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APHA and Pirbright Institute collaborate to improve animal care
The Pirbright Institute and APHA hope to continue sharing ideas and exchanging findings.
The teams explored issues including housing, enrichment and care of large animals.

Animal technicians from The Pirbright Institute and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have been sharing expertise to improve the practice of large animal care.

The teams visited each other’s sites to discuss their experiences with tackling issues such as the housing and enrichment of large animals, as well as the culture of large animal care and health.

Their collaboration began with The Pirbright Institute’s large animal team visiting APHA’s site in Weybridge in May. This was followed by the APHA team visiting The Pirbright Institute in September.

During initial meetings, the teams focused conversation on the care and health of large animals. However, this soon saw them planning similar discussions between poultry teams, as well as organising the visit to The Pirbright Institute.

At The Pirbright Institute, APHA were given a virtual tour of the large animal facilities, including the Biggs facility.

Animal technicians from The Pirbright Institute then shared presentations about the current refinement projects within their Animal Services team. This included leg banding and enrichment, as well as an overview of their husbandry practices and building functions.

The teams believe that their visits have contributed to closer working and an effective information exchange, as well as giving their animal technicians the opportunity to connect with peers outside of their usual workplace.

Both The Pirbright Institute and APHA hope to continue sharing ideas and exchanging findings as they seek to improve their shared learning.

Jess Drage, an APHA animal technician, said: "APHA's visit to Pirbright was very insightful. It was great to discuss and share ideas that will no doubt help enhance the work we do at both establishments.

“We look forward to continuing our work and exchanges with colleagues at Pirbright to deliver great scientific services and enhance animal welfare whilst doing so!"

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
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FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."