Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

CQ holds its first graduation ceremony
bob champion
Bob Champion MBE gave an inspirational speech about winning the 1981 Grand National and his fight against testicular cancer.
Bob Champion MBE presents scrolls to DipVN graduates

Awarding body Central Qualifications (CQ) hosted its first graduation ceremony for the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN), welcoming Bob Champion MBE as guest of honour.

For the first time, graduates will be able to use the post-nominals DipVN in recognition of their achievements. CQ is also the first independent awarding body to offer a veterinary nursing qualification.

The landmark event was held at the historic Central Hall in Westminster. Guests were afforded spectacular views of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Veterinary nurses at the event represented more than 250 years of combined service.
Now a well-known film location, the venue hosted the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in 1946. It was also the meeting place of the Suffragettes in 1914 as they campaigned for votes for women.

New graduates were welcomed to the list of qualified veterinary nurses alongside their family, friends, the BVNA vice-president, CQ, Abbeydale Vetlink, the Central College of Animal Studies and Bridgwater College.

graduates
For the first time, graduates will be able to use the post-nominals DipVN.
Bob Champion, winner of the 1981 Grand National, gave an inspirational speech on his determination to succeed and his battle against testicular cancer.

Guests were given an insight into his training and perseverance, including amusing anecdotes about his upbringing and the knocks and bruises he has experienced during his life. Bob also gave everyone an insight into horse racing, the making of the film Champions about his Grand National win and his work setting up the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Bob and CQ director Jacqui Garrett presented graduates with the new CQ DipVN badge and a commemorative scroll. Martin Barrow, the awarding body's chair of governors, praised the sterling work of veterinary nurses and their role at the heart of the practice.

Veterinary nurses attending the event represented more than 250 years of combined service to animal welfare and nursing.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.