provided. 

RSVP: evolutionexoticsreferrals@gmail.com

https://evolutionexoticsreferrals.co.uk 

Evolution Exotics Referrals, Tenbury Road, Cleobury Mortimer, South Shropshire, DY14 0AD

The British Veterinary Association has welcomed the European Parliament vote to improve the labelling of food, including new country of origin labelling and a requirement to label meat from animals slaughtered without stunning (according to certain religious traditions).

The BVA believes that all animals should be stunned before slaughter, for welfare reasons. However, as long as slaughter without stunning is permitted the BVA has argued for any meat from this source to be clearly labelled to enable all consumers to fully understand the choice they are making when buying such products.

Meat from slaughter without stunning currently enters the mainstream food chain without being labelled as such, leaving consumers unaware.

The European Parliament also voted to extend country of origin labelling to all meat, poultry, dairy products and other single-ingredient products as well as all meat, poultry and fish when used as an ingredient in processed food. Importantly, meat labels should indicate where the animal was born, reared and slaughtered.

The UK enjoys some of the highest animal welfare standards in the production of food and the improved country of origin labelling will allow consumers to make a more informed choice.

The BVA is calling for one clear EU welfare label that takes into account the welfare of animals use in food production from birth to slaughter, including the production system, transport and method of slaughter.

Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: "This is a huge step forward in improving the welfare of animals at slaughter. The more consumers understand these issues, the more consumer power can make a difference.

"The BVA has argued for some time for meat from animals slaughtered without the more-humane method of stunning should be labelled as such and we are delighted that the European Parliament supports this view.

"However, there are many issues associated with the welfare of animals in food production and the BVA would like to see the development of a clear welfare label that consumers recognise as a mark of higher animal welfare.

"Currently there are too many different labels that mean different things, which can be confusing for shoppers. One higher welfare label would go a long way to improving consumer choice and animal welfare."

RCVS President Jerry Davies has apologised to the profession for its overspend on IT and development works at Belgravia House.

In fact, the apology was made to a meeting of BVA Council back on 7th December. VetSurgeon.org understands the College thought the apology would be widely promulgated shortly thereafter, and only later realised that this hadn't happened. 

As a result, the College has now decided to publish Dr Davies' presentation in full.

At the meeting, Dr Davies set out more background about the two RCVS projects under review, explained the decisions taken at the time and the finances involved.

He also described how Professor McKelvey's recommendations were being actioned, alongside those of the College's Governance Review Group which were already underway.

Dr Davies reiterated that the College had always intended to publish the report in full, but that external legal Counsel had advised that to do so would be unlawful under the Data Protection Act.

According to the College, it was not possible to redact the report to an acceptable extent, as the personal data in question were referred to throughout a large proportion of it.

However, Dr Davies did apologise to the profession, saying: "In closing, I would like to emphasise that I, as President of the RCVS, am sorry for what has happened, but I hope you will appreciate that steps are being taken, in particular the setting up of the Audit and Risk Committee, to strengthen governance within our College."