The RCVS has announced that over the next few years, it is planning to roll out a new outcomes-based model of continuing professional development (CPD), whereby practitioners will be obliged to reflect upon what they learned and to record their reflections.

A shift towards a more outcomes-based model of CPD for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses has been under discussion for a number of years and one of its main proponents has been the current RCVS Senior Vice-President Professor Stephen May (pictured right), who chaired the CPD Policy Working Party. 

Stephen said: "There has been increasing recognition over a range of different professions that CPD records based on ‘inputs’ alone, for example, measuring the number of hours attending a lecture, do not necessarily prove that any significant learning has taken place or that this learning will be used to improve professional practice. 

"By contrast, research has demonstrated that CPD activities focused on outcomes encourage professionals to reflect on what they have learned, how they will apply their learning and how it will improve their practice, which has a positive impact on professionalism and patient health outcomes. Numerous other professions, including human medicine and dentistry, have moved to this model and the veterinary world has been somewhat ‘behind the curve’ as a result.

"However, as with any significant shift in policy, there has been a recognition that we needed to take the profession with us and not force through change. This is why, in March 2017, we launched a pilot scheme for the outcomes-based model with veterinary and veterinary nurse volunteers, including people who, during the initial consultation stage, had voiced some skepticism towards the concept.

"The overall feedback from volunteers was very positive and supportive towards the changes and I look forward, over the coming years, to talking to the professions at large about the benefits of the approach and how to best engage with the model."

In all, around 120 volunteers took part in the pilot, of whom 70% were veterinary surgeons and 30% veterinary nurses. When the pilot finished in October 2018, volunteers provided feedback as part of the evaluation process. Of the 57% of volunteers (n=70) who responded to the survey: 

• 77% said they would be willing to use an outcomes-based CPD model in the future; 

• 41% found it ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to implement outcomes-based CPD while only 11% thought it was either ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’;

• 61% thought that the outcomes-based model made CPD more meaningful for them and 25% said it encouraged them to undertake a wider range of CPD activities than previously;

• Other feedback included the need for a better CPD recording system and more information and guidance ahead of any future changes. 

Following the feedback, particularly around the need for a new approach to CPD recording, it was also recommended to Council that a new online CPD recording system should be introduced. This system will integrate the current disparate systems, such as the Student Experience Log (for vet students), Nursing Progress Log (for student VNs) and the Professional Development Phase (for recent vet graduates), making it a ‘one-stop shop’ professional development recording platform.

Richard Burley, RCVS Chief Technology Officer, said: "We will be building a new platform, consolidating all professional development-related capability for all members, into a single, integrated solution, seamlessly accessible via our ‘My Account’ online portal, and forthcoming mobile app. We have assembled a new, dedicated, software development team to drive this work and more details about this system will be published in coming months."

Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education, added:"Following the approval of the CPD proposals by RCVS Council, a phased roll-out of the new model and the accompanying IT system will take place. This includes recruiting a group of volunteers from the profession later this year to get some initial feedback around the guidance resources and online CPD platform, with members of the profession being voluntarily able to sign up to the new model and IT system from January 2020 onwards. 

"Implementation of the new CPD requirement for all members is expected to start in January 2022 but, prior to that, we will be working hard to talk to the profession about why an outcomes-based model is a more effective and meaningful way of undertaking CPD and this will include workshops, webinars and roadshows. Look out for more news on our plans over the coming months."

For more information about the College’s current CPD policy requirement and policy, visit: www.rcvs.org.uk/cpd

Invicta Animal Health has launched SynVet-50, a licensed synthetic Sodium Hyaluronate (HA), for intra-articular treatment of lameness caused by joint dysfunction associated with non-infectious synovitis in horses.

The product is Invicta's first licensed medicine.

According to the company, the functional mechanisms of HA are directly dependent on the molecular weight and concentration of HA. ¹ Therefore, SynVet-50 has been formulated with a molecular weight of 1.5m Daltons which is the highest of any synthetic HA available in the UK.

Invicta says that at 20mg per ml, SynVet-50 is also the most concentrated HA available.

Storage is at ambient temperature.

SynVet-50 is a 2.5ml solution containing 50mg HA, conveniently presented in a 5ml glass syringe.

Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta said: "We are excited to be launching our first licensed medicine in the UK.  The management team of Invicta have over 10 years experience in this market which has allowed us to provide a product strongly focussed on the clinicians needs, not just in terms of technical ability, but also in convenience of presentation".

