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Vetlife seeks volunteers to help deliver financial aid
Last year, the charity provided over £100k in financial support.
The charity needs new area reps in three regions.

Vetlife is urgently seeking volunteers to help it deliver financial support to those who need it in the veterinary community.

The charity is looking for new area representatives for London, Northern Ireland, and the South East. The role involves working with new applicants and existing beneficiaries of Vetlife Financial Support to understand their circumstances and make sure they receive the right level of support.

Vetlife provides both initial training for its area representatives and annual on-going training for those already in the role. Current volunteers come from a range of veterinary backgrounds, including veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.

In 2023, the scheme provided more than £100k in aid to individuals and their dependants in the veterinary community. The support includes emergency assistance, regular monthly grants, and one-off gifts.

John Chitty, honorary secretary and chair of Vetlife Financial Support, said: “With a growing number of applicants for financial assistance, Vetlife has never had more need of area reps performing their essential role.

“Working on the ‘front line’ our reps work directly with beneficiaries and provide much needed support and assistance to vets and nurses in genuine financial, emotional and health need.”

Vetlife area representative Jim Kellow added: “I have been an area rep since 2020 and feel privileged to have been able to communicate with, and help, those that have found themselves in financial difficulties.

“The role doesn't demand too much of my time and as a result I feel I can genuinely help. The support for me in this role has been excellent.”

More information about the role, including how to apply, can be found on the Vetlife website.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.