The charge against Dr Irvine was that in July 2017, he failed to discuss with the owners alternative treatment options to dental surgery under general anaesthetic, or the risks of dental surgery under general anaesthetic, and failed to obtain informed consent from the owners for the surgery.
Dr Vasilev was also originally charged with failing to discuss alternative treatment options or the risks of the surgery and failing to obtain informed consent. However, at the outset of the hearing, as a result of new information which came to light, the RCVS opted to offer no evidence in relation to these charges. Mr Vasilev was separately charged with failing to maintain clear, accurate and detailed clinical records in relation to his treatment of the dog.
At the outset of the hearing, Mr Irvine denied all aspects of the charge against him; while Dr Vasilev admitted all aspects of the remaining charge.
The Committee heard how Rupert's dental surgery under general anaesthetic was recommended by Mr Irvine on 10th July and performed by Dr Vasilev on 11th July 2017. After the surgery, Rupert was discharged, but vomited in his sleep that same night. He was brought back to the practice on 12th July, where Dr Vasilev administered antiemetic and antibiotic medication.
However, Rupert continued to vomit over the next five days, and was seen by the practice on 17th July and then on 18th when blood tests were conducted. Rupert’s condition deteriorated as he continued to vomit and lose weight and he was brought back to the practice on 22nd July where he was euthanased by Dr Vasilev.
The Committee heard evidence from Rupert’s owners as well as two expert witnesses. It found the first aspect of the charge against Mr Irvine proven on the basis that there was an inadequate discussion with the owners regarding the option of delaying the dental treatment on Rupert because of his recent ascites caused by congestive heart failure.
The Committee found the second aspect of the charge against Mr Irvine proven on the basis that he had not discussed the risks of Rupert undergoing general anaesthetic given the recent diagnosis of congestive heart failure, following which (in relation to the third aspect of the charge against Mr Irvine), it was therefore found proven that he had failed to gain informed consent.
With all aspects of the charge against Mr Irvine being proven, and with Dr Vasilev admitting the charge against him, the Committee went on to consider if the proven and admitted charges against both amounted to serious professional misconduct.
In respect of Mr Irvine, Stuart Drummond, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee was not persuaded that the failure to obtain informed consent from [the owner] and discuss matters further with her on 10th July 2017 in the circumstances of this case would amount to serious professional misconduct which would bring the profession into disrepute.
"In the Committee’s judgment, the breach of standards, whilst amounting to professional misconduct, was not serious professional misconduct, in the context of other discussions which had taken place…. The Committee further decided that a finding of serious professional misconduct in this case would be disproportionate having taken into consideration the discussions that Mr Irvine had with [the owner] prior to 10th July 2017 and the fact he was dealing with a complex and changing case.
"The Committee therefore found that Mr Irvine was not guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."
The Committee noted that Dr Vasilev had admitted breaching the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons in respect of failing to keep adequate clinical and client records.
However, in mitigation, the Committee considered a number of factors including that, in failing to maintain adequate notes related to Rupert’s treatment, Dr Vasilev had followed the standard of notetaking in the practice as set out by Mr Irvine who was practice principal; that Dr Vasilev had only worked with Mr Irvine in the UK and his record-keeping was limited to working in one practice; that Dr Vasilev admitted his failures at an early stage of the proceedings; that he had made efforts to avoid repetition in the future by undertaking webinars and research; and, that he had shown insight into the need to ensure full communication and detailed note-taking.
Stuart Drummond added: "In relation to Dr Vasilev, the Committee was satisfied that [his] standard of record-keeping was in breach of the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons and that the breach… amounted to professional misconduct.
"The Committee concluded that the breaches overall, when considering the context and number of mitigating factors, were, in the Committee’s view, insufficient to amount to serious professional misconduct…. Accordingly it found Dr Vasilev not guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."
The full facts and findings from the case can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary.
Sarah is a Professor of Veterinary Surgery at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, and leads the Nottingham Equine Colic Project, which works with organisations such as the British Horse Society to raise awareness of the condition.
Sarah's talk, 'Generating an evidence-based educational campaign on colic', will discuss new evidence from the project, and how it led to the REACT colic campaign. She will also be sharing experiences of how the campaign has worked and asking whether we can change people's attitudes and behaviours.
The evening starts at 6.15pm with food and refreshments with Sarah's talk starting at 7pm, after which there will be an update on the College’s latest projects and initiatives. That'll be followed by a question and answer session with senior officers and staff from the RCVS - including RCVS President Dr Niall Connell, and Chair of RCVS Veterinary Nurses (VN) Council Racheal Marshall.
