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BEVA celebrates vet talent with 2024 awards
Phillippa Pritchard received the 2024 Nurse Empowerment Award.
Roger Smith and Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell presented the awards ceremony.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has honoured achievements in the equine veterinary sector at an awards ceremony during its 2024 congress.

The ceremony saw BEVA president Roger Smith present the accolades alongside Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell, who also gave the congress’ opening address.

This year’s BEVA Equine Welfare Award, sponsored by the Blue Cross, was awarded to Jan Rogers. The prestigious award recognised her work at the Horse Trust, where she champions funded research work that is directly applicable to the wellbeing of horses.

In 2022, this saw the launch of the Horse Trust’s Weigh to Win project. The project aims to raise awareness of body condition in show horses by educating horse owners and rewarding healthy equine body condition with a special rosette.

The Horse Trust runs events throughout showing season, providing guidance to owners, riders and producers at the events and through online webinars.

BEVA’s Nurse Empowerment Award was first awarded last year and is designed to highlight team members who champion the role of equine nurses.

The winner of the 2024 Nurse Empowerment Award is Phillippa Pritchard. With over 20 years experience promoting clinical excellence among equine veterinary nurses, Ms Pritchard continues to support nursing teams, supervise trainees and teach within the equine hospital.

Her recent research, published in Vet Record, explored horse owners’ perceptions of registered veterinary nurses (RVNs). It is credited with driving significant change for RVNs, including the introduction of unaccompanied RVN visits.

The BEVA Richard Hartley Clinical Award recognised the work of Francesco Comino, for research exploring tension relieving techniques when closing traumatic equine wounds.

The Peter Rossdale Equine Veterinary Journal Open Award highlighted research produced by Brooke Boger. Meanwhile the new Peter Rossdale EVE Literary Award went to Camilla Lydiksen, who led research analysing the effect antibiotics had on dental sinusitis after a dental extraction.

BEVA will continue assessing clinical research entries for the Sam Hignett Award through a series of Clinical Research Sessions. The winner of the award will be announced after BEVA Congress.

Image © BEVA

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.