A 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
The infected flock contains nine birds. Defra says a number had died and the remaining live birds at the premises are being humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.
Full details of the control measures in place can be found here.
The recommendation follows the analysis of data collected as part of the company's Talk About Laminitis disease awareness initiative, which has seen more than 47,000 horses tested for PPID since it was launched in 20121.
The data revealed that, regardless of presenting clinical signs, a horse aged 15-20 is three times more likely to have PPID compared to a horse under 10, and this risk increases with age. For example, a horse of 20-25 is six times more likely to have PPID compared to a horse under 10 and a horse that is 25-30 is 10 times more likely to have PPID.
Boehringer says that despite the high prevalence of PPID in the older horse population, the clinical signs of the disease are insidious in onset and owners may simply associate them with the ageing process.
One study demonstrated that in a single population of horses over the age of 15 only 1.6% of owners reported signs of PPID2. However, when the same group of horses were examined by a veterinary surgeon, 21% were found to have signs of the disease.
Dr Jo Ireland, veterinary surgeon at the University of Liverpool, said: "It is often difficult for owners to spot the signs of PPID as they frequently associate them with the ageing process. However, PPID is now the fifth most commonly diagnosed disease in horses in the UK3.
"We are therefore encouraging veterinary surgeons to routinely test horses over 15 years of age or those that are displaying signs of PPID with an ACTH test."
The 'Talk About Laminitis' disease awareness initiative runs from June until the end of October and aims to raise awareness of the underlying hormonal causes of laminitis – PPID and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). As part of the scheme, the laboratory fees for the blood test which detects PPID (the basal ACTH test) are free.
Redwings’ head of veterinary and care, senior veterinary surgeon Nicky Jarvis, said: "Any initiative that decreases the incidence of laminitis developing in an older equine is invaluable. Laminitis is an extremely distressing condition for both the horse and the owner and the long-term consequences can be devastating. Knowing the underlying cause is a huge help in tackling the disease and we would encourage anyone to take advantage of this offer and get their veteran checked out."
For further information about 'Talk About Laminitis', visit www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk or contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim account manager.
References
In 2014 ioLight co-founders, Oxford physicists Andrew Monk and Richard Williams, filed a patent application for a pocket-sized digital microscope with a performance that compares with expensive laboratory microscopes. They asked Cambridge Industrial Design to realise the product, briefing them that the device would need to deliver images with one micron resolution (required to view human or animal cells) onto a smartphone or tablet, be pocket-sized, easy to use, and economical to build in medium to high volumes.
One of the biggest challenges was in making the unit pocket-sized, which meant it had to be foldable, something which could have led to a loss in the rigidity needed to achieve high resolution images. This challenge was overcome with the use of a single hinge which the company says makes the ioLight both portable and robust.
Alex Jones, Managing director of Cambridge Industrial Design said: "We recognised immediately this was a great idea but the design brief was certainly a challenge. Fortunately, challenges can sometimes bring out the best in designers. The final design is a real success both aesthetically and ergonomically, and this award is a fantastic acknowledgement for the design process and the final product that we have created together with ioLight."
ioLight is also celebrating another success: closing its second round of equity funding after raising £320k from 335 investors on the Crowdcube platform (128% of the initial target).
The company says the new funding will allow it to promote the microscope to a wide range of target markets including veterinary surgeons, education, laboratory and field research, museums and public engagement as well as to international markets.
Andrew Monk, ioLight’s co-founder said: "The product is so simple to use that it is the ideal communication tool for explaining science to the public, students and customers. The microscope lets everyone see the same image so the discussion is about the picture not the tools. It’s a perfect fit for government public engagement campaigns, which are well funded at the moment. We are absolutely delighted that this funding provides us with the opportunity for both product development and to reach out and make microscopy available to so many more people."
Severn Edge was formed six years ago with the merger of two long-standing neighbouring practices, and now employs 135 people, including 43 veterinary surgeons.