Dr Connell said: "Thank you to Professor Freeman for agreeing to speak about the colic project which, through its Colic Awareness Week, is helping to raise knowledge of the early signs of colic amongst horse owners, allowing them to get their horses treated in good time and saving their lives.
"I also look forward to talking to members of the profession about some of the issues currently on their minds – the evening is very much led by what those who attend want to discuss – from mental health, to our under care review, to the Practice Standards Scheme. Attending the event can also count to up to three hours towards your continuing professional development (CPD) requirement."
The event is open to all members of the practice team including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers and others. The event is free and places can be booked via the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/nottingham.
In the afternoon before the event, between 12 noon and 5pm, the College will also be holding a series of free 45-minute Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) surgeries with PSS Lead Assessor Pam Mosedale.
The surgeries are open to both RCVS-accredited practices and those considering joining the Scheme and allows delegates to discuss the assessment process, how to apply for awards, how to meet particular requirements and any other questions they may have about the PSS.
Places at the surgeries are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be booked at: www.rcvs.org.uk/PSSsurgeries
As part of the new arrangement, Battersea will give StreetVet operational and logistical support, including advice from its staff, clinical support, and kennel space for animals in urgent need of care.
Battersea also plans to work with StreetVet on a range of projects that will help the charity to reach more dogs in need. For example, providing advice and training to hostel staff to promote and facilitate hostels accepting dogs – creating more safe places to sleep for both dogs and their owners.
Battersea’s Deputy Chief Executive, Peter Laurie, said: "I’m excited at the prospect of Battersea and StreetVet coming together for a partnership that aligns both organisations’ strategic values. Both of us care deeply about the welfare of dogs, particularly those most in need. StreetVet relies almost entirely on the support of a growing network of volunteers, including members of the Battersea clinic team, and is a great example of a volunteer-led organisation delivering significant impact on a wide geographical scale. By working together, we can increase our collective impact and help more animals in need."
Sam Joseph MRCVS, a co-founder of StreetVet, said: "We are really excited about the official partnership between StreetVet and Battersea. As a small, growing charity, StreetVet will hugely benefit from the expertise, infrastructure and resources of one of the country's most loved and respected animal charities."
He added: "This partnership will help StreetVet continue to provide free, accessible veterinary care to those most in need, while further increasing the impact that Battersea has on the welfare of dogs and cats across the UK."
Photo: L-R Peter Laurie (Battersea), Jade Statt and Sam Joseph (StreetVet), Shaun Opperman (Battersea) and Blue the Staffie
Pill Assist Cat is a soft treat pouch into which you insert a tablet, mould the pouch around the tablet and then feed to the cat.
Royal Canin says that in its tests, tablets were administered to cats successfully in 91% of cases using Pill Assist, which is not far off the 97% achieved with Pill Assist Dog which was launched earlier this year.
Erin Carr, Veterinary Marketing Executive at Royal Canin, said: "It’s an honour to be recognised by such an important industry body.
"Pill Assist Cat is set to launch next year. As with our Pill Assist Dog products, the aim is to make a real difference to pet’s health and wellbeing by turning pill time into a positive experience for both the pet and the owner."
MSD's push is being driven by the rising number of cases of Leishmaniasis cases in the UK, including the first report earlier this year of dog-to-dog transmission of the disease.
Caroline Darouj, Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Whilst accurate statistics on the number of cases seen in UK practices are not available, the VMD has reported an annual increase in the number of leishmaniasis treatments imported since records started in 2006.
"Based on applications for Special Import Certificates for Milteforan and Glucantime, there were 27 times as many cases treated in 2018 (439) compared to 2006 (16)*.
"Leishmaniasis is proving to be a significant threat to travelling dogs, a situation that has been widely reported in the vet press, so LetiFend will offer veterinary practices and dog owners throughout the UK reassurance. A single dose primary course given four weeks before travel makes it ideal for non-regular travelers."
Letifend is indicated to reduce the risk of developing active infection and/or clinical disease after exposure to L. infantum from 28 days post vaccination1,2. It offers protection for 365 days after a single annual dose. The company says it has excellent tolerability shown in a wide range of breeds and ages, and in field trials in areas at high risk of infection had an efficacy rate of 72%4.
LetiFend is a non-adjuvanted vaccine which MSD says ensures a targeted immune response with a high level of safety.
MSD says a dog vaccinated with LetiFend is at 9.8 times less risk of presenting clinical signs, at 3.5 times less risk of presenting parasites, and thus at 5 times less risk of developing clinical leishmaniasis1. It can be applied from six months of age via subcutaneous administration.
