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Independent practice wins Practice of the Year
House & Jackson says it is 'proud' to have remained independent.
House & Jackson called the award an ‘enormous compliment’.

House & Jackson, an independent veterinary practice in Essex, has been named Practice of the Year at the Petplan Veterinary Awards.

The practice said it was ‘absolutely wonderful’ to win the accolade, having been nominated for the award by its clients.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Petplan Veterinary Awards, which received 38,000 nominations from clients and veterinary staff. House & Jackson was selected as one of three finalists, before being named Practice of the Year at a ceremony in Manchester.

The equine and small animal practice began in 1980 as a husband-and-wife team operating out of their own home.

It has since developed into an RCVS-accredited hospital, with two additional Pet Clinics nearby.

Throughout its history House & Jackson says it is ‘proud’ to have remained independent, and to have succeeded against corporate-owned competitors. The award-winning practice is a member of the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), a community of independent practices which support each other to thrive in a challenging industry climate.

House & Jackson attributes its success to its ‘wonderfully talented’ veterinary surgeons and nurses, as well as an ‘incredible’ team of support staff.

It says that its passion and commitment to animals has rewarded the practice with loyal clients.

Following its win the practice has said that it will continue to provide its clients and patients with the best possible care, while extending the work it does with local charities RSPCA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The practice maintains that customer service remains its focus, as it continues to improve customer experience.

A spokesperson for House & Jackson said: “We wholeheartedly embrace being an independent practice; it allows us to take our own path, and we believe it makes us that little bit more special.

“We didn’t set out to win this award, but being recognised by our clients and the Petplan panel in this way is an enormous compliment. Other independents should feel equally empowered by their individuality.”

Image © Petplan

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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.