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BSAVA Welcomes Scientific Policy Officer
Dr Sally Everitt
BSAVA has appointed Dr Sally Everitt as scientific policy officer.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association has announced Dr Sally Everitt as its first scientific policy officer.

The role has been newly created to support the officer and scientific committee, and to ensure that the opinion and advice of the BSAVA is based not only on the current best evidence, but is also useful and accessible to members working in practice academia and industry.

Dr Everitt qualified from Bristol Vet School in 1981 and has spent most of her working life in small animal practice. She first came across the idea of evidence-based medicine in 1996 and developed an interest in how some of these ideas could be introduced into the veterinary profession.

She became involved with the second generation SPVS/Middlesex University masters' group, looking at clinical audit in veterinary practice, and subsequently undertook PhD research that examined the factors that influence clinical decision making in veterinary practice.

Dr Everitt aims to develop evidence-based resources both for the veterinary profession and pet owning public. She said that, "as an experienced practitioner, I am aware of the constraints of first opinion practice. I hope that by developing evidence-based resources I can help our members make even more informed decisions about the care of their animal patients as BSAVA continues to develop its resources."

She added: "My first job will be getting to grips with the astonishing amount of information already available from BSAVA and of course getting to know the officers, volunteers and staff who make BSAVA what it is today." 

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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.