For further information contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
References
*Information from VMD following a Freedom of Information Act request.
Stefano qualified in Parma, Italy and has a Master’s in Clinical Oncology. He has worked in a number of referral practices, managing and treating small animal oncological cases. He also has an interesting history of working with animals across the globe: he has a Master’s in Tropical Veterinary Medicine and worked with the United Nations in Somalia, Malaysia and Guyana in wildlife management.
Founder, CEO and Clinical Director of The Ralph, Shailen Jasani said: "We had always planned to include an oncology service here at The Ralph though not quite this soon after opening. However, over the last eight months, this has been one area of veterinary medicine where we have not been able to serve our patients, their carers or our referral community. This did not sit well with us. Serendipity being what it is, our path crossed with Stefano's and we were able to extend our services."
For more information, visit www.theralph.vet
Veterinary Insights gets its data from over 400 practices using Vet Viewer, its benchmarking software which practices use to monitor business metrics.
Apparently, the figures show that while overall turnover has bounced back relatively robustly, sales in certain areas are still lagging, reflecting changed routines in the ‘new normal’. For example, with many practices requesting clients wait in the car park, there has been a sustained drop in the sale of products typically sold in the waiting room, with sales of pet food falling by 44% during early lockdown, and still down by 25% compared with February’s figures.
The company says there are also significant business stresses that may not be captured in current revenue data.
Alexander Arpino, Managing Director of Veterinary Insights, said: “Anecdotally, we’re hearing that vets are increasingly hard-pressed for time, with logistical difficulties arising from social distancing. Consults are taking longer, and there’s an additional headache for receptionists as payments have to be collected afterwards over the phone. While there are some quick fixes, for example using a telemedicine app such as LinkyVet that sets payment expectations up front, there is no doubt that it’s difficult to make all this extra time investment sustainable in the long run.”
Paradoxically, while consults may be taking up more of vets’ time, some clients feel that they are getting less value for money as there is little face-to-face interaction with the vet. Alexander added: "One of the biggest challenges in the current environment is preserving and fostering those positive relationships with clients that are the cornerstone of companion animal practice.
"Ultimately, we want to bring clients back into the consult room, but only as and when it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, the question is: How can we make adjustments to maintain a high level of client satisfaction, without putting undue stress on vets?"
Veterinary Insights says its software can help practices navigate these challenges by presenting up to 24 months of historical data extracted from practice management systems, enabling businesses to draw comparisons with past performance.
For more information, visit www.vetviewer.co.uk.
The new service is led by Virginia Crespo DVM PGDip MSc MRCVS and Alex Hamilton BA VetMB MRCVS, pictured right.
Virginia qualified in 2012 from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where she also served a rotating internship before completing an internship in neurology and neurosurgery at the Animal Health Trust in 2016. She finished a three-year residency in neurology and neurosurgery at Langford Veterinary Services in July, alongside attaining a Master’s of Science degree with Bristol University.
Alex graduated from Cambridge University in 2005 and after five years working in both mixed and emergency and critical care practice, he completed a surgical internship at the Animal Referral Hospital, Sydney, in 2012. He then completed a European accredited neurology residency at Melbourne University and Willows Veterinary Centre, in Solihull, and has since worked in Australia and the UK as a neurologist.
Clinical director Duncan Barnes said: “We’re delighted to welcome Virginia and Alex to Eastcott to lead this new service.
"They will provide in-depth consultations and neurological assessments alongside a variety of advanced diagnostic procedures to identify the problem and prepare an appropriate treatment plan.
"Virginia and Alex will have access to Eastcott’s new 1.5T MRI scanner and the clinic’s CT scanner, as well as electromyography, to assess the function of the nerves and muscles, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
"They will also work closely with another new recruit, Nicholas Taylor, who has joined us as referral radiographer, and other specialists across the hospital as part of a holistic approach to patient care."
For more information visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk.
The Vital Support launch includes a new Feline Renal Multipack to support cats with chronic kidney disease and loss of appetite. The multipack contains four wet pouches with different aromatic profiles to help stimulate decreased appetite and deliver optimum food acceptance and compliance. Multipacks will be available from October 2020.
Royal Canin has also introduced new Early Renal diets to help support the kidneys at early stages of renal insufficiency, and will be discontinuing its Feline VCN Senior Consult Stage 2 diets.
The company is also introducing two new diets for small dogs: Renal Small Dogs to support small breed dogs in the more advanced stages of chronic renal insufficiency, and Mobility C2P+ Small Dogs, formulated to support healthy joint function.
