The RCVS has held the first meeting of its Brexit Presidential Taskforce.

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.

The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation has announced the availability of an updated version of its A3 poultry poster designed to assist veterinary surgeons identify diseases in free-range birds.

Based on information compiled by Victoria Roberts, Honorary Veterinary Surgeon to The Poultry Club, the BVA says the poster provides an invaluable source of information on diseases affecting exhibition chickens, hens, ducks, geese, turkeys, ornamental waterfowl, quail, ornamental pheasants, guinea fowl and peacocks.

The poster details the symptoms of different diseases, the cause, treatment and species affected as well as sections covering common problems and some causes, common diseases by age and life expectancy for the various bird species. A separate highlighted box contains useful tips for veterinary surgeons to pass on to their clients.

Copies of the poster have been circulated to BVA members as an insert in this week’s Veterinary Record. For further copies (free of charge) please ring 020 7636 6541 and ask for the BVA AWF or email bva-awf@bva.co.uk stating your name and postal address, and quoting AWF Poultry Poster.

Dechra Veterinary Products has launched the first in a series of 'How To' videos for pet owners which are now available online at dechra.co.uk and via youtube

In the videos, Louise O'Dwyer, Head Nurse at Petmedics in Manchester demonstrates how pet owners can complete simple tasks to look after their animals.

Carol Morgan, Product Manager at Dechra, said: "The feedback we get from vets suggests that pet owners would welcome advice and guidance on how to complete simple tasks.  Many owners have a fear of getting it wrong so just don't do it. For example, when it comes to cleaning their pets ears, owners are concerned that it could be difficult to do or that they may hurt their pet.  As these simple tasks are very important to the health of all pets, we decided to produce the videos as helpful tools for pet owners. They show owners what to do in easy to follow steps. By effectively carrying out these procedures, owners can also reduce the risk of their pet having problems in the future."

In addition to "How To Shampoo Your Dog" and "How To Pill A Cat", "How To Clean A Dog's Ears" and "How To Clean A Cat's Ears" will be available shortly.

Louise O'Dwyer, Head Nurse at Petmedics in Manchester, added: "To us it is quite straightforward but any of the four activities we have focused on can be quite stressful for pet owners.  If anyone has ever had to give a pill to a cat, they will know how difficult this can be. The videos are simple to follow and demonstrate how to complete each task, with clear verbal instructions. We really hope this will help to overcome some of the fears and help pet owners in looking after their pets."

Incidentally, if your own practice website is short on video content, you might like to consider adding (or 'embedding') the videos on your site. Because they are hosted on youtube, it is very simple to do, even DIY.

A new study from the University of Surrey, published today in the journal PLOS One, has identified the specific effects of a malformation which affects affects toy breeds.

According to researchers, Chiari malformation has become prevalent as a result of selective breeding and affects many toy dog breeds which have been bred to look more doll-like, including Griffon Bruxellois, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas and their crosses. 

Researchers took brain, skull and vertebrae measurements of 155 Griffon Bruxellois and compared dogs affected by the condition with normal Griffons. They discovered that Griffons with the disease had taller foreheads and that it had also caused the shape of the brain to change, with severely affected animals having their cerebellum pushed underneath the main part of the brain. 

The researchers say that although it can be asymptomatic, in many dogs Chiari malformation can cause headaches, problems with walking or even paralysis.

The condition can also affect humans and the University is working with human geneticists at the University of Montreal, in the hope that better understanding of the condition will lead to improved treatment for both dogs and humans. 

Lead author, Dr Clare Rusbridge from the new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: "Chiari malformation can be described as trying to fit a big foot into a small shoe. It can be very painful, causing headaches and pressure on the brain and can result in fluid filled cavities in the spinal cord. Our latest discoveries will be significant in driving this research forward and hopefully allow us to identify which genes may be associated with the condition.

"Our next steps will be to apply our technique to other breeds with Chiari malformation and investigate more sophisticated ways of screening, so that risk of disease can be detected more easily, at an earlier age and with a single MRI scan. 

"We want to engage breeders and give them practical advice about the condition, but it is also important that the public recognises that breeding dogs in a certain way to influence how they look might not be in the animal's best interest. There are responsible breeders out there, who have invested in screening and who are breeding for health as well as producing attractive puppies, and it is vital that people only look to buy from them." 

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."

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 Kennel Club Charitable Trust has announced that nominations are now open for its new Veterinary Awards for veterinary surgeons, scientists and veterinary students that are carrying out innovative research that will help to improve dog health.

According to the charity, the Awards will identify and encourage visionary thinking, ambition and life-changing accomplishments and those who receive the awards will be passionate about making a difference for dogs. Each award provides a large funding programme to the recipient, which rewards them for their dedication and innovation in the field of canine health and welfare and invests in helping them to continue making a difference for dogs. The awards will be:

• The Lifetime Achievement Award -presented to someone who has made a significant impact on the world stage of canine health. They will receive a £10,000 prize fund.
• The International Prize in Canine Health Award -presented to someone who is currently involved in world class innovation but with much still to contribute. They will be provided with a £40,000 prize fund.
• The Student Inspiration Award - presented to an extraordinary student studying at a British veterinary school, who demonstrates the potential to significantly advance the frontiers of veterinary medicine and research in the field of dogs. They will be awarded a £10,000 prize fund.

