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Vets and VNs form choir for sick and injured pets
The Blue Cross choir has been entertaining listeners on BBC Radio Humberside and was planning a performance in Cleethorpes.

The Blue Cross ensemble sings to lift spirits on difficult days.

Animal charity Blue Cross has formed a choir to raise money for sick and injured pets this Christmas.

Vets, vet nurses, staff and volunteers of the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Grimsby set up the choir to ease stress and lift spirits on difficult days in the veterinary world.

Not long ago, the team performed on BBC Radio Humberside, and they look forward to singing to more people as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Most recently, the group has been singing together during lunch breaks in preparation for a performance in Cleethorpes to raise funds for animals in need, whose owners may not be able to afford private veterinary care. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions meant the event had to be cancelled, but that hasn’t stifled the group’s enthusiasm.

“We started our Blue Cross choir with staff and volunteers singing along together to lift our spirits on difficult days within the veterinary world and found that we actually really enjoy it,” commented Natalie Everett, deputy nurse manager at Blue Cross in Grimsby. 

“We’ve been practising Christmas Carols, and we thought we would take the plunge and make our first public appearance and raise some vital pounds towards the sick and injured pets we care for and helping their loving owners who would otherwise not be able to afford vet care for their pets.” 

Although the event could not go ahead, pet lovers can still help the animals at Grimsby by donating via the Blue Cross website. The group has also put together a festive veterinary rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas, which you can watch below.

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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.