Other changes include a switch to 100% sustainably sourced salmon in its renal wet pouches, and to vegetable sources of glucosamine, instead of shellfish.
For more information, visit: https://vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk, speak to a member of the veterinary pillar team or contact the Nutritional Helpline.
The campaign comprises of a series of live interviews, articles and surveys aimed at exploring the impact of breast cancer, menopause, infertility and baby loss women, and men, and how the veterinary profession can better support people having to cope with these issues in the workplace.
The campaign includes free access articles and live online sessions with VetYourBreasts campaign organiser, veterinary surgeon Anna Beber, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month; VetMINDS co-founder, vet Nat Scroggie, on 12th October during Baby Loss Awareness Week; Dr Karen Morton, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist on World Menopause Day 18th October; and SPVS Senior Vice President, Catriona Curtis, talking about her personal experiences with infertility on 2nd November during National Fertility Week.
A survey on the impact of the menopause, particularly on working life, is being run in partnership with SPVS in the run up to World Menopause Day. The survey seeks to gain a broad understanding of both awareness and experience across the profession, and responses are encouraged from all ages and genders, whether personally affected or not. The survey can be accessed here until 15th October: https://bit.ly/2FVXIkv
SPVS President, Anna Judson, said: "Having experienced the effects of the menopause working as a practice owner, I wish I had known more about the impact and that I was not alone in how I was feeling. There is a growing appetite to tackle these issues and we want to hear from anyone affected by the menopause, in order to put the right support mechanisms in place. We're proud to sponsor the menopause webinar and partner with Veterinary Woman on raising awareness about health issues, which are often brushed under the carpet."
Liz Barton, editor of Veterinary Woman, said: "I have been incredibly moved to see the deep empathy and encouragement amongst veterinary colleagues beginning to open up about the impact of health challenges, particularly at work. When I realised the campaigns in October were topics we need to talk about more as a profession, it seemed right to use this as a platform to tackle some of the hidden, emotive health challenges we bear throughout our life and work. We are looking for partners to help us develop the conversations and practical assistance for individuals and practices, to better support those who are silently living with these burdens."
Companies and organisations wishing to support the work should contact liz@veterinarywoman.co.uk. Individuals can register for updates about how to access the sessions by joining the Veterinary Woman email list for updates (www.veterinarywoman.co.uk), or following Veterinary Woman on social media.
Training topics the company is covering include: general wound care products, debridement, exudate management and post-operative wound protection.
Essity says it can tailor the training to suit your needs, and if you book a session, it'll send you a free advanced wound care sample pack containing items relating to your specific training.
Charlotte Wood, the Key Account Manager Veterinary Channel at Essity said: "We're excited to be offering virtual meetings to veterinary practices. Why not book a meeting now to find out more about our Advanced Wound Care including new Cutimed Debriclean!"
To book a meeting, email your name, practice details and training request to: Concierge.Service@essity.com
Katie won the trophy for her research and presentation on quantifying and monitoring practice cleanliness.
The runner up, who won £500, was Glasgow University veterinary student, Alysia Empert-Gallegos for her research into owner perspectives on feeding raw diets to dogs.
Katie, who is Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse at Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, said: "I am very grateful to MSD Animal Health for awarding me the research bursary and prize.
"Cleanliness is such an important subject area for the veterinary field and I'm pleased that I can hopefully inspire others to monitor it effectively; enabling us to continually improve our standards across the industry.
"I am excited to be the first Veterinary Nurse to take part and win, and hope that I can encourage other nurses to take an interest in research and help improve standards."
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health, said: "It was wonderful that this year everyone could present, no matter where they are working in the world, and despite the event having to be virtual this year, there was a huge amount of energy in the 'room', that shone through from the enthusiasm of the presenters. Their love of their work and commitment to research was apparent to everyone on the judging panel. It was a great day all round and we're excited and delighted to have awarded the top prize to our first veterinary nurse and Katie's extremely valuable and practical work on monitoring clinical hygiene."
Photo: Katie Whalley with Michelle Townley
Douxo Care Auricular Lotion can be used for routine ear cleaning and removal of ear wax and as an ear cleaner prior to treatment in order to clean the ear canal of debris. Ceva says it is fast drying and pleasant to use and the lotion can also be adapted for the routine cleaning of skin folds and around the eyes.
Andrew Fullerton BVSc (Hons) MRCVS, Douxo product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Following requests from dermatologists to launch this product in the UK, we are very excited to add Douxo Care Auricular Lotion to the UK Douxo range. It will provide a gentle yet effective and soothing option for dogs and cats needing regular ear cleaning and all under the Douxo brand we know and love.”
