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BVNA Congress 2013 kicks off
James Yeates, RSPCA chief veterinary officer
Keynote speech on the value of nurses opens 40th congress

The 40th BVNA Congress kicked off this morning in Telford with a keynote speech on the value of veterinary nurses, given by the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer (CVO), James Yeates.

Speaking at this year's venue, the International Centre, Dr Yeates hailed veterinary nurses as being a key part of the "wider movement to improve animal welfare", focusing particularly on empathy and the power of nurses within veterinary practice.

Acting as the "empathetic eyes" within the practice, Dr Yeates said that nurses are well placed to offer "bespoke care for the individual animal", recognising not only the health impacts that treatment may be having on a patient, but additional factors such as stress.

It is this ability, he continued, which allows nurses to build up a rapport with clients, offering personal advice with an understanding of the owner's perspective.

In his experience as CVO at the RSPCA, Dr Yeates says clients are often more willing to disclose information to a veterinary nurse in cases of domestic abuse, where either the client, their pet or child is a victim of violence.

Following Dr Yeates' keynote speech, BVNA president Louisa Baker presented him with a donation for the RSPCA, and the awards ceremony began. Veterinary nurses were honoured with seven different awards for outstanding contributions to the profession.

Sarah Reed was welcomed to the stage as Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year, having been nominated by two clients for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Receiving the Merial Literary Award was Caroline Calder and three honorary memberships were given out to Sue Badger, Julian Hoad and Ann McBride.

Welcoming former BVNA president Sue Badger to the stage, junior vice-president of the BVNA, Kirstie Shield, called it "an honour to be part of a profession that continues to be positively influenced by her."

This year's lecture and workshop programme covers a variety of fascinating topics, with some already fully booked. The exhibition hall opened officially this afternoon to crowds of veterinary nurses heading to see the range of leading providers to the veterinary industry.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.