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BSAVA Congress News Archive
RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent
26th February 2025
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.

RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.

Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.

Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase.
VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns
6th February 2025
The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines.
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone introduced across Wales
30th January 2025
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced across Wales.

From 30 January, all bird keepers in Wales must implement strict biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds. This includes a mandatory self-assessment checklist.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency has already introduced AIPZs in Scotland and England, with mandatory housing in some parts of England. The avian influenza interactive map reveals where restrictions are in place, with further information about Wales' AIPZ here.
Sustainability leader elected first CEO of Vet Sustain
28th January 2025
Vet Sustain, an organisation supporting veterinary professionals towards a more sustainable future, has appointed Laura Gelder-Robertson as its first chief executive officer.

Bringing 25 years of business and sustainability experience to the role, Laura will head up a team of directors, volunteers and working group members, driving action towards six sustainability goals (Welfare, Wildlife, Wellbeing, Warming, Waste and Water).

Welcoming Laura to the team, Vet Sustain's chair Ed Bailey said: "We are thrilled to appoint Laura at the helm of Vet Sustain. Working with our existing team, her expertise will allow cross-pollination of ideas and solutions from other sectors, strengthening the tools, training and collaborations we build to serve our veterinary community."
FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2
31st December 2024
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website.
Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens
3rd December 2024
The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link.
Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal
14th November 2024
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here.
Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners
30th October 2024
The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here.
Zoetis apologises for EVA vaccine shortage
23rd October 2024
Zoetis UK has apologised for a supply shortage of Equip Artervac, caused by a manufacturing issue.

It is expected to become available in June 2025.

Equip Artervac is used for the active immunisation for horses against equine viral arteritis (EVA) to reduce the clinical signs and shedding of the virus.

For more information, contact a Zoetis account manager or Zoetis Head Office on 0345 300 8034.
CMA opens consultation on survey letter
21st October 2024
The CMA has invited comments on a draft survey invitation letter, as it continues its investigation into consumer experience.

Stakeholders have until midday on 22 October to share their thoughts on its contents.

The quantitative survey, conducted by Accent, recently underwent a separate consultation. It will be sent to a random sample of participants, with the letter inviting them to complete the survey.

The letter can be found here. Stakeholders should email vetsMI@cma.gov.uk to make comment.
New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance
7th October 2024
A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.
BEVA gives RVNs right to vote
19th September 2024
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all."