To support the launch of Douxo Care Auricular Lotion, the company is running a buy one, get one free offer (used once and up to a maximum of five units ie pay for five and receive five free of charge). For information on the offer, which runs until 31 October, contact cevauk@ceva.com, use the offer QR code or call 01494 781510 to request an order form or to process an order.
For more information, contact cevauk@ceva.com, call 01494 781510 or visit www.douxo.com/uk.
The awards are to recognise the work carried out by veterinary professionals.
Last year Petplan had a remarkable 37,000 nominations, for the five award categories: Practice of the Year, Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year and Practice Support Staff of the Year.
James Barnes, head of sales & partnerships at Petplan, said: “For over two decades we’ve been recognising the brilliant work of the UK’s veterinary professionals. Every year the quality of entries is incredibly high but we know that during 2020 the profession really went the extra mile to take care of the nation’s pets so we expect the 2021 awards to be extra special.
To nominate a colleague or your practice, visit: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards before nominations close on 18th January 2021.
The session, which will be led by Catherine Oxtoby, will introduce VDS's VetSafe tool, designed both to help prevent a blame and shame culture, and to reduce clinical errors.
It will also provide an opportunity for delegates to share the challenges faced by RVNs with the VDS, and suggest how the organisation can develop and improve what it does for veterinary nurses.
The session will start at 12.00 noon for an early informal lunch (provided by VDS!) and discussion, finishing at 2pm.
To register for the event, visit: https://r1.dotmailer-surveys.com/a22wqh55-253ynf4e.
Louise was one of the world’s leading emergency and critical care veterinary nurses and a huge influence on the thousands of vet professionals who encountered her through her lectures, practical guide books and journal papers.
The £2000 award was created to celebrate her life and ensure that her passion for education continued to have a positive impact on the profession. It is awarded to the individual who has best demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in his or her chosen discipline, while continuing Louise's passion for shared learning.
Entries were judged by Vets Now’s clinical director Amanda Boag and senior RVNs Racheal Marshall and Arlene Connor. The winner was announced at the Vets Now ECC Congress in Leeds.
Lesley said: "I was already a little emotional when Amanda announced I’d won.
"I knew Louise and it’s still very hard to come to terms with the fact she isn’t here anymore. I think anyone who was at the gala dinner could see I was a bit overwhelmed when I got to the stage.
"I don’t think there are any nurses out there that didn’t find Louise inspirational. I chaired her at BSAVA a couple of years ago and we were both quite nervous. It was my first time chairing and she put her nerves to one side to make sure I was ok.
"She always spoke with such eloquence. Whenever you had the pleasure of listening to her she had the ability to make you feel like she was talking directly to you. We both also love vintage styling and I was regularly envious of some of her beautiful dresses. We used to speak about that as much as we did about veterinary nursing!"
Lesley plans to spend the bursary on courses in emergency ultrasound scanning and toxicology. She also hopes to use it to fund a postgraduate certificate in veterinary education.
She added: “This will give me the skills to develop my teaching and lecturing abilities so I can continue to help other RVNs who love ECC as much as I do."
Amanda Boag, clinical director at Vets Now, said "Louise was a wonderful colleague, friend and mentor to so many vets and vet nurses and Lesley embodies everything she stood for and held dear. She is a very deserving winner of this award."
Congratulations, Lesley!
Photo shows Lesley Moore talking with Louise O’Dwyer at an event last year.
The raw pet food poster gives owners guidance on how to handle and prepare their pet’s meal when feeding a commercial raw pet food. The guinea pig one gives guidance on what owners need to feed their guinea pig to ensure good health and well-being. It is also available to download from: www.pfma.org.uk/the-importance-of-hay-poster-guinea-pigs.
The PFMA will be giving away free copies of both the posters, alongside a range of other fact sheets and posters, at the London Vet Show.
The Association is also offering veterinary nurses the chance to win a £100 high street shopping voucher by taking part in its annual survey focusing on health and feeding trends, which can be done here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFMALVS19
The survey closes on Sunday 17th November.
Dechra says Finilac inhibits prolactin secretion by the pituitary gland and therefore inhibits all prolactin-dependent processes, meaning it can also suppress lactation in bitches and queens.
Finilac, which contains cabergoline (50 microgram/ml), is presented as a liquid which can be given orally or in food. It is available in 3 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml and 25 ml bottles with 1 ml and 2.5 ml syringes included in every pack to ensure accurate dosing.