The awards will be judged by representatives from the veterinary profession and the world of scientific research, including experts in the nominees' selected fields. Dr. Alan Kelley, Dean Emeritus of The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, will chair the distinguished committee selecting the International Prize Winner.

Vernon Hill, Founder and President of Metro Bank and Shirley Hill, whose Foundation underwrites the Awards, said: "Metro Bank is a visionary, innovative bank, and we support the same spirit in these prestigious awards. Dogs Rule at Metro Bank, and we welcome them in with fresh water bowls, treats and Metro Scarves 361 days a year. We look forward to our gift making a difference and supporting the future leaders in veterinary science."

Rosemary Smart, Kennel Club Chief Executive, said: "We are extremely pleased to be working with Vernon and Shirley in this exciting Awards scheme, which will reward and support those people whose work is making a difference to dogs' lives."

To nominate somebody for these awards contact: cas.oakes@thekennelclub.org.uk or write to:

Cas Oakes
The Kennel Club Charitable Trust
1-5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly
London
W1J 8AB

Nominations for the Student Inspiration should come from the Deans/Faculty Directors of British Veterinary Schools.

For further information and to find out how to enter visit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/charitabletrust

RCVS Knowledge has announced the launch of inFOCUS, a free resource to keep veterinary practitioners, academics and students up to date with the latest research and critically appraised topics.

Produced by Knowledge’s Library and Information Service, inFOCUS watches all relevant veterinary journals and provides concise summaries of the most important, interesting or practice-critical primary and secondary material.

Subscribers to inFOCUS are sent a bi-monthly email containing the summaries – including the bottom line for implementation in practice – and the option to read the original articles.

The new service aims to remove the time constraints associated with identifying the most vital research.

A Clinical Review Team, made up of experts and specialists from across the veterinary community, assesses journals to find the best items based on relevance, quality and potential impact, and then reviews and summarises the literature for each edition of inFOCUS.

RCVS President Stephen May said: "inFOCUS is a crucial and long-awaited provision available to everyone involved in veterinary care.

"By removing the barriers to accessing and reflecting upon latest research and commentary, this innovative way of bringing you must-know updates further enforces the move towards evidence-based veterinary medicine, of which RCVS Knowledge is a champion. 

"Whether you’re someone who regularly checks veterinary publications or you rarely get the chance to analyse the available material, make sure inFOCUS is on your reading list."

As well as the six-times-per-year email, inFOCUS will be viewable online, where editions from previous months will be housed and individual summaries categorised by animal type. Though initially focused on small animals, literature from across the broad spectrum of veterinary practice will be highlighted.

You can subscribe here to have the latest inFOCUS updates sent directly to your inbox.

Also, if you're interested in helping to ensure that the most important research reaches the veterinary community, you can apply to join the Clinical Review Team here.

Virbac has announced that the Bluetongue vaccine, Syvazul BTV 3, that the company distributes, has been granted a marketing authorisation in Great Britain for use in cattle and sheep, with a reduced dose in cattle.

The company says the main breakthrough in this new authorisation is that the dose for cattle has been reduced from 4 ml to 2 ml, improving convenience and aligning with the latest regulatory data.

In cattle, the vaccine is indicated for active immunisation to reduce viraemia caused by BTV-3.

The onset of immunity is 3 weeks after completing the primary vaccination course.

The vaccine can be given to cattle from 2 months of age in naïve animals, or from 3 months if born to immune dams.

For the primary vaccination, two doses of 2ml are given, 3 weeks apart, intramuscularly.

In sheep, the vaccine is indicated for active immunisation to reduce viraemia, mortality, clinical signs and lesions caused by BTV-3.

The onset of immunity is 4 weeks after completing the primary vaccination course.

The vaccine can be given to sheep from 3 months of age, subcutaneously.

For the primary vaccination, one dose of 2 ml is given. 

https://syva.es/en/ 

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.

The RCVS has published an interim report of the achievements so far of its VN Futures project to champion and improve veterinary nursing. 

The project was launched as a joint initiative between the RCVS and the BVNA in 2016. Its objectives included highlighting veterinary nursing as a career, encouraging more people into veterinary nursing, improving retention, expanding the scope of the VN role, and providing more opportunity for career progression.

The report begins by highlighting perhaps the biggest challenge facing the profession, that in 2019, 25% of veterinary nurses said they plan to leave the profession in the next five years, largely because of poor pay, because they don't feel sufficiently valued, lack of career opportunities and because of a poor work/life balance.

The main achievements of the project, which should certainly help with some of these issues, include:

• The creation of the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Cert AVN), to help maximise veterinary nurses' potential.
• The Schools Ambassadors Development Programme, to help get schoolchildren interested in veterinary nursing from a young age.
• The development of a Working Party to look at legislative reform to enhance the role of nurses, and in the meantime, a poster and case studies designed to promote better delegation.
• A campaign by the BVNA in August and September 2021 to support nurses affected by chronic illness.

Jill Macdonald, VN Futures Project Coordinator, said: "The report is a culmination of years of hard work, putting in place measures to champion the veterinary nursing profession and safeguard it for the future. Through the introduction of initiatives like the School Ambassador Development Programme and the introduction of the CertAVN, to name but a few, we have put in place steps to inspire the next generation of veterinary nurses and support the training and development of people currently working in the profession."

You can read the full VN Futures Interim Report at https://www.vnfutures.org.uk/resource-items/vn-futures-interim-report-2021