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Maintaining the momentum
Helen Tottey RVN
Throughout the protect the VN title campaign, Helen actively promoted the petition via social media.

VN Council candidate shares her hopes for more unity in practice

Earlier this year the veterinary industry expressed its disappointment to Defra's announcement that it will not be introducing new legislation to protect the title of 'veterinary nurse'.

One of the most active supporters of the protect the title campaign was VN Council candidate, Helen Tottey.

Throughout the campaign, Helen actively promoted the petition via social media and managed to get an article in her local paper. The year before, she even managed to get BVNA Congress mentioned on BBC Radio 2 during the Chris Evans Breakfast Show - so it’s safe to say that she is not afraid to speak out for nurses.

“I got quite close to getting the VN story onto the One Show when I spoke to Gyles Brandreth at the Pet Plan Vet awards,” said Helen. “He emailed me to say he took the story to the editors but unfortunately nothing came of it – yet!”

To read our full interview with Helen, visit vetcommunity.com.

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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.