The dosage is 0.1 ml/kg bodyweight once daily for four to six consecutive days, depending on the severity of the clinical condition. Maximum inhibition of prolactin secretion is achieved after four to eight hours.
Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: "A false pregnancy can be a distressing condition for an animal and its owner so Finilac offers a fresh approach for cases with more severe symptoms that require veterinary intervention.
"It is easy to administer either directly into the mouth or by mixing with food and it doesn’t need to be transported or stored in the refrigerator, making it ideal as an ‘at home’ treatment that can be administered by owners."
The association has also compiled free access special collection on backyard poultry in the BSAVA library, including A nursing guide to back yard chickens, which is available until the end of December 2019.
The BSAVA's Q&As on avian influenza in backyard poultry are:
What is avian influenza?Avian influenza (AI) is highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. AI viruses are usually classified into two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI), which typically causes no or very few clinical signs in poultry, and high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) which typically causes high mortality rates in poultry1.
What are the clinical signs of disease in poultry?The type and severity of clinical signs displayed will be dependent upon the strain of the virus and the species affected; some species such as ducks and geese may show few clinical signs2.
How is the disease spread?Wild bird species are the natural host and reservoir for all types of avian influenza, naturally carrying the virus in their respiratory and intestinal tracts, commonly without developing signs of the disease1,3. The virus is predominantly spread via body secretions, both directly and indirectly2. Migratory birds (predominantly waterfowl and gulls) can spread the disease over a wide geographical area3.
Why is the winter a higher risk period for avian influenza? The UK is at increased risk of avian influenza from migrating birds during winter2. Furthermore, avian influenza viruses are able to survive for prolonged periods of time in the environment, particularly in low temperatures4.
How can I prevent my birds from contracting avian influenza?All keepers of poultry should ensure that they uphold good levels of biosecurity to prevent disease entering their flock. This includes:
maintaining good levels of hygiene and regularly disinfecting hard surfaces;
changing shoes before entering/leaving to avoid transferring faeces in/out of the poultry enclosure;
minimizing contact with wildlife by humanely controlling rodents and deterring wild birds. Contact with wild birds can be minimized by placing food and water in an enclosed area such as the coop, and preventing poultry from accessing ponds/standing water frequented by wild bird populations, for example by erecting temporary fencing;
where possible, keeping birds of different poultry species separate (e.g. ducks and geese should be separate from chickens).
Whilst it is important that all backyard keepers maintain good levels of biosecurity, it is particularly prudent for keepers in areas deemed at higher risk of an incursion of avian influenza. In Great Britain, a number of High Risk Areas (HRAs) have been identified based upon previous experience, scientific expertise and veterinary opinion, and are predominantly areas where large numbers of migratory wild birds gather. To find out whether you are in a HRA, use the interactive map.
What should I do if I suspect avian influenza?Avian influenza is a notifiable disease. If it is suspected, it must be reported immediately:
In England, contact the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301
In Wales, contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office on 0300 303 8268
In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office
For keepers in Northern Ireland, contact your local DVO.
Fearne, who has been presenting live TV since she was 15 years old, has published eight books including the top 10 bestseller 'Happy', in which she talks about her own experiences of happiness and advocates raising awareness around the many ways people can build their own resilience and maintain good mental wellbeing.
Fearne has recently been appointed as a Princes Trust Goodwill Ambassador where she will be focussing on young peoples’ wellbeing and mental health.
She is also an ambassador for the charity Mind and has spoken about her wish to help stop the subject of depression being such a taboo.
Noel Fitzpatrick said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Fearne is joining us for the VETFest Conversation this year, continuing on what has become an integral and enlightening fulcrum of the wellness program of our event schedule.
"It means a great deal to myself and the organisers that all delegates who attend VET Festival have a very special and personally enriching experience - but they also feel part of a wider community of compassion too - within the industry among their peers but in a broader societal sense as well.
"With Fearne, we will explore many themes about health and well-being relevant to all of us. We hope to make you think, laugh and have a great time, and impart some wellness to take home into day to day life as well."
The VETFest Conversation is open to all delegates at VET Festival and takes place after the clinical programme on Friday 8th June at 6.00pm – 6.45pm.
You can book tickets for the event here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information
The Crafty Vet Project aims to ignite your interest in one of a range of creative hobbies, which include cheese, beer, candle, soap and teddy-bear making, with kits available for sale from the new 'Craft Corner' section of their website. £3 from the sale of each kit will go to Vetlife.
Sarah said: "We wanted other veterinary professionals to experience the same pleasure that we get from creative hobbies. It is a chance for people no matter what day you have had to switch off, follow a pattern or instructions and come out with something at the end that you can be truly proud of."
