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Chief vet highlights importance of the OV
Ian Wright, Head of ESCCAP, who spoke at the conference on tick-borne diseases; Lisa Girdwood, a delegate from West Mount Vets and Professor Nigel Gibbens.

Nigel Gibbens speaks at 2016 Official Veterinarian Conference 

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbons has highlighted the importance of the Official Veterinarian (OV) in safeguarding animal welfare and sharing best practice.

Speaking at the annual OV Conference (39 and 30 September), Professor Gibbens reminded delegates that the need to ensure animal welfare underpins the majority of the work they undertake.

He suggested that, in light of global challenges associated with climate change and rising populations, the balance between food production, animals disease and animal welfare was an increasingly important issue.

Over 200 OVs attended the 2016 Official Veterinarian Conference, which took animal welfare and the role of the OV as its overall theme.

The conference features discussions and lectures on large and small animal topics, including pitfalls around certification, current thinking on bovine TB and the threat from exotic ticks.

Organised by Improve International, 5m Publishing and the APHA, the annual conference aims to provide a forum to discuss the latest developments in OV work. It also gives OVs the opportunity to network and share experiences and ideas.

Commenting on the event, David Babington, managing director of Improve International, said: “Talking to delegates during the two days, I was particularly impressed with the level of enthusiasm they showed. It was clear that they really did want to hear the latest thinking from the experts and to put their new knowledge into practice.   

“The exhibition of products and services of relevance to OVs was also very well-supported. We are delighted at the positive feedback we have received from speakers, delegates and exhibitors and are making plans for the 2017 event which we will announce in due course.”

Image (C) George PR

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."