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Guide to help vet workplaces achieve net zero published
“Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets” – Anna Judson.
The report sets out four steps workplaces can take.

A new report providing guidance on how veterinary workplaces can help tackle climate change has been published by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Vet Sustain.

The document, Net zero: The role of veterinary workplaces in tackling climate change, aims to provide a roadmap for veterinary workplaces looking to contribute to the UK’s net zero targets.

Drawing on recent research, the report looks at topics including why veterinary workplaces should act on climate change and the roles that individuals, teams, and communities can play.

It also sets out four steps that veterinary workplaces can take towards net zero:
  • Pledge: making a formal pledge or telling others of intentions
  • Plan: calculating carbon emissions in the workplace and creating a plan to reduce them
  • Proceed: taking action, such as switching to green energy providers or performing waste audits
  • Publish: reporting progress, whether internally or publicly.

Also included in the report are case studies looking at veterinary workplaces currently taking action to become more environmentally sustainable.

The most recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that 93 per cent of the veterinary surgeons who responded feel that sustainability is important to them.

Anna Judson, BVA senior vice-president, said: “Many veterinary professionals have long been concerned about the impact the sector is having on the environment, and many are already taking action to mitigate this.

“However, there is still more work to do. Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets; is trusted on mitigating its own carbon footprint; and is a leading advocate for environmental sustainability.

“This new report is providing vet teams with the tools and the inspiration to do their bit, because small changes add-up to make a big difference.”

The full report can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.