The study assessed contamination across 13 small animal practices using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing before and after delivery of a staff training session and standardised cleaning protocols.
Eleven practices were re-tested 70 days later and five practices were re-tested an average of 128 days later.
Samples were taken from reception areas, consulting rooms, preparation and diagnostic areas, wards, theatres, kitchens, laboratories, and staff areas, using Hygiena EnSURE Touch & UltraSnap Surface ATP Swabs.
The cleaning protocol involved the removal of biofilms using a degreasing agent, followed by routine cleaning with a standard veterinary disinfectant cleaner and fogging application of a certified veterinary disinfectant.
Before the intervention, average contamination levels in practices were 14.7 times higher than recommended thresholds.
Following the 45-minute staff training session and implementation of the standardised cleaning protocol, contamination levels reduced by 61% within 70 days and by 71% within 128 days.
Fomite surfaces — including door handles, kettles, and keyboards — showed the greatest improvement, with contamination levels reduced by 80%. General surfaces recorded a 56% reduction.
These findings indicate that a combination of staff training, refined cleaning protocols, and scheduled hygiene testing can significantly reduce contamination levels in practices and improve practice-level infection control.
Dr Neil Forbes, author of the study, said: “Once identified, most hygiene issues are readily addressed.
"Reservoirs of contamination, or indications of poor working practices, once detected, can be resolved.
"Longitudinal studies in human hospitals demonstrate that ATP reduction correlates with decreased nosocomial infection rates, ranging from 45–75% over 18 months to 5 years.”
The study recommends that practices appoint an Infection Control Champion, implement routine - ideally monthly - ATP testing, raise awareness with the whole team about infection sources, transmission routes, and risk management, and use two-step sanitation comprising cleaning followed by disinfection.
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Veterinary surgeons will also be asked to verify each horse’s health status via a brief questionnaire (around 4 minutes).
The results of the questionnaires will be used to develop a scoring algorithm to measure the impact of health on a horse’s quality of life.
Zoetis says support from the veterinary profession is going to be pivotal to its ability to deliver a valid and reliable measurement tool, one that has the potential to transform the welfare of horses worldwide.
To that end, vets who contribute will gain early insight into a scientifically validated HRQL instrument designed to:
If you would like to participate, of if you would like more information contact Dr Cory Noble at cory.noble@zoetis.com.
Vista IQ is designed for non-invasive screening of dermal and subcutaneous masses commonly seen in veterinary practice.
Building on the original HT Vista, Vista iQ retains the same Heat Diffusion Imaging (HDI) technology.
The new device features faster calibration, improved imaging resolution and Wi-Fi connectivity to tablets and smartphones.
HT Vet says Vista iQ has been designed with clinical workflow in mind, with an ergonomic design, full portability and multi-user functionality intended to support use during routine consultations.
Updates include a redesigned user interface for faster navigation, improved light and vibration indicators for real-time feedback, and built-in precision tools including a laser grid and accelerometer for accurate measurements.
Alongside the device, the Vista iQ application includes enhanced case documentation features, allowing clinicians to record mass characteristics, case histories, diagnostics and treatment plans within a single system.
HT Vet has confirmed that the original HT Vista device will be discontinued, with future development focused on Vista iQ.
Practices currently using the original device will continue to receive full technical support.
https://ht-vet.com
The mixed-methods survey of 525 veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses found that while some employers offered thoughtful and effective support, more than one in five respondents had left — or wanted to leave — their role as a direct result of how their situation was managed.
Participants described experiences including being expected to continue clinical duties while actively miscarrying, limited or no time off for fertility treatment or bereavement, breaches of medical confidentiality, and dismissive comments from colleagues.
Concerns were also raised about exposure to anaesthetic gases, heavy lifting and workplace stress, particularly when trying to conceive or during pregnancy following a previous loss.
Some male veterinary professionals reported being unable to take time off to support hospitalised partners or to grieve.
Crucially, respondents who recalled receiving any form of workplace support were five times less likely to subsequently want to leave their job than those who reported no support at all.
Positive experiences were often linked to relatively small actions, such as kind words or a card, or workload adjustments and time away from work.
Study participants recommended improved education, clearer workplace policies, and increased paid leave for bereavement and fertility treatment.
The study was led by four vets under the umbrella of the VetMINDS Research Team and funded for open access by the British Veterinary Association.
Lead author Jenny Stavisky MRCVS said the findings highlighted how deeply the issue resonated with veterinary professionals, and expressed hope that more open discussion would help avoid compounding the pain experienced by those affected.
The study authors also note that whilst many veterinary employers offer discretionary accommodations, there is no current legislative requirement.
However, under proposed changes to the law there will be a statutory entitlement to bereavement leave following miscarriage, something which is subject to a Government consultation which can be accessed here: Make Work Pay: leave for bereavement including pregnancy loss - GOV.UK
The scheme gives practices access to a dedicated website hosting short training films showing what to cover in a ten-minute consult for a range of common behaviour problems, alongside owner-facing leaflets and posters.
There's also a handy staff room poster with QR codes linking to the training films so team members can watch them on a coffee break, if they feel so inclined.
Behavet says that limited consultation time, patient insecurity, uncertainty over what advice to offer, and concerns about whether guidance is up to date or worthwhile all influence the level of behaviour support delivered in first-opinion practice.
The company argues this can create a vicious circle in which owners disengage, problems escalate, and specialist help is only sought once issues have become entrenched.
Behavet Impact aims to break that cycle by supporting earlier, more effective intervention.
To date, materials have already been delivered to more than 400 UK veterinary practices within the project’s first three months.
To join the initiative, contact Behavet: https://www.beha.vet
The app and desktop-based service connects practices directly with locum vets and nurses, allowing shifts to be posted instantly and applications handled without agency involvement.
The company says uptake reflects increasing pressure on practice teams, alongside rising costs and frustration with traditional recruitment models.
Ronda Vet includes a mutual review system designed to help both practices and locums make more informed decisions, and operates on a 24/7 basis to support last-minute cover.
Early adopter practices report faster turnaround when filling urgent shifts, including weekends and out-of-hours periods.
Founded by veterinary surgeon Ibra Hernando and Dimitra Sepou, the platform was developed in response to what the founders describe as inefficiencies and lack of transparency on both sides of the locum market.
The company says its focus for 2026 will be further growth and the introduction of additional features aimed at supporting workforce wellbeing and operational efficiency.
https://www.ronda.vet