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Nurse becomes the UK's first nutrition specialist
nicola ackerman
Nicola is the only nurse outside of North America to achieve the VTS (Nutr).
Nicola Ackerman achieves Veterinary Technician Speciality in nutrition

Veterinary nurse Nicola Ackerman has become the first in the UK to hold the Veterinary Technician Speciality (VTS) in nutrition.

Nicola, who is senior medical nurse at the Veterinary Hospital Group in Plymouth, is the only veterinary nurse outside of North America to achieve the qualification.

Commenting on her achievement, she said: "I feel really proud that I have achieved the VTS in Nutrition. It is an exceptionally hard qualification to achieve, with both practical and theoretical knowledge being examined.

"I hope that all the knowledge that I have gained really benefits the patients and clients that I see in practice."

Nicola says it is a "real achievement" to get through the exam. Before even being considered for the VTS (Nutr) exam, candidates must submit case logs requiring a large number of nutritional cases.

After being accepted, she had to travel to Tennessee in June this year to sit the exam at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, for which she was sponsored by Royal Canin.

Since graduating from Hartpury College with an Honours Degree in Equine Science - specialising in nutrition - Nicola has gained post-graduate qualifications in emergency critical care and small and exotic animal nutrition.

As well as training student veterinary nurses and helping to run the nurses' clinical team at the Veterinary Hospital Group, Nicola is the author of textbooks for nurses and technicians and sits on the board for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the editorial board for the Veterinary Nursing Journal.

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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.