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Rabbit-friendly vet awards return for 2022
Dr Sophie Jenkins (pictured), winner of the 2020 Rabbit Vet of the Year award, has joined the judging panel for 2022.
The Burgess Excel Vet Awards will run for a third year.

Rabbit-friendly veterinary professionals and practices will be celebrated at the 2022 Burgess Excel Vet Awards, which has just been confirmed to return for its third year running.

In collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF), the awards are open to UK-based practising veterinary surgeons and nurses who have unquestionably demonstrated exceeding levels of care and advice to rabbits, guinea pigs and owners.

Director at RWAF, Rae Walters, expressed RWAF's excitement for the award's return: We’re absolutely delighted to continue to support these important awards, which champion vet practices and individuals who work tirelessly to provide the highest standards of care for rabbits and guinea pigs.”

Eight award categories will be available for submission. These are:

    •   Rabbit Vet of the Year
    •   Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
    •   Rabbit Support Staff of the Year
    •   Rabbit Practice of the Year
    •   Rabbit Student of the Year
    •   Rabbit Friendly Charity Practice of the Year
    •   Guinea Pig Friendly Practice of the Year
    •   Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year.

Nominations will open on 8 August 2022, and will be free to submit. After consideration from a judging panel of notable industry figures, veterinary professionals and rabbit specialists, the results will be announced at the London Vet Show 2022. 

Dr Suzanne Moyes, spokesperson for the Rabbit Action Awareness Group (RAAG) and Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), veterinary director at Burgess and member of the judging panel, said: “As a key source of trusted information for many rabbit and guinea pig owners, veterinary practices continue to play a vital role in engaging with - and helping - them understand the complex and high levels of care and attention that these amazing animals need. 

“It has been wonderful to read the previous awards entries over the past two years and really encouraging that so many veterinary professionals are going above and beyond for these fantastic creatures. 

“We are looking forward to receiving this year’s entries, although we know we will face a difficult job in choosing the worthy winners!”

Those interested in submitting a nomination can do so on the awards website, or by completing a nomination form and returning it via post. Further information on the award categories and eligibility criteria can be found here. 

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RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent

News Story 1
 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.

RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.

Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.

Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase. 

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News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."