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BVNA retains ‘Silver’ environmental accreditation
The BVNA hopes to “lead by example” through reducing its environmental impact.
The award recognises the work done to reduce the BVNA’s environmental impact.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has retained its ‘Silver’ accreditation from Investors in the Environment (iiE).

The ‘Silver’ award recognises organisations that are beginning to develop organisational change by analysing data, making improvements measured through performance tracking, and working towards wider sustainable development.

The BVNA has carried out a number of measures as part of its commitment to reduce its environmental impact.

The organisation has cut the number of onsite meetings, reducing the related carbon footprint by 35 per cent. It has also introduced a travel policy to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport, encouraged recycling at BVNA Congress, communicated positive environmental practices with the profession, and moved to digital alternatives where possible – including developing the digital offering of the Veterinary Nursing Journal.

Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA president, said: “We are delighted that BVNA has once again been recognised with ‘Silver’ iiE accreditation for our work to reduce our environmental impact.

“We have aimed to improve sustainability across all our activities since 2020, where we have seen a marked decrease in BVNA’s overall carbon footprint. As part of our 2023/2024 strategic plan, we are committed to continuing these efforts.

“I would like to thank BVNA office and accounts manager Angela Mariconda, who has been a driving force for change since BVNA started work towards our first iiE award. We hope to lead by example, to encourage other veterinary nurses and businesses to consider how they may reduce the environmental impact of veterinary workplaces.”

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.