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BSAVA's first virtual student conference earns high praise
Student Focus provided students with six hours of EMS.

Student Focus helps vet students prepare for careers in small animal practice.

BSAVA held its first ever virtual student conference last month, offering both clinical and non-clinical learning opportunities for more than 200 veterinary students.

Student Focus was organised by BSAVA volunteers and sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition. It provided six hours of EMS and covered a diverse range of topics including ‘Caring for your career’, an Anaesthesia Q&A with specialists, and an information session on the new RCVS VetGDP programme.

Delegates were also given the opportunity to participate in polls, quizzes, and panel discussions and to interact with other students online.

The event was rounded off with the BSAVA Great Student Bake off, hosted by Great British Bake Off semi-finalist and Cambridge veterinary graduate, Rosie Brandreth-Poynter, with prizes available for the best bakes.

Delegate and Royal Veterinary College (RVC) student, Katie Clarke said: “It has been brilliant and I feel I've learnt so much. The events ran seamlessly, and were so relevant to vet students now, with so many extra online resources that I will definitely make use of.

“I'm so grateful to the BSAVA for organising the event, especially under the circumstances, and found it to be so useful; I do hope it becomes a tradition for future years!”

Isobel Arthur and Calum McIntyre, president and vice president of the Association of Veterinary Students, which supported the event, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to BSAVA, on behalf of AVS, for helping students during these difficult times.”

Image (c) BSAVA.

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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
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.