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

Collaboration to promote best practice in reproduction control
Dr Siraya Chunekamrai, WSAVA president.
Virbac announces support for WSAVA's Reproduction Control Committee.

Global animal health firm Virbac has announced its support for the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA) initiative to promote global best practice in reproduction control.

Through the WSAVA's recently-created Reproduction Control Committee, the association aims to give veterinary surgeons across the world access to the latest resources and knowledge in this rapidly evolving area of companion animal medicine.

It is chaired by Professor Stefano Romagnoli, a European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Reproduction at the University of Padua in Italy, and will be comprised of a team of reproduction experts from across the globe.

Building on the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, one of the Reproduction Committee's first tasks will be to produce a set of guidelines for this important area of veterinary medicine. 

Dr Siraya Chunekamrai, WSAVA president, said: “Giving advice on reproduction and carrying out spaying and neutering procedures can form a large part of a general clinician’s work, with many of our members also involved in large-scale spay-neuter programs. 

“Our Reproduction Control Committee is helping them to make science-based choices for the management of reproduction, while safeguarding animal welfare and supporting the human-companion animal bond."

She added: “We are delighted to welcome Virbac, both as a supporter of the Reproduction Control Committee and as a WSAVA Partner, helping us to deliver our mission to advance the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide.”

Sebastien Huron, chief executive officer of Virbac Group, commented: “At Virbac, we have the conviction that our pets should no longer be castrated only for convenience reasons. Fifteen years ago, surgery was the most common option to control reproduction. Today, easy to implement and reversible alternatives that preserve the integrity of the body and well-being of our pets exist. 

“It is therefore our duty to inform all veterinarians and dogs and cats owners about the available options, to ensure a sound knowledge and tailor made reproduction control of each pet. We are delighted to be associated with this Reproduction Control Committee and to be a partner of WSAVA, in support of our purpose: Advancing the health of animals with those who care for them so we can all live better together!”

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

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.