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BSAVA Congress News Archive
Three members elected to RCVS Fellowship Board
13th November 2023
Fellows of the RCVS have elected three members to the Fellowship Board.

Dr Niall Connell was elected as vice-chair, Professor Richard Piercy was elected as chair of the Credentials Panel for Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge, and Andrew Robinson was re-elected as chair of the Credentials Panel for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Dr Connell said: "I'm delighted to be part of the Fellowship Board team. I'm very much looking forward to doing my best to work with Chris [Tufnell] our chair, the board, and the Fellowship for the benefit and advancement of our professions."
Registration opens for next VMG Congress
6th November 2023
Veterinary Management Group (VMG) has opened registration for VMG Congress 2024, which will be held at Stratford-upon-Avon on 25-26 April 2024.

Dr Andy Cope, a mental health and wellbeing expert, will be the keynote speaker.

VMG director Liz Somerville said: "Building on the success of our 2023 Congress, VMG is committed to giving our delegates access to vibrant and innovative speakers, who offer relevant content to support them in their goals as leaders, managers and business owners."

Full details of the programme can be found on the VMG website.
Don't dump pumpkins after Halloween, public urged
30th October 2023
The Scottish SPCA is asking people not to dump their pumpkins in wooded areas after Halloween.

Although some people believe that they are providing food to help wildlife, the charity says that pumpkins can actually be harmful.

Chris Hogsden, manager at The National Wildlife Rescue Centre, said: "Pumpkins aren't a natural food source for most of our native wildlife and, as with any food source that is not natural, it has the potential to makes animals such as hedgehogs, foxes and badgers unwell.

"More importantly, there may be a disease risk especially if they have been decorated with man-made substances or have contained candles and other items that may not have been removed from the pumpkin shell."
BVA receives top green accreditation for second year
27th October 2023
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has been awarded the highest Investors in the Environment 'Green' level accreditation for the second year running.

The title recognises the association's Green Group's work to improve sustainability, such as tree planting, litter picking, donating and an annual pledge.

BVA president Anna Judson said: "This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication of BVA's Green Group, who have really driven the work towards maintaining this accreditation."
Public asked to help hoglets with food and water
19th October 2023
The Scottish SPCA is asking the public to help care for young hedgehogs by putting out suitable food and water.

The charity sees an increase in hoglets arriving at its rescue centres every autumn, when hedgehogs can face difficulties finding food as they try to gain weight before hibernation.

Chris Hogsden, manager of the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre, said: "Members of the public can help hoglets have a better chance of thriving by putting a shallow dish of water in the garden.

"They can also leave out hedgehog food or wet cat food, as long as it isn't in jelly and is not fish based as this isn't something found in their natural diet."
Vetlife's Christmas card design competition returns
4th October 2023
Vetlife's Christmas card design competition has returned for a third year.

Previously, the competition was open to children aged 14 and under. But this year, 'by popular demand', the competition is open to adults too.

This year's theme is 'Winter Wonderland' and the entries will be judged by Vetlife president James Russell. The winning design will appear on cards sold on the Vetlife website to raise funds for the mental health charity.

Entries should be emailed to info@vetlife.org.uk with the subject line: 'Vetlife Christmas Card Competition Entry'. The deadline is 24 October.
RCVS Knowledge appoints new CEO
25th September 2023
RCVS Knowledge has appointed Katie Mantell as its new chief executive officer.

After working for more than two decades in the human health and science sector, she will be taking up her role on 4 December 2023.

Ms Mantell said: "It will be an enormous privilege to lead an organisation that seeks to support the veterinary professions. High-quality veterinary care plays a crucial role in society, from ensuring the health and welfare of animals to playing a vital role in safeguarding public health."
Cevac Chlamydia vaccine available again after supply issues
20th September 2023
The Cevac Chlamydia vaccine, used to protect sheep from enzootic abortions, is available again, Ceva Animal Health has announced.

There have been issues around the supply of the vaccine in the UK this year, which the company blamed on delays in the manufacturing and distribution process.

Fiona Lovatt, former president of the Sheep Veterinary Society, said: "It has been such a challenge recently to get hold of the vaccines and this has been incredibly frustrating for both sheep farmers and their vets. So, it is really very good news that there is new EAE vaccine stock available and it should be just about in time for those tupping later in October."
VMD calls for vet opinion on AMR Action Plan
13th September 2023
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has asked for veterinary opinion on the new UK Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (AMR NAP).

The feedback would finalise the outcomes and commitments that will feature in the UK AMR NAP 2024 to 2029, as well as the work which Defra will contribute.

Veterinary surgeons and nurses are invited to watch a 14 minute webinar on the topic before completing a survey with their views by 19 September 2023.
RCVS Knowledge announces 'quality improvement' event
8th September 2023
RCVS Knowledge has announced a Quality Improvement (QI) event on Thursday 7 December, from 9.00am- 5.30pm at Pride Veterinary Referrals in Derby.

The interactive course is for all practice colleagues, and provides steps to improve outcomes and care, embed new systems for patient safety and learn from successes and failures. A virtual workshop will follow.

There are 40 tickets available, with early bird tickets for £160 until 20 October. Full price tickets are £180.

For details, see the webpage.
Applications open for MSD bursaries
30th August 2023
MSD Animal Health have opened applications for its Research Bursaries.

The bursaries form part of the organisation's commitment to supporting innovation in the veterinary industry.

The available bursaries are:
  • Two £4000 bursaries for veterinary surgeons carrying out ruminant research
  • One £4000 bursary for a veterinary surgeon conducting companion animal (including equine) research
  • One £1000 bursary for either a qualified or student nurse
  • Five £1000 bursaries for veterinary students from the UK.
For details on how to apply, visit the website or email msdahbursary@msd.com.
VOA plans intra-articular day course
22nd August 2023
The Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA) has announced a practical day course on intra-articular injections, taking place on 5 September 2023 at Manor Place, Kennington, London.

Co-ordinated by veterinary surgeon Ross Allen, the course will teach delegates the skills and landmarks they need to optimise joint fluid collection and the administration of intra-articular injections.

It will look at the latest development in intra-articular therapeutics, discuss decisions around their use, and outline with arthrocentesis is an important diagnostic tool.

Places can be booked online.