For further information see www.invictavet.com  or phone 01403 791313

Reference

1. Dr. Lisa A. Fortier (2011), Lameness: Medicating/Treating the competition horse, Proceedings of the BEVA congress, September 7-10, 2011, Liverpool, p110-111

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) has - in partnership with UK and Icelandic research and veterinary institutions - helped identify the cause of a mystery respiratory disease epidemic which infected Iceland’s native horse population and also dogs, cats and humans.

The epidemic of respiratory disease in early 2010 was characterised by coughing and nasal discharge.

The disease spread through the population of 77,000 Icelandic horses within weeks, leading to a self-imposed ban on their export and significant economic cost to the country.

Initially, due to the speed at which the disease had spread, a viral cause was suspected. However, investigations by researchers at the University of Iceland showed that only Streptococcus zooepidemicus was consistently recovered from coughing horses and rare fatal cases of infection. However, this bacterium is also often found in healthy horses.

The AHT and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute were brought in to investigate. Dr Simon Harris from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute said: "To identify the culprit, we sequenced the DNA from 257 samples of bacteria from diseased animals and people. This showed that one specific strain of S. zooepidemicus, called ST209, was the likely culprit, and we also found this strain in a human case of blood poisoning. This study highlights, for the first time, how DNA sequencing can be used to identify endemic strains of bacteria and distinguish them from the cause of an epidemic infection."

Iceland is free of all major equine infectious diseases thanks to the ban on the importation of horses into the country in 1882. Consequently, Icelandic horses are particularly susceptible to any new bacteria or virus that crosses the border, and so strict biosecurity regulations are in place to help protect them.

Dr. Sigríður Björnsdóttir of the MAST Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, used information from owners and veterinary surgeons to build an epidemiological network. This enabled her to identify an equine rehabilitation centre where horses exercised in a water treadmill. The water treadmill is thought to have provided the perfect conditions for transmitting the disease as water was splashed up and ingested. Horses would complete their rehabilitation and return home, whilst incubating the disease, taking the infection with them.

The ST209 strain of S. zooepidemicus found in Iceland has also been recovered from a coughing horse in Sweden and an abdominal abscess in a Finnish horse trainer.

Dr Andrew Waller, Head of Bacteriology at the AHT, said: "There are a couple of theories as to how the strain entered Iceland. These bacteria are able to survive outside a horse for a week or so, which means the import of contaminated equipment or clothing is the most likely route by which ST209 entered Iceland. However, this particular strain could have even infected a human who travelled to Iceland, before spreading the strain back to a horse and triggering the epidemic.

"We are delighted to have helped uncover the likely identity of the cause of this epidemic. Our investigation highlights the ability of S. zooepidemicus strains to cause disease in animals and people. We found evidence that even endemic strains of S. zooepidemicus were likely causing cases of respiratory disease in Icelandic horses, illustrating that this group of bacteria causes more clinical problems in horses than was previously thought. We hope that raising awareness of the cause of this epidemic, and the likely involvement of a water treadmill as a key factor in disease transmission, will encourage veterinarians around the world to improve disease control precautions preventing future epidemics."

TVM has become the new UK distributor of Sileo (dexmedetomidine), licensed for the alleviation of noise-related anxiety and fear in dogs.

Administered between the dog’s cheek and gum at the dose of 125 mcg/m2, dexmedetomidine is absorbed across the oral mucosa, delivering a micro-dose at approximately 1/4 of the IM dose.

It is given as soon as the dog shows signs of anxiety or fear, or when typical triggers of fear are detected by the owner.

Re-dosing of up to four times is possible with at least two hours pause between doses.

There's a new dial-to-dose syringe designed to make Sileo easier to administer, and redesigned packaging with a QR code which links to an instructional video for owners.

Emma Hancox, Veterinary Advisor at TVM, said: "Up to 50% of dogs suffer from noise anxiety, which can be extremely distressing both for pets and their owners.

"While many people associate their pet’s anxiety with occasions such as bonfire night, noise-anxiety can apply to everyday noises such as vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers and by social events or parties, which could have a much greater impact on the dog’s everyday welfare. 

For more information, email help@tvm-uk.com, call 0800 0385868 visit or contact your local Territory Manager.

Virbac has launched Prinovox, a new prescription-only spot-on ectoparasiticide for dogs and cats.

The company says the new product contains the same combination of Moxidectin and Imidacloprid as the market leader, but is offered with a unique and innovative pet owner engagement programme to help practices build loyalty, increase compliance and to encourage repeat purchase.

