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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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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.