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Rabbit and guinea pig veterinary awards open for nominations
Nominations are open until 22 November.
The winners will be revealed in December.

Nominations have opened for this year’s Burgess Excel Vet Awards, which celebrate the work of veterinary professionals to improve the health and welfare of pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

The awards, which are in their fifth year, are free to enter. There are seven categories:
  • Rabbit Vet of the Year: open to registered veterinary surgeons practising in the UK
  • Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year: open to registered veterinary nurses practising in the UK
  • Rabbit Support Staff of the Year: open to staff currently working in a registered practice in the UK
  • Rabbit Practice of the Year – in association with Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF): open to practices in the UK which are members of the RWAF and hold RWAF Gold or Silver accreditation  
  • Small Animal Student of the Year: open to students studying in the UK for a veterinary or animal-nutrition-related degree
  • Guinea Pig Practice of the Year: open to practices registered in the UK
  • Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year: open to any UK-based practice or individual.

The winner of each category will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £250. The winners will be announced on 17 December.

The judging panel for the awards is made up of Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care, and spokesperson for the Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) and RAW; Rae Walters, director of the RWAF; John Chitty , co-director of a small animals/ exotics practice; Sophie Jenkins, founder of a practice for rabbits, cats, small mammals and exotic pets in Cardiff; and Dani Sewell, communications director at Fred Marketing.

Dr Moyes said: “Both rabbits and guinea pigs have complex and very specific welfare needs, which is why it’s so important that owners have access to fantastic veterinary professionals who can help them care properly for these wonderful creatures.

“We would love to hear from owners about their veterinary heroes and why they should receive an award this year – this could be a vet, nurse, vet student or a whole practice! We also welcome nominations from veterinary professionals who want to highlight the fantastic work of one of their peers.”

Nominations are open until 22 November and can be made here. Veterinary practices and professionals can nominate themselves.

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

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

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