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Animal welfare placed on the curricula

The World Vet Education Conference recommended the inclusion of animal welfare in basic competencies.

The event, which took place in France between 13th and 15th May, not only celebrated Vet Year 2011 but debated education in the sector worldwide.

Hailed as a success by attendees, the conference saw more than 250 participants from veterinary faculties across the world gather alongside other relevant stakeholders including student bodies, pharmaceutical representatives and NGOs.

The WSPA International were in attendance at the two day event and the most important move for them was that the committee set up to co-ordinate recommendations for basic standards for all graduating vets, has decided to include animal welfare as an element 'fundamental to the entire curriculum', for the first time.

Ruth De Vere, Head of Education at WSPA International, said: "Vets can have a direct impact on the attitudes and behaviours of the general public towards animals, as advisers to owners, as well as to governments and corporations after this conference, where the world's veterinary elite came together globally for only the second time, I am hopeful that animal welfare will become an integral part of veterinary training."

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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.