In dogs Prinovox is licensed for the treatment and prevention of lungworm; for the treatment and prevention of fleas and also for lice, mites, heartworm and roundworms. In cats, the licence covers fleas, mites, roundworm and heart worm. It can also be used for fleas and heartworm in ferrets.

Prinovox is available in six presentations to suit all weight ranges and in packs of four pipettes. The packaging uses the Blippar platform which owners can use to 'blip' interactive icons on the product's packaging with their smartphone to get more information on Prinovox, including a video on how to use it, a reminder system and a game.

In addition, the Prinovox support package includes:

• A Client Prinovox Kit to be given to clients on purchase, which includes educational information, competitions and collectable items
• Two suites of in-practice display materials, including posters, character-based leaflet dispensers and collectables to encourage family involvement
• A Kids Club which invites children to become members of the' Creepy Crawley Intelligence Agency' (CCIA). Members receive four activity packs a year in addition to competitions and collectable items.

Virbac's Head of Marketing Companion Animal, Simon Boulton MRCVS said: "We see the launch of Prinovox as a gamechanger. The ectoparasiticide market is one of the largest and most competitive in our industry and we are the first company to offer a product with the same efficacy as the market leader for all indications.

"We've gone one step further by increasing the value of the product to practices by developing a comprehensive parasite protection support package which harnesses the latest technology and consumer preferences for receiving information. We believe the efficacy of Prinovox, combined with the innovative support package we're offering, will make it a highly attractive product for practices and owners and we've been delighted at the feedback we've received so far."

Midlands-based Dr Lynn Jo Ann Davies MRCVS has been reprimanded and warned by the RCVS Disciplinary Committee for serious professional misconduct involving drink driving convictions and being under the influence of alcohol whilst on duty as a veterinary surgeon.

The committee heard five charges against Dr Davies at a resumed hearing of an inquiry which was originally adjourned in January and then July 2018. The decision was made, at both the 2018 hearings, to postpone the final decision on the sanction.

The first two charges against Dr Davies related to convictions for drink driving in March 2014 and October 2015 for which she received driving bans of 17 and 45 months.

The third charge related to her breaching a number of undertakings she had entered into as part of the College’s Health Protocol, including her consuming alcohol on four occasions between May 2015 and January 2016 and missing a pre-arranged appointment with a consultant psychiatrist appointed.

The fourth and fifth charges related to being under the influence of alcohol on three occasions while she was on duty as a veterinary surgeon in December 2016 which was also in breach of her undertakings under the Health Protocol.

At Dr Davies' first Disciplinary Committee hearing in January 2018, she admitted all five charges against her and also accepted that her conduct was disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.

The Committee accepted her admissions and found, with the exception of one allegation, that her conduct was disgraceful in a professional respect.

At the conclusion of its hearing on 23 January 2018 the Committee decided to postpone its decision regarding sanction for six months on the basis of Dr Davies’ entering into undertakings, including not to practise veterinary surgery and to remain abstinent from alcohol during the period of postponement and to undergo blood and hair tests for alcohol consumption every two months.

At the resumed hearing on 30 July 2018, Dr Davies’ Counsel submitted on her behalf that she wished to return to practise and the Committee reviewed evidence that she provided to demonstrate she had complied with her undertakings.

However, the Committee retained concerns about Dr Davies' return to practise and therefore required her to identify a veterinary surgeon who would agree to act as her mentor, noting that the mentor would have to be acceptable to the College as someone suitable to act in that capacity.

The Committee also required the continuation of the requirements for abstinence from alcohol and the programme of blood and hair testing.

A further requirement of the Committee was that Dr Davies should make a disclosure to any new employer of her appearances before the Committee in January 2018 and in July 2018 and of the decisions it made.

The final requirement of the Committee was that the respondent should not accept a ‘sole charge position’ at any time during her employment during this next period of postponement of sanction. The Committee then directed that the hearing be postponed for a further 12 months.

The Disciplinary Committee resumed its inquiry on 7th August 2019, when Dr Davies submitted documentary proof and medical records to demonstrate she had complied with all her undertakings given at the last hearing. The Committee also heard from Dr Davies’ appointed veterinary mentor who provided a statement that concluded that she no longer needed monitoring or supervision.

The Committee then considered what sanction to impose on Dr Davies.

Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The view of the Committee is that the respondent has to date overcome her addiction to alcohol and, given that her competence as a practising veterinary surgeon is not disputed, that she should therefore be permitted to return to her chosen profession. However, in the judgment of this Committee the seriousness of the offences to which the Respondent has pleaded guilty means that a sanction of “No Further Action” cannot be justified."

The Committee therefore decided that the most proportionate sanction was for Dr Davies to be reprimanded as to the conduct she admitted at previous hearings and that she be warned as to her future conduct.

Ian added: "The respondent must understand that she has been given an opportunity to prove that, for the remainder of her time in practice, she can meet the high standards expected of all registered veterinary surgeons from both other practitioners and from members of the public who entrust the care and treatment of their animals to members of this profession."

Paragon Veterinary Referrals has announced that two more specialists have joined its fledgling team.

Liz Leece, an RCVS and EBVS specialist in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia (pictured right) and Massimo Mariscoli, an EBVS and RCVS specialist in veterinary neurology joined Paragon at the start of this month. 

Liz is a past president of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists, is on the British Small Animal Veterinary Association’s congress organising committee and lectures to vets, nurses and occasionally human anaesthetists, all over the world.

She said: "I’m a keen supporter of the anaesthetist’s role in the referral hospital setting, safeguarding welfare and optimising the hospital experience for all our patients.

"One of my first tasks will be to establish a chronic pain management clinic at Paragon to aid any patients in need of such support.

"I also love teaching both inside and outside clinics and I’m currently involved in clinical research into brachycephalics, neuroanaesthesia and chronic pain."

Massimo grew up in Italy and graduated from the University of Bologna in 1990. He worked as head of small animal surgery and neurology at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Teramo, before spells as lecturer and associate professor at the same centre.

The past president of the Italian Society of Veterinary Neurology (SINVet) moved to the UK in May 2017 to work as a neurology specialist and then head of neurology at a small animal hospital.

His main clinical interests are epilepsy, inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system and neurosurgery.

He said: "I was looking for a new challenge and was very pleased when I learned there was the possibility of setting up the neurology service at Paragon. I first visited the site in February and got a very good impression.

"Neurology has been split between internal medicine and surgery to date, so I will be looking to establish the service in its own right.

"Setting up a new service and new systems can be complex, so I will be taking my time and letting the service take shape naturally."

Paragon managing director Ian Monteith said: "Both Liz and Massimo are tremendous additions to our team and we’re delighted to be adding yet more high-calibre specialists to our ranks."

For more information, visit www.paragonreferrals.co.uk.  

ECM of France, a specialist in veterinary ultrasound solutions, has launched VIRTUAL SCAN - an ultrasound scanner for pig farmers and veterinarians. ECM says the scanner offers an alternative to screenless A-Mode Doppler devices, cheaper ultrasound devices, which are often poor quality.

VIRTUAL SCAN weighs 450 grams. It is equipped with an internal five-hour battery and a 5MHz sector probe. ECM says the instrument is extremely easy to handle - all the user needs to do is switch it on and the hand-held instrument is instantly ready to perform an ultrasound on sows.

VIRTUAL SCAN is a compact device (11cm x 18.5cm x 4.5cm) and does not require an external cable. According to the company, it can be used in any livestock facility, even inside narrow, hard-to-reach stalls. The screen is positioned in such a way that the image is always visible.

Using ECM's scanner, pregnancy tests can be performed as early as 21 days after insemination, so it is possible to re-inseminate any unfertilised sow without wasting a costly additional cycle. The image is easy to interpret. After use, the VIRTUAL SCAN ultrasound instrument is easy to clean with a damp cloth or water.

ECM, which is headquartered in Angoulême (in south-western France), develops and manufactures specialist veterinary-science devices. The company also provides training in ultrasound techniques, the correct way to move the probe and how to interpret the ultrasound image.

For more information, please contact:

Simon Quarmby
HOLMEFIELD Farm Service
Agriculture House
Murton Lane
Murton
York
T019 5UF

tel : (44) 1904 481.490
fax : (44) 1904 481.211
email : simon@hfsvets.com

Or visit: http://www.agroscan.com/ and http://www.ecmscan.com/

VetHelpDirect has announced that it is launching a new video consultation platform through which veterinary practices of all sizes can offer video consultations to their clients.

The company is now inviting practices to sign up for the free Beta trial and shape the development of the new platform and how video consultations can be integrated into traditional ways of working.

