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ESFM becomes ISFM
The European Society of Feline Medicine is changing its name.
The European Society of Feline Medicine, the veterinary wing of the Feline Advisory Bureau, is changing its name to the International Society of Feline Medicine.

FAB Chief Executive Claire Bessant explains, ‘The reason for the change is actually very simple and straightforward – increasingly ESFM has been attracting interest, membership and strategic partnerships with individuals and groups way beyond the confines of Europe.  For example, the veterinary cpd distance learning programme is in partnership with the University of Sydney and the society’s Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery is also the official journal of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.  While a lot of our work will remain ‘Eurocentric’, and without wishing to detract or dilute in any way from what we are doing in Europe, it seems ridiculous to disenfranchise those people outside of Europe by not embracing them fully within the organisation.’

The aims of the ISFM are to:
  • Provide a worldwide resource for veterinarians on all aspects of feline health and wellbeing
  • Provide resources to enable practices to develop more ‘cat friendly’ approaches
  • Provide information and resources that practitioners can use with clients both in and beyond the consulting room
  • Continue publishing the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery – a high quality, peer reviewed, practitioner-orientated journal
  • Develop international guidelines and policies on important and relevant feline issues
  • Provide conferences and other ‘continuing professional development’ (cpd) opportunities on an international scale
  • Develop an internationally recognised, practitioner-orientated, post-graduate feline veterinary qualification
  • Provide information and resources for veterinary nurses/technicians on feline health and welfare
  • Collaborate with veterinary cat groups worldwide, where possible through ISFM National Partnerships, and to share information, expertise and knowledge of ‘best practice’.

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.