Mrs Karyn MacKenzie, Director of CVS’ Practice Division, said: "Severn Edge is an impressive practice with an outstanding leadership team and an ambitious and exciting vision for the future which we share. We are delighted to welcome the team to CVS and look forward to working with them to help them build an even more successful future."
Dr John Brentnall BVSc MRCVS, a Director of Severn Edge, will continue in the role of CVS Regional Director. He said: "It was clear from our early discussions that CVS understood what we are trying to achieve. We have embarked on a significant investment programme, including upgrading our surgery at Madeley outside Telford, and the redevelopment of the site of an additional clinic which we have recently acquired in Craven Arms.
"In order for us to continually upgrade our clinics, provide the widest range of career opportunities for our staff and steer our practice through an increasingly competitive world, we believe that the best interests of us all lie in joining forces with CVS. It is known for its interest in equine and farm practice, as well as companion animal practice, and has a policy of significant investment in both infrastructure and staff. We believe it offers the best fit with Severn Edge."
Chris Tufnell, current President of the RCVS, said: "We are very sad to hear of the death of Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, a figure who had a truly exceptional career, unique in its achievements and one dedicated to bridging and bringing together the worlds of medical and veterinary science.
"His dedication to the concept of One Health is demonstrated by the fact that, during his life time, he was both President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (from 1984-85) and the Royal Society of Medicine (1998-2000), the first veterinary surgeon to be elected to that position, as well as being a founding Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
"He was the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and prizes including Honorary Fellowship of the College and, at RCVS Day in 2015, received the Queen’s Medal, the highest award that the RCVS can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon. This was given in recognition of his contribution to One Health but also his international work as a Fellow and Professor in numerous countries across the world and his political work as the first veterinary surgeon to enter the House of Lords in 1990.
"He gave an outstanding service to the profession, to veterinary science and to animal welfare but was known for his endearing personality as much as his intellect. He will be missed by many colleagues in the veterinary world but his legacy will live on through inspiring veterinary surgeons from all walks of life to work more closely with other healthcare and medical professionals and through his numerous published books and papers. Our sympathies are with his family and friends."
Photo: Lord Soulsby getting a standing ovation at RCVS Day 2015. Courtesy RCVS.
Dechra says necrotic enteritis can be treated with a variety of therapeutic antibiotics but that the first choice antibiotics¹ for treatment are narrow spectrum antibiotics, like phenoxymethylpenicillin.
Phenocillin is an 800 mg/g powder for use in drinking water. It is lactose free, and Dechra says its high solubility makes it ideal for concentrated stock solutions and convenient for modern poultry farming. There is a zero withdrawal time so egg production is unaffected.
Dechra Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: “Necrotic enteritis is the most common bacterial disease in modern broiler flocks that can be financially devastating for farmers.
"The high concentration means easy dosage and handling with less waste and the lactose free formula reduces the risk of biofilm development resulting in a high quality and effective product, supporting the responsible use of antimicrobials.
"Phenocillin is a highly effective treatment and we anticipate it will become the preferred solution for veterinary professionals and end users to treat this disease that can very suddenly devastate broiler flocks."
For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2nAboGU
BVA Scottish Branch President Grace Webster said: "We commend the Scottish Government on seizing the opportunity to improve animal welfare through the introduction of a Bill to ban of the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. While the use of wild animals in travelling circuses may not affect a great number of individual animals, it is emblematic of the way we treat all animals and we would urge the rest of the UK to follow this precedent, introduced on ethical grounds.
"However, this package of measures seems a bit of a mixed bag. Until recently Scotland also led the way on dog welfare with a complete ban on tail docking, so we are extremely disappointed at the decision to reverse this stance. We have carefully considered all the evidence and remain convinced that tail docking in dogs, even specific breeds, is detrimental to their welfare. This is a retrograde step for animal welfare in Scotland, amidst an otherwise progressive package of animal welfare measures."
At the end of May, BVA Scottish Branch Junior Vice President Melissa Donald will be giving evidence to the Environment Committee in the Scottish Parliament ahead of a vote on whether or not to approve the change in law relating to tail docking.
