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RCVS and VN council election results announced
Three veterinary surgeons and two veterinary nurses have been elected to their respective councils.
Turnout for RCVS election fallen for third year.

The results have been announced for the 2023 RCVS and VN council elections which took place entirely online.

The three candidates elected for a four-year term on the RCVS council were Dr Alice McLeish MRCVS, Linda Belton MRCVS and Tim Hutchinson MRCVS.

The two candidates elected for a three-year term on the VN council were Matthew Rendle RVN and Simon Williams RVN.

The turnout for the RCVS council election has continued to decline, with a total of 6,087 veterinary surgeons casting their vote. This represents 16.7 per cent of those eligible to vote and compares to 18.6 per cent in 2022, 24.5 per cent in 2021 and 26.2 per cent in 2020.

The VN council election saw a slight increase in turnout with 1,927 veterinary nurses casting their vote. This represents 8.8 per cent of those eligible to vote and compares to 8.4 per cent in 2022, 12.4 per cent in 2021 and 17.1 per cent in 2020.

Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS registrar and returning officer for both elections said: “Congratulations to all our successful candidates in this year’s elections and thank you to all those who stood for election this year. We look forward to welcoming our successful candidates to their elected places at this year’s AGM.

“While the turnout for the VN council election improved slightly on last year, it was a shame to see the turnout for vets fall again. As part of our wider council culture project, we are looking at how to increase engagement with our election processes across the board, from candidate nominations, to how we present information about the candidates, to how we encourage greater election turnout. We will be consulting with the group set up to look specifically at this issue in due course to see how we can improve turnout going forward.”

All five elected candidates will commence their terms at the RCVS Annual General Meeting on Friday, 7 July 2023.

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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.