Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd February 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Ethical review guidance published
Image: Lord Sandy Trees
RCVS and BVA aim to assist vets carrying out practice-based research

A working party led by the RCVS and BVA has published guidance on ethical review for vets carrying out practice-based research.

The party, led by Lord Sandy Trees, is made up of representatives and experts from a range of veterinary and research organisations. The published guidance is aimed at assisting veterinary surgeons carrying out practice-based research, who do not have access to the ethical review structure of a university or institute.

Professor Lord Trees explained: "Practice-based research is to be encouraged, and is becoming increasingly common and sophisticated. However, it’s not easy for those in practice to access ethical review support. We hope this report will enable practice-based research to be conducted to the best standards and to protect animals, the public and practitioners themselves.”

The guidance report first explains the difference between clinical practice and clinical research, then focuses on clinical research that does not require Home Office authorisation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The report recommends that would-be researchers build relationships with veterinary institutes so as to be able to submit research proposals to their ethical review committees.

It is also recommended within the report that the RCVS consider establishing its own ethical review committee, and that the RCVS Recognised Veterinary Practice Committee be expanded and better promoted to the profession.

Commenting on the guidance report, BVA president Peter Jones said: "Many practitioners are involved in clinically-based research and we welcome the guidance given in this joint RCVS/BVA report, which can inform our members of the regulations and best practice required and will enable them to attain high standards in the conduct of such research."

Click here to view the full report.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.