Today’s announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham MSP also included the introduction of controls to restrict the use of electronic training collars and a commitment to update regulations to combat the irresponsible breeding and sale of dogs, cats and rabbits.
Gudrun Ravetz, BVA President, added: "Animal welfare starts right at the beginning of a pet’s life, so the focus on pet licensing and breeding regulations is welcome. We know that a third of vets are seeing puppies they believe to have been illegally imported and an increasing number of owners are buying brachycephalic or designer breeds, like Scottish fold cats; pets must be purchased with owners prioritising animal health and welfare, rather than making an impulse buy based on looks alone.
"Yet we are saddened at the shortfall on legislation around aversive training aids for dogs, which we expect will still permit the use of training collars under expert guidance. We know using fear as a training tool is not only less effective than positive reinforcement, but can take its toll on a dog’s overall welfare. Without an outright ban, we have grave concerns over how enforceability will work. This raft of measures seems to give with one hand and take away with the other."
To be entered into the prize draw, you need to view three short webinars on feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the Boehringer Academy website – www.boehringer-academy.co.uk.
The online seminars, which each last for approximately 20-30 minutes, count towards CPD and are as follows:
Tuesday 20 June at 7.30pmThe role of IDEXX SDMA in early diagnosis of feline CKDLearn how you can detect feline CKD earlier and more reliably with the IDEXX SDMA blood testSusan Randell, Head of Internal Medicine at IDEXX Laboratories
Tuesday 4 July at 7.30pmThe importance of early diagnosis in feline CKDUnderstand the importance of early diagnosis in cases of CKD and the impact this can have on progression of the diseaseSarah Caney, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine
Tuesday 18 July at 7.30pmThe balanced approach to feline CKDDiscover more about the balanced approach to managing the progression of feline CKDSarah Caney, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine
The three-day ISFM congress takes place at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort from 7-9 November. The congress will explore the latest developments in feline medicine and keynote speakers, Carolyn O’Brien and Jessica Quimby, will cover a range of current and challenging feline medicine topics. Local speakers complement the varied programme, which aims to offer practical hints and tips for delegates to take back and use in clinic.
The prize includes flights, transfers and bed and breakfast accommodation for two people for three nights in Phuket, as well as two delegate tickets to the ISFM congress. The prize draw will take place w/c 14 August.
To enter, watch all three new Semintra webinars on the Boehringer Academy website: www.boehringer-academy.co.uk.
According to the company, information on best worming strategies for foals and yearlings remains largely anecdotal, making it difficult to develop a clear plan for this age group. Zoetis veterinary surgeon Wendy Talbot has therefore reviewed the recent literature to develop an eight-point plan.
Explaining the guidance, Wendy writes:
Foals and yearlings are usually more susceptible to worms than are adult horses because they have had little chance to develop any immunity. They are more vulnerable to related diseases and tend to have higher egg shedding, which increases the risk of infection. The main parasitic culprits in the UK for foals less than six months of age are large roundworms (ascarids). In older foals and weanlings, small and large strongyles, tapeworms (and pinworms) are the main considerations.1 Yearlings may also have a second wave of large roundworm infection at 8-10 months of age.2 Any control strategy will need to take into account the individual circumstances such as stocking density, pasture management and previous disease history.
