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RCVS extends VetGDP training deadline
A key feature of the VetGDP is the requirement of a trained VetGDP advisor.
Practices now have until December 2021 to complete the online training. 

The RCVS has extended the deadline to its Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) by six months, to December 2021, to give practices more time to complete the required online training.

The original deadline was June 2021, after which practices looking to employ this year's cohort of graduates should have obtained VetGDP status. But the RCVS said it recognised the 'ongoing pandemic restrictions' and the 'significant additional pressures on practice teams'.

“While we know that some people will be able to complete the online training required to become a VetGDP Adviser quite quickly if circumstances allow, we also know that some people have additional commitments that mean training may take longer to complete,” commented Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education.

“Therefore, instead of VetGDP Advisers needing to have fully completed the online training before the new graduate joins the workplace, we now require that the training has been started and is being actively engaged with, and will be completed as soon as circumstances allow."

She added: “For 2021, we, therefore, expect that VetGDP Advisers will have completed their training by the end of December 2021. We also expect that graduates will be supported during their first months in practice, while vets are completing the online training.”

A key feature of the VetGDP is the requirement of a trained VetGDP Advisor, who will provide one-to-one support and advice to new graduates to help develop their confidence in their journey to become experienced, independent vets

Under the scheme, practices wishing to employ new graduates must have at least one trained VetGDP advisor to ensure the provision of this support. This will involve a short, free online training course that will contribute to their practice being recognised as an RCVS-approved Graduate Development Practice. 

The RCVS will be holding three interactive workshops in February to explain the Programme and the changes that have been introduced. The workshops are open to everyone in the practice team interested in becoming a VetGDP Advisor, taking place on:
  • Wednesday 3 February, 12:00 - 1:30 pm 
  • Thursday 11 February 12:00 - 1.30 pm
  • Monday 15 February 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Dr Sue Paterson, RCVS chair of education committee, and Dr Linda Prescott-Clements will be available to answer any questions which can be submitted live during the events. To submit questions and register for the workshops, visit rcvs.org.uk/vetgdpworkshops

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.