The platform, which can be branded with the practice logo, uses an app which clients download onto their mobile devices and use to book appointments. The system has its own appointment booking system, but also integrates with Vetstoria. When an appointment is booked via video, practitioners see it in their PMS. They then visit their online account, select the relevant appointment and click ‘start video call’. Payment can be collected from the owner prior to the consultation.

Susie Samuel, Managing Director of VetHelpDirect said: "While developing this product, we have been mindful that the use of telemedicine in our industry has been hugely controversial. We believe that inviting local vets to trial and refine this technology, using their team to work with their own clients removes many of the risks and dangers otherwise inherent in the proposition."

I agree wholeheartedly. The controversy over telemedicine has been about the idea of allowing the prescription of drugs to animals that have not been seen in person. Using a service like this (or the one launched by the Virtual Vet Group last year) to offer video consultations to patients that are already under your care strikes me as an altogether different kettle of fish. I think it will help improve engagement with existing clients, by reducing unnecessary trips to the practice for follow-up or post-operative consultations, saving time,  money and the planet. 

Susie added: "In our fast-moving world pet owners are increasingly reliant on technology and expect to be able to access services easily. The results of our recent VetHelpDirect research of 419 owners showed 38% of survey respondents said they would like to have the option of a video consultation if it was offered by their own vet. If we are to keep up with this demand, we need to embrace new ways of working."

VetHelpDirect says that whilst it believes that the growth in the use of this technology will change the way veterinary medicine is practiced, video consultations will always work alongside in-person consultations, as just one tool in an overall strategy of care, and certainly will not replace face to face diagnosis.

Let's hope so.

Susie added: "What is clear from our research is that whilst clients would like to be able to have video consultations with a vet their strong preference is for this to be with their own vet; whilst 38% of people would use video consultations with their own vet this falls to only 7% if it is provided by a vet not known to them.

"Of course, telemedicine is by no means the answer in every case, what the new service does offer is flexibility for practitioners and the ability to work in new ways that will benefit the animals and owners. For example, giving free telephone advice has become common place in many practices but is very hard to monetise. Video consultations provide a commercial solution to this problem.”

For more information, or to join the trial, contact Susie Samuel susie@vethelpdirect.com

Pets at Home has announced the acquisition of the joint venture practice business, Vets4Pets, adding 93 stand-alone veterinary practices to the 116 in-store practices it already operates under the Companion Care brand.

Providing veterinary and grooming services to consumers is seen as the way for the retailer to overcome competition from the Internet.

Nick Wood, CEO of Pets at Home said: "The expansion of our veterinary business is a key element of our growth strategy for Pets at Home, providing additional services to our customers within our stores or close to our customers' homes. The acquisition of Vets4Pets is an important step in the delivery of this strategy. Vets4Pets is highly complementary to Companion Care, sharing fundamental beliefs and values, and is an excellent strategic fit for Pets at Home. I am delighted that Peter Watson has agreed to stay with the business. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to build our veterinary business with both stand-alone and in-store practices. He will work closely with Jane Balmain, the Managing Director of our Companion Care business as we integrate the two businesses."

Peter Watson, Founder and CEO of Vets4Pets said: "Pets at Home holds a unique place in the retail landscape, built on a strong identity and a real passion for people and pets. It is clear to me that Nick and his team have a similar vision for their veterinary business. I'm delighted to be working with Nick to continue to expand the veterinary business by offering attractive joint venture opportunities for vets in stand alone locations to complement the offering in Pets at Home stores."

Companion Care MD, Jane Balmain added: "Companion Care and Vets4Pets each enjoy a strong reputation among both vets and customers. Both businesses have a common business model, offering joint venture partnerships with vets. I am looking forward to working alongside Peter as we bring the businesses together, continue to expand our joint venture partnerships and accelerate our growth."

Vets4Pets' UK operational centre will remain in the East Midlands, with its support functions being split between Companion Care's operation in Oxfordshire and Vets4Pets' Guernsey office.

The Small Animal Medicine Society has become the very first veterinary society to use online social networking to bring its members closer together, with its own dedicated section within this site.

The new SAMSoc section of VetSurgeon contains a host of features to facilitate the sharing of ideas, experiences and knowledge amongst the society's members. There's a photo and video sharing gallery in which to share and discuss interesting cases. There's a dedicated forum to debate current issues and ask SAMSoc advice about difficult cases. Members can also catch up on association news and hold private 'conversations' between each other using VetSurgeon's sophisticated peer-to-peer communication system.

All veterinary surgeons can visit the SAMSoc section on VetSurgeon.

