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BSAVA Congress News Archive
Special imports digital service set to change
10th July 2024
From Monday, 15 July, Special Import Certificate (SIC) applications will only be accepted via the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's (VMD's) new special imports digital service.

The original online special import scheme will be decommissioned. The VMD says that the new service is easier to use, more secure and reliable, and meets accessibility legislation.

The VMD is urging veterinary surgeons who have not yet signed up for the new service to do so before 15 July. The new digital service can be accessed here.
Researchers launch survey on bleeding in XL bullies
2nd July 2024
Researchers at the University of Surrey are investigating reports of bleeding problems being seen in XL bully dogs following neutering operations.

Some XL bully owners on social media have reported their dogs experiencing problems during operations and there has been anecdotal evidence from some veterinary surgeons.

An anonymous survey has been launched for veterinary surgeons to share their experiences of performing any surgical procedures on XL bully dogs in the last 12 months.

The survey can be accessed here.
BSAVA's new president starts role
21st June 2024
Julian Hoad has been confirmed as the new president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), taking over from Carl Gorman.

The veterinary surgeon is the BSAVA's 67th president, and has described stepping into the role as the pinnacle of his veterinary career.

Speaking at the BSAVA's AGM, Dr Hoad said: "I really do believe that the BSAVA will continue to go from strength to strength and will continue to maintain its relevance and position as the indispensable voice of the small animal veterinary profession."
Charities' XL bully neutering scheme closes
11th June 2024
A scheme that helped owners of XL bully dogs with the cost of neutering has closed to new applications due to high demand.

The scheme, run by the RSPCA, Blue Cross, and Battersea, has helped 1,800 dogs and their owners after XL bullies were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

In England and Wales, owners of XL bully dogs which were over one year old on 31 January 2021 have until 30 June 2024 to get their dog neutered. If a dog was between seven months and 12 months old, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If it was under seven months old, owners have until 30 June 2025.

More information can be found on the Defra website.
FIVP launches new podcast
29th May 2024
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) is launching a new bi-weekly podcast series.

'Practice Matters', hosted by business development manager Ian Wolstenholme, will feature discussions with guests about key topics, different insights and useful ideas which interest those in independent practice.

A teaser has already been released on FIVP's website and Spotify, with regular episodes every other Tuesday from 4 June.

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated
15th May 2024
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.
Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife
24th April 2024
The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here.
RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief
17th April 2024
RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development."
Rabbit Awareness Week set to return this summer
2nd April 2024
Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) is returning this summer, running from 24-28 June 2024. The theme for this year will be 'Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies'.

The focus on rabbits' diet comes after the most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report report revealed that 42 per cent of veterinary professionals identified inappropriate diet as one of the five most important rabbit welfare issues that need to be address.

The campaign will include veterinary blogs, videos, and digital waiting room resources. Practices can sign up to receive updates about RAW.
Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection
20th March 2024
Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online.
Pet Blood Bank announces twists to annual fundraiser
14th March 2024
Pet Blood Bank has revealed that its annual fundraiser, 'Around the Coast in 30 Days', will now include mini challenges.

It is the fourth year of the challenge, which asks people to walk, run, swim or cycle a part of a 11,232 mile goal.

However this year's fundraiser, starting 1 May, includes extra challenges throughout the month. Pet Blood Bank says these tasks will showcase its work.

The challenge can be completed individually, or as a team, with miles recorded on the participant's fundraising page.

Register here.
BSAVA issues new guide to heartworm
5th March 2024
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has produced a new Scientific Information Document on Dirofilaria immitis (commonly known as heartworm).

The document provides veterinary professionals in small animal practice with information about the transmission, diagnosis, treatment and management, and prevention of the condition.

The number of heartworm cases is increasing in the UK, although it is not currently endemic. Most cases involve dogs that have spent time abroad in regions such as southern and eastern Europe.

The document is available online alongside other Scientific Information Documents in the BSAVA Library.