Guidelines for parasite control in foals suggest a first treatment with fenbendazole at 2-3 months of age, targeting large roundworm, followed by another treatment at 5-6 months. Alternatively, pyrantel may be considered for these doses; however, there may be resistance in some areas and foals with large adult ascarid burdens may be at higher risk of intestinal rupture when this drug is used.4 At weaning (approximately six months of age), it is advisable to perform a faecal worm egg count (FWEC) to determine if treatment for strongyles is also required; the macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics (ivermectin or moxidectin) are expected to have the highest efficacy. At 9 and 12 months of age treatment for stronglyes and a larvicidal dose for encysted stages of small strongyles (moxidectin or a 5 day course of fenbendazole) are indicated. A tapeworm treatment should be included with one of these doses.2,3
For yearlings, two methods have recently been proposed for worm control: the first involves using faecal worm egg counts (FWECs) at more frequent intervals than for adults to guide dosing for strongyles in the grazing season.1 The second suggests three baseline treatments targeting strongyles in spring, summer and late autumn, with FWECs in between to identify and treat any still shedding high numbers of eggs, up to a maximum of six treatments per year.2 Macrocyclic lactones have the highest expected efficacy against small strongyles and should form the basis of treatments; however, pyrantel can be considered for some treatments where it has been shown to have continued efficacy. Both strategies include a larvcidal treatment for encysted small redworm combined with testing or treating for tapeworm in late autumn. The inclusion of one or two doses of a macrocyclic lactone each year (usually already used for small strongyle control) should be sufficient to prevent large strongyle related disease.3
The wide differences in the circumstances of foals and yearlings, together with geographical variations in resistance patterns and a lack of consensus on best practice in this group means it is not possible to define a single approach to a worming plan. An important point to note is that FWECs may give surprising results because higher counts are generally seen in youngstock.
Eight ways to keep clients' youngstock worms controlled:
For further information on worming together with some equine specific CPD visit: https://blog.vetsupportplus.com/
The existing MSD Animal Health Connect Bursary and Ruminant Research Bursary have been combined into the new MSD Animal Health Research Bursary which is designed to support the future of the veterinary profession through research.
The student arm of the new Research Bursary will award £1,000 to the five best research project applications received from veterinary students across all UK veterinary schools, with an opportunity for an additional £1,000 top prize and £500 runner-up prize.
The veterinary surgeon arm of the Research Bursary will offer three awards, consisting of two ruminant awards and one companion animal award, of up to £4,000 each. The veterinary practitioner proposals will be judged by University academics to ensure independent assessment.
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health said: "Our existing Research Bursaries are well known amongst students and practitioners, having run for over 25 years for the student bursary and 6 years for the ruminant bursary. To increase our support for the veterinary profession through research we have decided to combine our Research Bursaries and add some new categories to help appeal to as wide an audience as possible. This way we can offer a broader level of support for both existing companion animal and ruminant practitioners and our veterinary surgeons of the future. We aim to engage as many people as possible so the MSD Animal Health Research Bursary will be supported by a new website page and social media package to encourage as much interest from students and practitioners as possible."
Student bursary applications are now invited, with a deadline for entries of Friday 26th May 2017. Veterinary practitioners will be invited to apply in September 2017.
For further details go to the MSD Animal Health Research Bursary website at www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/researchbursary.aspx.
"The undersigned veterinary organisations would like to extend New Year’s greetings to all our colleagues in the languages of the EU. We would like to send a message in 2017 that says we value all our colleagues and their invaluable contribution across the UK, wherever they come from in the world.
Happy New YearBonne annéešťastný Nový rokGodt NytÅrGelukkig nieuwjaarHyvää uutta vuottaFrohes neues Jahr Kali chronya Boldog új évetFelice anno nuovoSzczesliwego nowego rokuFeliz año nuevoChestita nova godinaSretna Nova godinaMutlu YıllarHead uut aastatAthbhliain faoi mhaise daoibhLaimīgu Jauno gaduLaimingų Naujųjų metųIs-sena t-tajbaFeliz Ano NovoAn Nou FericitBliadhna Mhath ÙrSrečno novo letoGott nytt årBlwyddyn Newydd DdaUrte berri onFeliç any nouFeliz ano novo
Gudrun Ravetz, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "My theme for my year as BVA President is the veterinary family and it has never been more important to pull together as one profession, whoever you are, and wherever you come from. We are delighted that there has been such an overwhelming response to this idea from Andrew Cobner, the President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association. Together with the RCVS, BVA has made clear to government our concerns about the working rights of our EU colleagues post-Brexit – as well as the potential impact on standards of animal health and welfare, and public health – and we will continue to do so."
