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BVA issues advice amid introduction of contact tracing programmes
"Continue working in fixed pairs or small teams as much as possible," BVA president Daniella Sos Santos.

Vets urged to continue working in small teams.

Veterinary professionals are being urged to continue working in small teams and to support neighbouring practices amid the introduction of COVID-19 contact tracing programmes.

The advice from the BVA comes as the UK launches contact tracing programmes to move from blanket lockdown restrictions to a more targetted approach.

Although different for each nation, each programme asks those who test positive for COVID-19 to identify people they have been in recent contact with. Those people will then be contacted and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

'Relevant contact' is defined as spending over 15 minutes within two meters of another person or being in face-to-face contact (less than one meter) with them. As long as they meet the eligibility conditions, employees in self-isolation are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay for each day they are in isolation.

BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said the programmes could have a significant impact on the provision of veterinary services and has called on teams to continue working in small groups 'as much as possible' to reduce the risk of transmission.

“The next step in the Covid-19 response is shifting to a more targeted approach, but it’s clear that this could have a very significant impact on individual veterinary practices if a member of the team tests positive,” she said.
“The nature of veterinary work means we are in close contact with our colleagues in order to work safely with animals.

“Many veterinary teams will be understandably anxious about the impact on their ability to staff a full rota to maintain 24/7 care. And there are significant concerns about the impact on animal health and welfare if practices are unable to provide veterinary services.

“Our advice is to continue working in fixed pairs or small teams as much as possible to reduce your contact with different individuals and continue to practise good hygiene and biosecurity."

She conitnued: “We continue to ask neighbouring practices to work together to support those impacted by self-isolation and ensure full geographical cover for veterinary services. We recognise some veterinary professionals will be worried, but we urge everyone to comply with the contact tracing programmes.” 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
King Charles becomes patron of The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club has announced that King Charles has become its latest patron, continuing a long-standing royal tradition.

His patronage follows the support of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was patron from 1952, the year of her coronation, until her death in 2022.

The Kennel Club has received royal support since it began in 1873, when it received support from Prince Edward, then Prince of Wales. When he ascended to the throne in 1901, King Edward began a tradition of the head of state offering their patronage.

Tony Allcock, Kennel Club Chairman, said: "We are delighted and most honoured that His Majesty the King will continue the tradition of royal support for The Kennel Club and help us in our mission in making a positive difference for dogs and their owners."