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BVA launches new menopause hub
"We're committed to supporting all veterinary staff affected by menopause" - Anna Judson
The hub will support veterinary profession and aims to boost workforce retention.

As part of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA’s) Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative, a new menopause hub has been launched to support members of the veterinary profession. It aims to help more women to stay in the veterinary profession and retain their vital skills in the workforce.

The hub will provide a range of veterinary specific menopause content to support everyone working in practice including colleagues, managers and partners of people experiencing the menopause. 

BVA has recently signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and is urging other veterinary employers to do the same. The pledge calls on employers to take positive action and support everyone going through the menopause.

The Voice of the Veterinary Profession Spring 2023 survey revealed that only 14 per cent of veterinary surgeons are aware of a menopause policy at their workplace. Forty-six per cent said that there is no policy and 39 per cent are unsure. 

The survey also showed that 59 per cent of veterinary surgeons would feel confident supporting a colleague experiencing menopause.

In 2022, evidence given to the women and equalities parliamentary committee by BUPA suggested that 900,000 women may have left the UK workforce in recent years as a result of menopausal symptoms.

BVA junior vice-president Anna Judson, said: “We know that menopause is of growing importance to our profession, with female vets now making up more than half the workforce, and we know that issues with managing menopause symptoms prompt a significant number of women to move away from clinical work. 

“As part of our Good Veterinary Workplaces campaign we’re committed to supporting all veterinary staff affected by menopause, allowing them to remain in post, and to providing relevant resources to improve employer engagement in this area. We urge all veterinary workplaces to sign the pledge and consider what more they could be doing to support their staff in managing menopause symptoms in the workplace.”

The impact of the menopause on the profession will be discussed in a panel session at the BVA Congress at London Vet Show in November.

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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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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.