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VN title petition now closed
vn
Defra responded to the petition in January of this year, saying it did not recommend that parliament give the title legal protection.
Council says it will keep calling for title protection

A petition urging the government to legally protect the 'veterinary nurse' title has now closed with just under 37,000 signatures.

The petition was launched by the RCVS in August last year and gained 10,000 signatures within the first week. When it closed on 14 February 2016, a total of 36,862 people had signed it.

Currently, anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse as the title is not legally protected. The RCVS campaign called for legislation to criminalise any improper use of the term, so that only RCVS-registered professionals with the relevant education and training could use the title.

Defra responded to the petition in January of this year, saying that while it recognised the importance of veterinary nurses, it did not recommend that parliament give the title legal protection.

Chair of the VN Council Liz Cox said that while she was "disappointed" by Defra's response, the council would continue to argue that the veterinary nurse title should be protected.

On a positive note, she said the petition had raised public awareness of what veterinary nurses do and revealed a high level of support from veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons, the public and MPs.

Defra has, however, agreed to work with the RCVS to review Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act - which outlines the procedures that can be performed by a registered veterinary nurse. It is hoped new ways may be found to bolster the nursing profession.

A joint RCVS and BVNA initiative called VN Futures aims to help veterinary nurses to prepare for and shape their future. The two organisations will also use this project to identify ways to strengthen and raise awareness of the profession.

Liz Cox said it is important that veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons continue to promote and explain the nurse title to clients.

"Good veterinary nursing can make a huge difference to the outcome and experience for both the animal and the client, we do a great job and we need to tell the public."

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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.