VetSurgeon.org also wishes all its members a very Happy New Year, and in particular that it brings some common sense, clarity and certainty for those affected by Brexit.
The company says the challenge has been developed on the basis of recent research which found that despite 74% of vet-visiting pet owners believing in the value of preventative healthcare, more than half of active pet owners currently don’t see the vet as their primary source of information regarding pet health. Furthermore, those pet owners that fail to return for an annual preventative health consultation often cited their pet being healthy as the main reason.
The new scheme focuses on driving client compliance and footfall by developing the partnership between the vet and pet owner. MSD says it takes a more holistic approach to the relationship, focusing on the vet practice as the primary source of advice and information on all aspects of pet healthcare and wellbeing, whether the pet is healthy or sick.
Practices that register with their MSD Animal Health account manager will receive a toolkit to support their whole team in positioning the practice as a centre for expertise on preventative healthcare and wellbeing.
Caroline Darouj, Nobivac Brand Manager at MSD Animal Health said: :This Challenge is a step-change in terms of our work with vets and support for the practice-pet owner partnership. We are focusing on encouraging communications that highlight the value of the preventative healthcare visit going beyond the obvious benefits of vaccination and parasite control.
"We have recently heard in the news how by just having a conversation about obesity medical practitioners can be an effective catalyst for positive change with patients. It is our belief that changing the conversation and focusing on preventative health has the potential to create positive outcomes in pet health and wellbeing, as well as owner satisfaction and business outcomes."
MSD says the challenge goes beyond the important and widely recognised aspects of preventative healthcare such as vaccination, worming and ectoparasite control to embrace five principal wellbeing needs around care and companionship, feeding, the pet’s environmental, behavioural and preventative health needs. The toolkit will aim to increase the pet owner’s understanding of the value and benefit of annual preventative healthcare visits and develop the level of client engagement with practice staff.
Practices interested in further details should contact their MSD Animal Health Account Manager or call MSD Animal Health on +44 (0) 1908 685 556.
The new reader is compatible with all ISO 15-digit (FDX-B) identification microchips. It features an integrated LCD screen that displays microchip numbers in a large, easy-to-read format and it also reports the temperature of temperature-sensing microchips.
Sureflap says the reader is lightweight, ergonomically designed, fits easily into the hand and is easy to operate. The company also says that its small size makes it less intimidating for pets.
Dr Nick Hill, managing director of SureFlap said: "The SureSense Microchip Reader was developed following feedback from veterinary and shelter staff that they often had to share microchip readers.
"The reader is our first professional product, developed exclusively for veterinary professionals, shelters, breeders and pet care professionals. Its affordability and size will ensure that it is possible to have multiple readers in each veterinary practice and shelter."
For further information, contact your wholesaler or the SureFlap team on 0800 9127 114 or via email vet@sureflap.com.
Nigel Gibben said: "The Prevention Zone means anyone who keeps poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, even as pets, must take action to stop them coming into contact with wild birds to protect them from avian flu.
"Birds should be moved into a suitable building, or if that isn’t possible owners must take sensible precautions to keep them away from wild birds, like putting up netting to create a temporary enclosure and keeping food and water supplies inside where they cannot be contaminated by wild birds.
"Even when birds are kept indoors a risk of infection remains so keepers must also practice good biosecurity, for example by disinfecting footwear and equipment and washing clothing after contact with birds.
"Recent H5N8 avian flu findings in wild birds and a backyard flock in Wales highlight just how essential it is to minimise contact between wild and captive birds and maintain good biosecurity to reduce the risk of infection.
"We must continue to be vigilant and do all we can to protect against this highly pathogenic strain of the disease, which is why we are extending the Prevention Zone, have introduced a ban on poultry gatherings and continue to strengthen surveillance to understand the extent of infection in wild birds."
Addison’s disease is caused by a reduction in corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal glands. Symptoms can include lack of appetite, tremors or vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, low heart rate, muscle weakness, low body temperature and collapse. If left untreated, Addison’s disease can present as an acute, life-threatening emergency.
