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Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month set to return
This year marks the 20th year of the campaign.
The theme for this year’s VNAM is ‘Progression’.

Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) is set to return in May, marking the 20th year since the campaign began.

Led by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), the campaign started in 2004 as a way to champion the veterinary nursing profession to the public and pet owners. Originally Veterinary Nursing Awareness Day, it expanded to a whole month in 2012.

This year’s theme is ‘Progression’, and will focus on the the diverse range of skills, abilities and career pathways in the veterinary nursing profession.

As part of the campaign, the BVNA will be publishing interviews in which RVNs who have been part of the profession for 20 years or longer speak about the progress they have been part of during their time in the role.

Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA president, said: “I am really excited to launch BVNA’s milestone 20th year of raising awareness of veterinary nursing, and VNAM 2024 follows this year’s presidential theme of ‘Progression’.

“This comes at a time when the veterinary nursing profession is standing taller than ever – our voices are being heard, we have the ability to follow our specific interests throughout our careers, and we are recognised as absolutely pivotal members of the veterinary team.”

The BVNA is running a VNMA competition, with the brief ‘Your #VNAM2024, Your Way’. The competition will celebrate the different ways in which practices, nursing teams, and individuals taking part in VNMA choose to educate the public about what veterinary nurses do and explain why the title ‘veterinary nurse’ deserves to be legally protected.

Suggested ideas include running an open day, creating a display for the practice waiting room, and delivering a social media campaign. Those taking part can share their activities with the BVNA to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Ms Hughes added: “We absolutely recognise that it’s currently a challenging time for the veterinary profession – but we also fundamentally believe that veterinary nurses deserve to be championed. At such a busy time for us all, we hope that providing more flexibility over getting involved in VNAM this year means that everyone can find a way to take part.”

More information about how to join in with ‘Your #VNAM2024, Your Way’ competition can be found on the BVNA website.

Image © BVNA

 

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.