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

Rabbit-friendly vet awards return for 2022
Dr Sophie Jenkins (pictured), winner of the 2020 Rabbit Vet of the Year award, has joined the judging panel for 2022.
The Burgess Excel Vet Awards will run for a third year.

Rabbit-friendly veterinary professionals and practices will be celebrated at the 2022 Burgess Excel Vet Awards, which has just been confirmed to return for its third year running.

In collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF), the awards are open to UK-based practising veterinary surgeons and nurses who have unquestionably demonstrated exceeding levels of care and advice to rabbits, guinea pigs and owners.

Director at RWAF, Rae Walters, expressed RWAF's excitement for the award's return: We’re absolutely delighted to continue to support these important awards, which champion vet practices and individuals who work tirelessly to provide the highest standards of care for rabbits and guinea pigs.”

Eight award categories will be available for submission. These are:

    •   Rabbit Vet of the Year
    •   Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
    •   Rabbit Support Staff of the Year
    •   Rabbit Practice of the Year
    •   Rabbit Student of the Year
    •   Rabbit Friendly Charity Practice of the Year
    •   Guinea Pig Friendly Practice of the Year
    •   Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year.

Nominations will open on 8 August 2022, and will be free to submit. After consideration from a judging panel of notable industry figures, veterinary professionals and rabbit specialists, the results will be announced at the London Vet Show 2022. 

Dr Suzanne Moyes, spokesperson for the Rabbit Action Awareness Group (RAAG) and Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), veterinary director at Burgess and member of the judging panel, said: “As a key source of trusted information for many rabbit and guinea pig owners, veterinary practices continue to play a vital role in engaging with - and helping - them understand the complex and high levels of care and attention that these amazing animals need. 

“It has been wonderful to read the previous awards entries over the past two years and really encouraging that so many veterinary professionals are going above and beyond for these fantastic creatures. 

“We are looking forward to receiving this year’s entries, although we know we will face a difficult job in choosing the worthy winners!”

Those interested in submitting a nomination can do so on the awards website, or by completing a nomination form and returning it via post. Further information on the award categories and eligibility criteria can be found here

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."