Zycortal is the only European licensed treatment for the disease. It is a prolonged-release suspension used as replacement therapy for mineralocorticoid. Dechra says it has proved highly effective in clinical trials with more than 80% of dogs responding positively to treatment1.
The golden rules are available at: www.dechra.co.uk/goldenrules.
Dechra has also produced a series of six video presentations to help veterinary surgeons in their diagnosis and treatment and created a dedicated owner website - www.myaddisonsdog.co.uk - to help owners understand the condition and monitor their pet's progress.
Dechra Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "Addison’s can be a hidden disease but Zycortal presents a very visible answer. With the wealth of expertise from the endocrinologists, the Five Golden Rules should be an important reference tool for vets.
"We hope that the series of resources we have produced, used in partnership with Zycortal, will make the diagnosis, treatment and management of dogs with Addison’s an easier journey for both vets and owner."
Reference
Containing ceftiofur (50mg/ml) and ketoprofen (150mg/ml), Curacef Duo is presented in a ready-to-use suspension for injection at a low volume dosage – 1 ml/50kg – which is identical to short-acting ceftiofur alone.
Virbac says that Curacef Duo’s combined action can help to minimise production losses in calves and offer a quick return to production for dairy cows affected by bacterial BRD. It can also improve welfare by targeting infection, inflammation and pain all at once, while its ease of use and simple dosing help to increase compliance. Curacef Duo offers a zero milk withdrawal period and an eight day withdrawal period in meat.
Brigitte Goasduf MRCVS, Large Animal Product Manager at Virbac, said: "In creating the first 'two-in-one' combination of two tried and trusted actives, the antibiotic ceftiofur and NSAID ketoprofen, we are offering practitioners an alternative to the treatment of bacterial BRD.
"We believe that the benefits Curacef Duo offers in terms of efficacy, ease of use and action on inflammation and pain, will be valued by both practitioners and farmers."
Researchers found that ticks continued to quest in woodlands throughout the year, even during the coldest months and ticks could also be detected on dogs throughout the year.
These observations concur with the results of a recent analysis of practice electronic health records which showed the presence of ticks on pets in all weeks between December and March2.
The study confirms the importance of treating dogs all year round to help reduce the risk of transmission of tick-borne diseases.
Lynda Maris, Product Manager for NexGard Spectra at Merial said: "It’s been thought for some time that ticks are very inactive or even dormant in winter and don’t present a risk. These findings show that they continue to quest in an attempt to find a host and are often successful. If ticks are attaching and feeding during the winter months, the risk of Lyme disease and babesiosis remains a real possibility. If the appropriate product is selected, the same year-round treatment programme that controls fleas and other parasites, will also treat ticks and thus help reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases."
The study recruited nine veterinary practices and monitored tick activity across three woodland sites in Southern Cumbria. In some cases multiple ticks were found on the animals – with one animal hosting an incredible 21.
Post graduate student Jessica Hall has been running the study since 2013, which has also involved running PCR for detection of DNA from Borrelia burdorferi (Lyme disease) on the collected ticks, with this data due to be released early next year. She said: "From the data we have collected in this longitudinal study we have identified questing ticks all year round at some sites and have shown that this pattern of questing activity results in pets being bitten by ticks even during winter."
Photo: Questing tick; Mcvoorhis, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
The nomination period runs up until 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2017 and, in order to stand, candidates need to submit a nomination form, a short biography and personal statement, and supply a high resolution digital photo.
Each candidate also needs two nominators: veterinary surgeons who are on the College’s Register but are not current RCVS Council members.
Dr Chris Tufnell, RCVS President, discusses RCVS Council and various committees in a video urging members of the profession to put themselves forward:
The election period starts around mid-March and will run until 5pm on Friday 28 April 2017. Ballot papers will be sent to veterinary surgeons who are eligible to vote in the week commencing Monday 13 March 2017.
Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for prospective RCVS Council candidates can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil17.
It was alleged that in September 2015, she had acted inappropriately by striking a Shih Tzu/Toy Poodle cross puppy called Arnie on his head.
