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Mind Matters Initiative brings back 'Campfire Chats' on mental health
The sessions will be hosted by those with lived experience and experts on the subjects.
There will be four sessions across autumn and winter. 

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is continuing its 'Campfire Chats' initiative over autumn and winter, offering members of the professions the opportunity to take part in informal discussions surrounding veterinary health and wellbeing.

Angharad Belcher, MMI director, said: “After our very successful first run of the Mind Matters Campfire Chats, we have a number of new session topics, which were requested by delegates earlier this year. 

“As always, we will continue to host experts and those with lived experience at each Campfire Chat.”

The upcoming Campfire Chats sessions will be: 

Managing Mental Health and Menopause – Thursday 28 October at 7pm
This session will discuss menopause, mental health and the professions, and the panel will comprise of Liz Barton, SPVS board member and co-founder of WellVet and the Vet Mums Facebook group, Melissa Donald, RCVS junior vice-president, and Nikki Ruedisueli, a veterinary nurse educator who is currently head of Learning and Development at the BVNA.

Combatting Climate Change Anxiety – Wednesday 17 November at 7pm
Focusing on ways in which the professions can harness hope through positive action on climate and their connections with nature, this session will be held by David Black, managing director of the Paragon Veterinary Group and director of Vet Sustain, Alex Mullarky, founder of the Sustainable Vet Nurse Community and environmental campaigner, and psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author Sue Stuart-Smith.  

Men's Mental Health – Monday 29 November at 7pm
Discussing overcoming barriers that may exist to men recognising and seeking help for mental health conditions, the panel for this session consists of James Russell, senior vice-president of the BVA, Vetlife board member James Glass, and Calum McIntyre, a final year student at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School, and president of the Association of Veterinary Students. 

Working Through Winter – Monday 13 December at 7pm 
This session will consider the various ways in which the winter season affects veterinary mental health and what can be done to help overcome seasonal mental health issues. The panel for this session comprises Mark Tabachnik, an equine veterinary surgeon who also works as a professional development coach, and Claire Fillvray, a GP and medical psychotherapist who is passionate about helping people gain mental strength through exercise, meditation, yoga and therapy. 

“As with the previous events, the Campfire Chats aren’t about being lectured at for an hour but are an opportunity to hear from those with lived experience, expertise and also for our audience to share their experiences, worries or life hacks,” Angharad continued.

“So please make sure to grab a mug of your favourite hot drink and join us.”

All events are free, and members of the professions can sign up for sessions via the Mind Matters website at vetmindmatters.org/events/ 

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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  

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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.