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

'Overwhelming' response to feline nursing stream
Nurse delegates enjoying the ISFM Congress nursing stream.

ISFM Congress 2017 attracts more than 900 delegates

Organisers of the ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine Congress) 2017 say they were ‘overwhelmed’ by the response to the nursing stream, which attracted some 250 delegates over the course of the two days.

The ISFM nursing programme was initially designed to take place at The Grand Hotel in Brighton. However, interest was so high that a neighbouring hotel was secured to take a greater number of nurses.

Sam Taylor, director of ISFM’s nursing distance courses, who chaired much of the meeting, commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the response and although we will not always be able to have a nursing stream at Congress we will certainly ensure that we run ISFM events for nurses in 2018, so watch this space!”

Some 600 vets and 350 nurses from across the world attended this year’s ISFM Wold Feline Veterinary Congress.

Over the course of five days (28 June - 2 July), delegates attended more than 28 hours of CPD and were treated to a host of well-respected speakers and feline experts. This year's line-up included Dr Mark Peterson and Prof Claudia Reusch leading on endocrinology, and Kieran Borgeat and Prof Virginia Luis Fuentes presenting the latest findings in cardiology.

A busy commercial exhibition runs alongside the programme and delegates could visit a poster room showcasing the latest in veterinary research, case series and case series reports. The social events were also well received, including cocktails and canapés on the first evening and fish and chips on Brighton’s famous pier.

Next year’s congress takes place in the city of Sorrento, Italy, on the beautiful Amalfi coast. Held 28th June to 1st July, the Congress will cover feline urology and feline oncology. Full details of the Congress are yet to be published.

Image (C) International Cat Care.

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

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
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.