Your new hobby might even turn into a nice sideline business. Sarah said: "One evening over a catch-up Zoe and I were discussing items that we wished we had in practice to make our lives as nurses easier.
"Despite having drunk 2 bottles of wine together we felt that there and then was the best time to start our new business. Two hours later having chopped up an old pair of curtains, accidently sewn my jumper sleeve into the material and woken my husband up at 3am to our cackles, we had the first prototype of our Slumberpet Recovery Coat.
"Our business has grown nicely since then and we are still coming up with more ideas, albeit in a slightly more sober, professional manner."
To select and order your hobby kit, visit: https://www.vnpetproducts.co.uk/craft-corner
You could otherwise call them "Britain's Best Places to Get Ill (if you are a dog)", or alternatively "Britain's Worst Places to Open (another) Veterinary Practice".
The best town, in the whole of the UK, for a dog to get ill, is, wait for it ... Worcester, which has a veterinary practice for every 7,308 people. Not far behind, Worthing, Chelmsford, Southampton, and Exeter all have a practice for every 9,916 people or less.
At the other end of the scale, the very worst place for a dog to get ill - and possibly the best place to open a practice - is Birmingham, where (according to this research) each practice serves 227,424 people. London was in second place (one practice for every 210,119 people), Manchester in third (1:181,833) and St Helens in fourth (1:179,331).
The research was part of a bigger analysis to see where in the country pets are best catered for, according to the number of pet shops, dog groomers, vets, parks, dog walkers and kennels in the area, as listed on yelp.co.uk.
Blackpool was the clear winner, with pet-friendly facilities for every 2,680 people. In fact, it was the only Northern town in the top ten. In second was Chelmsford and in third was Woking.
The full rankings of UK towns and cities by number of veterinary practices per capita was:
1. Worcester (.0001368)2. Worthing (.0001277)3. Chelmsford (.0001192)4. Southampton (.0001189)5. Exeter (.0001008)6. Cheltenham (.0000939)7. Gloucester (.0000930)8. Eastbourne (.0000872)9. Watford (.0000828)10. Cambridge (.0000801)11. Oxford (.0000776)12. Bath (.0000742)13. Maidstone (.0000715)14. Woking (.0000692)15. Reading (.0000675)16. Southend-on-Sea (.0000660)17. Ipswich (.0000650)18. Blackpool (.0000643)19. Norwich (.0000641)20. Swindon (.0000635)21. Crawley (.0000627)22. York (.0000625)23. Blackburn (.0000605)24. Telford (.0000569)25. Brighton (.0000555)26. Poole (.0000529)27. Newport (.0000528)28. Bournemouth (.0000513)29. Lincoln (.0000508)30. Peterborough (.0000503)31. Dundee (.0000471)32. Solihull (.0000467)33. Portsmouth (.0000466)34. Wolverhampton (.0000462)35. Rochdale (.0000458)36. Northampton (.0000443)37. Belfast (.0000441)38. Newcastle upon Tyne (.0000439)39. Bristol (.0000435)40. Basildon (.0000434)41. Warrington (.0000429)42. Nottingham (.0000425)43. Kingston upon Hull (.0000422)44. Luton (.0000419)45. Coventry (.0000416)46. Cardiff (.0000414)47. Slough (.0000403)48. Edinburgh (.0000390)49. Derby (.0000389)50. Oldham (.0000385)51. Plymouth (.0000380)52. Colchester (.0000368)53. Middlesborough (.0000356)54. Bolton (.0000351)55. Gateshead (.0000346)56. Basingstoke (.0000342)57. Glasgow (.0000338)58. Stoke-on-Trent (.0000313)59. Stockport (.0000275)60. Milton Keynes (.0000262)61. Doncaster (.0000259)62. Wigan (.0000246)63. Swansea (.0000244)64. Liverpool (.0000224)65. Aberdeen (.0000219)66. Wakefield (.0000205)67. Sheffield (.0000190)68. Sunderland (.0000180)69. Rotherham (.0000152)70. Leicester (.0000141)71. Salford (.0000119)72. Bradford (.0000112)73. Leeds (.0000102)74. St Helens (.0000056)75. Manchester (.0000055)76. London (.0000048)77. Birmingham (.0000044)
The awards, which recognise the achievements of remarkable people from the veterinary, farming and charity industries, were hosted by TV presenter and animal lover, Matt Baker, and Chris Laurence MBE FRCVS, who was also chair of the judging panel.
