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Let’s talk about depression
The rate of suicide in the veterinary profession is almost four times greater than among medical doctors.

'All in the Mind' explores suicide in the veterinary profession

“Within the veterinary profession we have very much a ‘can do’ attitude to things. We are used to fixing problems ourselves and not seeking help with them, and I guess that’s one of the reasons I didn’t seek help at the early stage.” 

Those were the words of vet Richard Hillman speaking to presenter Claudia Hammond on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday (18 May). The ‘All in the Mind’ programme discussed the startling rate of suicide in the veterinary profession, which is almost four times greater than among medical doctors. This alarming figure came to light in research back in 2004 and steps have been undertaken to address it, yet the exact reason are still unclear.

To continue reading please 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.