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RCVS launches consultation on Schedule 3
The aim of the consultation is to improve understanding of how Schedule 3 is used and interpreted in practice, and how the legislation could be clarified.
Working party looking to gather views on current legislation

Veterinary professionals are being asked to share their views on Schedule 3 and the role of veterinary nurses, in a new consultation launched by the RCVS.

Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act provides that veterinary surgeons can direct registered or student veterinary nurses whom they employ to carry out limited veterinary surgery.

However, evidence gathered during the VN Futures project suggests there is some uncertainty surrounding the interpretation of Schedule 3 in clinical practice. Many veterinary nurses do not undertake this work or are uncertain as to whether they do, and some veterinary surgeons are reluctant to delegate these tasks to veterinary nurses.

The aim of the consultation is to improve understanding of how Schedule 3 is used and interpreted in practice, and how the legislation could be clarified. Furthermore, the Schedule 3 working party want to find out if there are areas of practice that could be opened up to veterinary nurses, but are currently prohibited by Schedule 3.

One of the ambitions to come out of VN Futures was to create a ‘clarified and bolstered VN role via a reformed Schedule 3’. The consultation forms part of this wider review.

Liz Cox, chair of the VN Council and Schedule 3 Working Party, said: “The future of veterinary nursing is both challenging and exciting, with the convergence of such factors as Brexit, the development of new technologies, and the increasing specialisation of veterinary surgeons, and we would very much like to know how you think the role of veterinary nurse will evolve.

“In light of this we very much encourage all veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons to complete this consultation.”

The consultation is being run by the Institute for Employment Studies and all eligible veterinary surgeons and nurses have been emailed with a link to the survey.

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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.