The hearing commenced on Tuesday 3 January 2017 with evidence being given by the owner of the animal ("TC"). However, the corroborating witness, who was also the complainant in the case, failed to attend the hearing to give evidence.
Efforts were made by the College to contact the complainant and remind her that she had been summoned to appear before the Committee – however, she still chose not to attend the hearing to give evidence. In response to her non-appearance the Committee decided that her written evidence was inadmissible as there would be no opportunity to cross-examine her about the discrepancies between her account and that of TC.
Miss Faulkner’s counsel then made an application to the Committee that the College had failed to sufficiently prove its case to the requisite standard such that it would not be necessary for her to adduce any evidence in her defence. The Committee granted this on the grounds that there were clear inconsistencies in the evidence given by TC at different stages of the investigation and during the hearing itself.
Chitra Karve, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee was unable to conclude that TC was a reliable witness. Given TC’s centrality to the case the Committee is unable to be satisfied so that it is sure that her account of events as outlined in her oral evidence is accurate. Accordingly, the Committee is not satisfied that the College has proved to the requisite standard that the respondent did in fact strike Arnie to the head as alleged.
"Accordingly, the Committee accepts the submission made by the respondent that the College has not adduced sufficient evidence upon which it can find the facts alleged in the charge to be proved. Therefore, it is not necessary for the Committee to consider this matter any further. There is no case for the respondent to answer."
The Davies Therapy and Fitness Centre has been developed following two years of planning with the intention of supporting referring practices.
Run by a team of Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists, hydrotherapists and anaesthetists, it has a large hydrotherapy suite, a therapeutic exercise area and gym, an outdoor exercise area, four spacious consultation and treatment rooms and a bright and airy reception.
Services include physiotherapy, rehabilitation, underwater treadmill therapy, soft supports, splinting and orthotics, fitness and conditioning and acupuncture and pain management clinics.
Good rehabilitation is pivotal to the recovery process following injury or surgery and for the management of long-term conditions such as arthritis. DVS says owners are more likely to be compliant with veterinary rehabilitation and fitness programmes if they can fully understand the importance of the process by working with a friendly, professional team, preferably at a bespoke centre.
Diane Messum, Head of Physiotherapy said: "Our mission is to work with referring practitioners to treat every pet, and their owner, with the utmost care and compassion throughout the entire veterinary process. We aim to minimise pain and restore the animals we treat to their maximum physical and mental wellbeing, with the provision of expert therapy, fitness and pain management."
To find out more visit www.vetspecialiststherapy.co.uk
The responsible use of antibiotics termed critically important is an important strand in the UK policy to fight antibiotic resistance development.
However, NOAH says there is much confusion about which antibiotics should be considered within this group, with different organisations referring to different classes.
Donal Murphy, Head of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at NOAH said: "NOAH believes the classification and use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine should be driven and guided by the regulators, who are independent and make science based decisions and recommendations.
"Of course, all classes of antibiotics, whether critically important or not, should be used responsibly and guided by the principle outlined by the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) who state they should be used 'as little as possible but as much as necessary'. The use of these important products in this manner can ensure that the availability and efficacy of antibiotics can be maintained to ensure animal health and welfare in the future."
You can download the briefing document here.
Set up in 2012, the programme was developed to raise the standards of care and welfare of cats in the veterinary clinic, and to provide veterinary surgeons with practical solutions to problems that they face when dealing with their feline patients. The programme is also designed to boost business by strengthening the bond between the clinic and its feline clients.
Four years later, with 732 practices accredited worldwide (369 in the UK) and a further 1,000 US practices accredited under the American Association of Feline Practitioners scheme licensed from ISFM, the programme has become a well-recognised global standard in feline veterinary care. Last October, it was the winner of the 2016 Veterinary Record Innovation Award.
ISFM says it has now signed six new commercial partners for the scheme: Boehringer Ingelheim, Ceva Animal Health, Elanco, Idexx Laboratories, Merial and Royal Canin, and will be working with these partners to expand the programme further.