However, only SAMSoc members can use the various features and participate. A downloadable application form for SAMSoc membership is available from the 'About us' section.

Ian Battersby MRCVS, SAMSoc committee member said: "We're very excited about the potential that VetSurgeon offers us to share knowledge about small animal medicine more effectively amongst our members." 

Arlo Guthrie, editor and publisher of VetSurgeon said: "I'm delighted about SAMSoc joining VetSurgeon; bringing vets together and sharing knowledge is what the site is all about."

He added: "We are able to offer dedicated sections of VetSurgeon to other veterinary societies and associations, free of charge. So, if you represent one, do take a look at the SAMSoc section on VetSurgeon. If you like what you see, get in touch with me."

Voting has now opened in the 2019 RCVS Council election. Eligible veterinary surgeons can now vote online or by posting their paper ballot.

There are nine candidates standing in this year’s elections, including five existing Council members eligible for re-election and four candidates not currently on Council. They are:

• Dr Linda Belton MRCVS
  At a glance: Equine clinician. Director of George Veterinary Group, a 40-vet independent practice. Wants to safeguard veterinary surgeons' clinical freedom and prevent it being eroded as a result of corporatisation. 

• Dr Niall Connell MRCVS
  At a glance: After a career largely in small animal charitable practice, Niall had to retire from clinical practice as a result of MS. Has been a council member since 2013 and now RCVS President-elect. By all accounts, something of a national treasure. Wants the College to: "regulate compassionately in partnership with our profession".

• Mr John C Davies MRCVS
  At a glance: Small animal practitioner who, having had his fingers burned in a failed joint venture arrangement and parts of his election manifesto redacted by the RCVS (it can be read in full here: http://www.johndaviesvet.com), now campaigns for justice, integrity, accountability, freedom of speech and due diligence at the College and in the wider profession.

• Dr Joanna (Jo) Dyer MRCVS
  At a glance: Small animal locum practitioner who was first elected to council in 2015 after successfully lobbying for changes to the CoPC Guidance following Chikosi. An all round good egg. Argues passionately against changes to the Code of Conduct to allow remote prescribing of POM-Vs.

• Professor Timothy (Tim) Greet FRCVS
  At a glance: Widely-published equine practitioner and past-pres of BEVA, BVA and WEVA. In favour of RCVS regulation of para-professionals. Argues that whilst technology is to be welcomed, diagnosis and prescribing must be restricted to animals 'under our care'.

• Professor John Innes FRCVS
  At a glance: RCVS Specialist in small animal orthopaedics (with 85 peer-reviewed papers to his name) and Referrals Director at CVS. Pledges to speak as an independent veterinary surgeon - not a corporate representative - if elected. On record as being pleased that the proposed RCVS telemedicine trial was delayed pending further consultation. In favour of 'nurse practitioner' becoming a regulated option for RVNs.

• Dr Thomas (Tom) Lonsdale MRCVS
  At a glance: Single-issue candidate with a 23-year history of standing for election to draw attention to the supposed evils of commercial pet foods. Based in Australia. 2000-1 outsider. 

• Dr Katherine (Kate) Richards MRCVS
  At a glance: 15 years in farm animal practice before taking up various positions in industry and government. Champions a healthy work-life balance, fair pay, workplace flexibility and supportive work practices.

• Mr Peter Robinson MRCVS
  At a glance: A long career in independent farm, equine and small animal practice, followed by a stint in sole practice in Dubai. Has been on Council for 4 years. Like Jo Dyer, argues that when it comes to remote prescribing and telemedicine, "we must not change the standards of ‘under our care'."

Ballot papers and booklets containing candidates’ details and manifestos have been sent by post to all veterinary surgeons eligible to vote and an email containing a unique link to a secure voting site has also been sent by Electoral Reform Services, which runs the election on behalf of the College.

All votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday 26 April 2019. 

Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for the election, said: "Last year we saw another very strong turnout for the RCVS Council election with over a fifth of the profession casting votes. The turnout was again helped by regular email reminders and the fact the voting website can be easily accessed by just clicking on a link.

"I would like to remind the profession that, following last year’s changes to our governance structure after a Legislative Reform Order was passed through Parliament, you can now only choose up to three candidates. I do hope members of the profession take this opportunity to influence the governance and policies of the RCVS."

Those who are eligible to vote but have not received either an email or ballot paper should contact Luke Bishop, RCVS Senior Communications Officer, on l.bishop@rcvs.org.uk.