Chris said: "Once again the breadth of nominations for the Welfare Awards has amazed and enthused the judging panel. The new categories this year have been well supported and widened the field of nominees as well as increasing the number of nominations. There have been some outstanding finalists and those who have won should be justifiably proud to have done so against some stiff competition. Of course, the real winners in all this are the animals whose welfare has been improved and the message that has given about the importance of animal welfare to those who have come into contact with all the nominees."
The other award winners were:
Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award in association with Vet RecordHannah Capon, Canine Arthritis Management
Charity Team of the Year Award in association with PDSAEbony Horse Club, Brixton
Charitable Contribution of the Year Award in association with Blue Cross Fiona Gammell, Wicklow Animal Welfare
Farmer of the Year Award in association with R.A.B.I.David Finlay, Rainton Farm, Castle Douglas
Farm Educator of the Year in association with NADISJames Griffiths from Taynton Court Farm, Gloucester
International Cat Care Welfare of the Year AwardIan MacFarlaine, chief inspector of SPCA in Bermuda
Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare Award in association with Your Dog and Your Cat Professor Jacky Reid, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow and CEO of the research company, NewMetrica.
Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health UK and Ireland said: "The vision, dedication and hard work demonstrated by each and every award winner is truly outstanding. We had a brilliant evening celebrating our remarkable winners and would like to congratulate each and every one of them on their fantastic achievement."
Photo: Chris Laurence, Clara Nowak, Simon Wheeler, Wendy Wright, Matt Baker.jpg
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Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Matters: Our Commitment to the Future represents the first time that such a broad and influential group has united in support of a single issue in the veterinary profession.
The publication contains a number of case studies which illustrate the impact that evidence can have – and has had – on animal health and welfare. It also provides a rationale for veterinary professionals to contribute to the evidence base and put evidence into practice, to the benefit of animals, owners and veterinary teams themselves.
The signatories to the commitment are:
Animal and Plant Health Agency
British Cattle Veterinary Association
British Equine Veterinary Association
British Small Animal Veterinary Association
British Veterinary Association
British Veterinary Nursing Association
RCVS Knowledge
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Royal Veterinary College
University of Bristol
University of Cambridge
University of Liverpool
University of Nottingham
University of Surrey
Veterinary Policy Research Foundation
No sign of the BAHVS, I see.
Jacqui Molyneux, Chair of the Board of Trustees of RCVS Knowledge, said: "Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Matters is a milestone publication for the professions, representing the first time the majority of the key institutions have aligned under the same EBVM banner.
"A celebration of decades of incredible discoveries, achievements and improvements in animal health, it also serves to remind us that even the earliest forms of veterinary medicine were underpinned by evidence."
UK Chief Vet Christine Middlemiss said: "What’s the evidence? An evidence-based approach is vital in all areas of our profession, whatever is keeping you awake at night. For me, it is the threat of African swine fever and avian flu. The evidence I rely on comes from our specialist surveillance monitoring and testing, veterinary epidemiologists and disease modellers. It enables me to make timely, proportionate risk-based decisions that stand up to scrutiny.
"If you are managing veterinary care in practice, the evidence you rely on to underpin your standards of clinical care comes from multiple sources too. Evidence-based veterinary medicine allows us to refine and tailor strategies to be effective and efficient, making full use of existing and new technologies.
"The profession has taken great strides towards embracing evidence-based veterinary medicine and building on this will strengthen the links between clinical decision-making, policy development and future research."
Chris Gush, Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge, added: "We are impressed by the contributions from our co-signatories, which clearly demonstrate the phenomenal impact on patient outcomes that conducting research and using evidence can have. We are also delighted that Sense about Science, a flagbearer for evidence, transparency and rational thinking, has joined with us to highlight the many benefits EBVM can bring.
"The publication also makes a strong case for much-needed funding for research to grow the evidence base, which would put powerful, robust data into the hands of veterinary professionals as they make critical decisions that can affect patient outcomes.
"It is our hope that the calibre, diversity and sheer number of the organisations putting their name to this commitment will galvanise all vets and their teams to expand their use of evidence in practice."
Rebecca Asher, Deputy Director at Sense about Science, said: "This is a showcase of game changers in veterinary care and we hope it will inspire and motivate everyone in the profession.
"We were delighted that RCVS Knowledge approached us to collaborate with them and other leading institutions in the veterinary research community to affirm their commitment to an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine.
"Everyone expects treatment for humans to be underpinned by evidence. We now expect the same of the whole veterinary community when it comes to the treatment of animals."
The full commitment and portfolio of case studies can be read in Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Matters, available for free online: bit.ly/EBVMMatters.