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Steps taken to tackle work-place injuries
equine vet
"There is a clear need to establish safer systems of work and education of the profession and other animal handlers."
Vet groups join forces to help minimise risks

A consensus statement has been drawn up to help minimise the risk of workplace injuries for equine vets, BEVA has announced.

The move follows shocking findings from a survey of workplace accidents. Released last year, the results showed equine vets receive more injuries in their working life than any other civilian profession, inducing those working in construction, the prison service and the fire brigade.

Round table discussions have been attended by representatives from the BEVA, BVA, RCVS, VDS, heads of vet school equine departments, major equine veterinary practices and survey authors.

Together, they will now explore how improved reporting could help to develop practical measures to reduce the risk of serious and fatal injuries.

Recent work by the UK thoroughbred industry to implement safer working practices may be used to help draw up guidelines for equine vets.

Speaking at BEVA's recent congress, new president Mark Bowen said: "There is a clear need to establish safer systems of work and education of the profession and other animal handlers."

A key part of this, he added, is the training of veterinary students and newly-qualified equine vets.

"This will help ensure they are aware of the most risky procedures and the methods they should emily to remain safe as reasonably practicable while working with horses."

Key results from the survey of work-related injuries showed that, during a 30-year working life, equine vets could expect to sustain an average of seven to eight injuries that prevented them from practising.

The most common injuries were bruising, fractures and lacerations, with the leg being the most common injury site, followed by the head. A kick with a hind limb was the main cause of injury.

Nearly a quarter of the injuries reported required hospital treatment and, significantly, 7 per cent resulted in loss of consciousness.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 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. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.