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WSAVA appoints chair of new standards steering committee
“I am really looking forward to joining the WSAVA team” – Rochelle Low.
The committee will create a set of standards for companion animal practices.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has announced the chair of its newly established Standards Steering Committee.

Rochelle Low, global vice-president of veterinary quality and patient safety at Mars Veterinary Health, will take on the role.

The committee has been created to develop and launch the WSAVA's Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practices (ESCAVP). These standards are intended to help companion animal veterinary practices to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and access support resources.

Under Low’s leadership, the Standards Steering Committee will initially focus on identifying partner organisations that can contribute to the development and launch of the ESCAVP, and creating a practical project plan outlining key milestones and areas of focus.

In her role at Mars Veterinary Health, Dr Low has had responsibility of overseeing patient safety initiatives, addressing antimicrobial resistance, and leading the design and development of quality programmes and standards.

As well as holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, she has completed a Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality at Johns Hopkins University and a Master's in Healthcare Leadership at Brown University.

Dr Low said: “I am excited and honoured to take on the role of chair of the Essential Standards Committee for WSAVA.

“Setting key standards for companion animal practice globally will make an important difference to our patients and the veterinary teams that care for them. I am really looking forward to joining the WSAVA team.”

Ellen van Nierop, WSAVA president, added: “Rochelle's proven track record of leadership and her dedication to veterinary medicine make her the ideal candidate to guide our efforts in implementing WSAVA’s Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practices.”

Image © WSAVA

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.