Dr Andy Sparkes, Veterinary Director of International Cat Care, ISFM’s parent charity, said: We are delighted to see how many clinics around the world have focused on becoming cat friendly and we can only expect this to grow again in 2017 with our new partners on board. We are looking forward to a very cat friendly 2017!"
Clinics interested in joining the scheme should visit: www.catfriendlyclinic.org for further information, including an extensive library of photographs from already-accredited clinics to provide inspiration and ideas.
The company says it aims to provide an updated and practical approach to this area of practice, using a combination of review lectures, case-based discussions and practical sessions.
David Babington, Managing Director of Improve said: "We’re delighted that, once our delegates have successfully completed all the requirements of the PgC Small Animal Dermatology, awarded by Harper Adams University, they will be able to use this as evidence of their achievement in an application to the RCVS for Advanced Practitioner status."
The NOAH Compendium is also available online at www.noahcompendium.co.uk, and via a smartphone app which was launched in November 2016.
A special edition of the book for SQPs, commissioned by AMTRA, will be also available shortly.
NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: "The NOAH Compendium in all its formats is a major part of NOAH’s efforts to assist the appropriate and responsible use of all animal medicines.
"Every NOAH member, as well as the non-member participants in the NOAH Compendium, is a signatory to the NOAH Code of Practice on Promotion, which demonstrates their commitment to operate above and beyond any regulatory requirements.
"As well as product datasheets, the Compendium includes another vital resource – the contact details for each participating company. Company veterinary and technical advisors have detailed knowledge about their company’s medicines. They are ready to talk to prescribers about the use of a medicine in a particular animal or in a particular situation, as well as to explain any queries about the data sheet."
If your practice has not yet received its copy, perhaps because you are a new practice, or have changed address in the past year, contact Amy Davis at NOAH (a.davis@noah.co.uk).
Extra copies are also available to order now, for £45. NOAH says many veterinary surgeons choose to buy extras for each consulting room and special prices are available for bulk orders.
With Brexit negotiations set to begin after notice under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is served, the Prime Minister’s speech outlined the Government’s negotiating priorities that included some key BVA issues, such as: rights for EU nationals in Britain, and British nationals in the EU; the intention to continue playing a leading role in science and innovation; and maintaining the Common Travel Area with the Republic of Ireland.
The BVA’s President Gudrun Ravetz said: "It’s encouraging to see some of the key priorities that BVA has identified and is lobbying on, on behalf of the profession, make it into the Prime Minister’s list of negotiating priorities although it still leaves a lot of uncertainty.
"We particularly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to guaranteeing the rights of EU colleagues already living, working and studying in the UK, alongside reciprocal rights for UK colleagues working within the EU, which has been a BVA priority since day one. Each year around 50% of veterinary surgeons registering to practise in the UK are from overseas, with the vast majority coming from the EU. Consequently, Brexit and accompanying changes to the mutual recognition system or immigration restrictions could have a profound impact upon the veterinary workforce.
"As a science and evidence-based profession, we also welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition of the breadth and depth of our academic and scientific communities, our cutting-edge research and innovation, and we will continue to call for a regulatory and legislative framework to ensure the UK remains a globally attractive place for research and development.
"Knowing the express concern of colleagues in Northern Ireland, which shares a border with the EU via the Republic of Ireland, we were reassured by the UK government’s recognition of this as an important priority – backed up by Mrs May’s commitment to work with the devolved nations and secure the Common Travel Area as soon as she can.
"We hope Mrs May’s promise of ‘certainty wherever possible’ will help reassure our EU and UK veterinary colleagues – as well as those outside of the profession – who have had anything but certainty since the result of the UK referendum on the EU last June. We will continue to lobby the Government on this key issue until it is resolved."
BVA’s Brexit Working Group is continuing to work closely with RCVS’s Brexit Presidential Taskforce, consult with stakeholders and gather evidence with the aim of publishing a full report setting out our detailed lobbying position and policy recommendations in April.