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VBF survey reveals stress issues
Charity identifies professional challenges

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has published the results of a survey which investigated the veterinary profession's responses to the realities of professional life. When asked 'What are the key issues, if any, for the veterinary profession?' and told to select up to five answers from a list, a pool of 400 veterinary surgeons returned the following responses:
  • Stress management (18.7%)
  • Balancing work and family life (16%)
  • Depression (10.9%)
  • Relationships at work (8.4%)
  • Managing personal finances/debt etc (8%)
  • Career development (8%)
  • Other life/work balance issues (7.4%)
  • Employment disputes (4.8%)
  • Difficulties returning to career after family break, sickness or accident (3.2%)
  • Addictions (3.1%)
  • Bullying (2.8%)
  • Other (2.3%)
  • Assertiveness (2.2%)
  • Accessing support services outside normal hours (2%)
  • Other mental health problems (1.2%)
  • Redundancy (0.7%)
  • None of these (0.3%)
Commenting on the survey's findings, VBF President Dr Lydia Brown said "The findings of this survey are significant for all us of working in the veterinary profession today and many of us will recognise the emerging themes. I am very grateful that so many members of the profession responded to the survey.”

"While we train hard for our chosen career and many go on to find fulfilment, it's clear that in today's challenging environment, the reality of life in practice can prove a strain. The effect on relationships both at home and at work can be traumatic and yet, as a profession we can be reluctant to seek help or advice."

"Ensuring the wellbeing of all those working in the profession is our goal and we will look to increase the support we can provide in 2012. We greatly appreciate involvement and support from the profession and from industry to sustain our vital work and would ask anyone interested in helping us or getting involved to contact us."

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'