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WSAVA demonstrates need for global oncology education
The average score when rating own knowledge of oncology was highest in Chinese-speaking respondents (6.6) and lowest in Ukranian-speaking respondents (4.2).
The results have been released from the organisation's oncology survey.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has shared that veterinary professionals globally rate their knowledge of oncology at five out of 10, from a recent survey held to ascertain global levels of knowledge of veterinary oncology.

Conducted by the WSAVA Oncology Working Group (WOW), the survey, completed in 10 different languages, found that veterinary professionals rated the importance of oncology cases for their practice at seven out of 10, with little variation between languages. 

Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn, member of the WOW Group and former WSAVA president, said: “Cancer is increasingly common in companion animals, with almost 50 per cent of dogs over 10 years of age developing this devastating disease. 

“To support WSAVA members effectively in treating oncology patients, we wanted to know where they needed help most urgently.”

The survey also found that the most common type of tumour found in practice was a mammary tumour (81 per cent). The second most common type of tumour encountered was a skin tumour (75 per cent), followed by abdominal tumour (40 per cent), malignant lymphoma (39 per cent) and other tumours (five per cent). 

When asked about educational resources, and which topics would be most valuable, chemotherapy protocols was considered to be the most needed, requested by 82 per cent of respondents. 

Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn added: “Our survey is the largest the WSAVA has ever conducted and shows the reach of this well-respected association, which works to share best practice in companion animal veterinary care around the world.

“It is salutary to see the huge demand for veterinary oncology education all over the world. We have much to do but are excited at the opportunity to support WSAVA members and to offer new hope to oncology patients and their owners globally.”

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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.