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Breakfast with the Presidents
Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn and Mark Johnston
WSAVA and BSAVA Presidents have breakfast press meeting

WSAVA President Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn and in-coming BSAVA President Mark Johnston held an informal press meeting this morning to discuss the ways in which their associations can work together and help the further development of the veterinary profession.

Dr Kirpensteijn praised the veterinary profession's "central role in animal welfare" but he raised the point that vets are often "shy" when it comes to vocalising their importance beyond the level of general practice.

WSAVA and BSAVA have a very successful relationship, and presidents of both associations agreed that education is vital, not only in terms of constantly improving veterinary medicine but also on a grander global scale. For example, the WSAVA One Health Committee, which is headed up by the BSAVA junior vice-president Michael Day, was highlighted as a means by which the veterinary profession can help the medical industry worldwide and it was stressed that the role of veterinary associations in education is crucial.

Clinical research is an important part of both associations' role, and the WSAVA is keen to translate research into a global scale. One of their current goals is to eradicate rabies and Dr Kirpensteijn reiterated that cooperation and communication between the veterinary profession and beyond will be vital in its achievement.

The bond between the WSAVA and BSAVA is strong, not least proven by the opening ceremony speech given by Brian Singleton, one of BSAVA's first presidents and a founding member of WSAVA, and today's meeting with Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn and Mark Johnston is a clear indication of its long continuation. 

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.