Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS reports recent practice burglaries
lock and key
The RCVS says it has been made aware of a number of recent burglaries of veterinary practices for the purpose of stealing controlled drugs.
Practices reminded to store controlled drugs securely
 
The RCVS says it has been made aware of a number of recent burglaries of veterinary practices for the purpose of stealing controlled drugs. Practices are being reminded to store controlled drugs safely and securely to protect themselves.

There is a legal requirement for all schedule 2 controlled drugs, except quinabarbitone, and certain schedule 3 controlled drugs to be stored in a locked container that is compliant with the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973.

However, the RCVS advises that all schedule 3 controlled drugs be kept in a controlled drug cabinet.

Only a veterinary surgeon or nominated person at the practice may access the controlled drugs cabinet. If a nominated person who is not a veterinary surgeon is removing drugs from the cabinet, the veterinary surgeon directing them remains legally and professionally responsible.

For the college's full guidance on this, including destruction of controlled drugs and the use, location, design and construction of cabinets, see the Controlled Drugs Guidance and Practice Standards Scheme manuals:
Many UK police forces have controlled drug liaison officers who can provide advice on safe storage. Contact details for officers by area can be obtained from the Association of Police Controlled Drugs Liaison Officers: http://www.apcdlo.org.uk/contact.html

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.