Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
Return to BSAVA Home page
Search Our Jobs
MRCVSonline on Twitter

BSAVA Congress News Archive
Born Free announces <i>WIldworks</i>
4th November 2014
The Born Free Foundation has announced Wildworks - a major celebrity exhibition and auction in aid of the international wildlife charity.

The exhibition includes artwork from famous names across the world of film, television,music and art - including comic genius Jim Moir (Vic Reeves), socialite Lady Victoria Hervey and movie actor Billy Zain.

It will also feature works by acclaimed artists Nicky Phillips, who famously painted the Queen's portrait, and Sheree Valentine Daines, the highly popular modern impressionist artist.

A selected number of limited edition prints from Born Free's own collection will be up for sale at the private view and auction on 11 November.

Wildworks takes place at the prestigious Clarendon Fine Art Gallery in Mayfair, London and will remain open to the public on the 12th 13th and 14th November. For more information visit: www.bornfree.org.uk
Battersea appoints new director of operations
30th October 2014
Peter Laurie, the highly regarded chief executive of the Retired Greyhound Trust, has been appointed as Battersea's director of operations.

Peter will be responsible for the direction and management of all aspects of the day to day running on the home's centres, over 60 per cent of the charity's staff and more than one thousand volunteers.

Battersea's Chief Executive, Claire Horton, said: "I'm thrilled Peter is joining Battersea as our new operations director, as he offers us such a breadth of experience across all a sectors of animal welfare and dogs in particular, and is hugely respected in the sector."

Peter Laurie takes up his post in February 2015.
BBC radio presenter joins launch of charity dog walk
22nd October 2014
Mark Cummings from BBC Radio Gloucester and his lurcher Tyler will be leading a charity dog walk on Sunday, October 26 at the Bathurst Estate, Cirencester.

Dog owners will get a unique opportunity to walk their canine companions in the stunning grounds of Cirencester Park, all to raise funds and awareness for PetSavers - an animal charity that helps treat pet diseases.

Mark said: "I am delighted to be able to support the first ever charity dog walk run by PetSavers to raise money and awareness for animal health. I urge everyone to don their wellies and take part in this fundraising charity dog walk in aid of PetSavers to both support and highlight the fantastic work they continue to do."

To download a registration form visit www.petsavers.org.uk
WSAVA and World Animal Protection join forces to promote animal welfare
20th October 2014
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and World Animal Protection have joined forces to promote animal welfare around the world.

The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding at the WSAVA World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, agreeing to work together towards four key goals - to raise awareness globally of animal welfare issues, to promote animal welfare education, to deliver companion animal programmes including humane and sustainable population management and canine rabies control, and to engage the global veterinary community on animal welfare and ethical issues.

To help achieve these goals the organisations have agreed an activity plan, including collaboration in a number of areas and sharing resources, information and expertise.

Second Texas nurse diagnosed with Ebola
16th October 2014
A second nurse has tested positive for Ebola, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed yesterday (October 15).

The nurse, revealed to be Amber Vinson, treated the late Thomas Eric Duncan - the first person in the US to develop Ebola - at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.

According to media reports, investigations are being carried out to determine how the nurse was allowed to fly on a plane after becoming infected while treating a patient. Health officials are attempting to track down 132 people who flew on the plane with Ms Vinson.

BBC News reported that Thomas Frieden, CDC director, said the nurse should not have been allowed to travel on a commercial flight. Meanwhile another health official said Ms Vinson was permitted to fly because her temperature was only mildly elevated, according to the New York Times.

The Ebola epidemic has so far killed around 4,500 people.

(Image credit: Dr. Frederick A. Murphy/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library/Wikipedia)
Glamorous Battersea ball to celebrate the canine heroes of WW1
10th October 2014
A star-studded event hosted by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home will feature battlefield re-enactments to commemorate the centenary of World War One. Former Battersea residents that have gone on to work with the police, RAF and Border Force will take part to show how dogs continue to serve their country. "It promises to be truly awe inspiring and heart stopping," said Claire Horton, the charity's chief executive.

Battersea's globally acclaimed event, the Collars and Coats Gala Ball, takes place annually to raise awareness of its work and celebrate the animals it helps. This year's event hopes to raise a quarter of a million pounds to support the charity's work.

A guard of honour made up of rescue dogs will line a red carpet at the ball, which takes place at Evolution, Battersea Park on October 30.

Along with other celebrity guests, Battersea's ambassadors Paul O'Grady, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Amanda Holden and David Gandy will be heading to the glamorous event. The entertainment will include performances from international superstar violinist Vanessa-Mae and Heather Small.

(Image courtesy of Battersea)
Vet heads to Sri Lanka to help improve the health and welfare of stray dogs
8th October 2014
Veterinary surgeon Janey Lowes from Westway Veterinary Group is taking a year's sabbatical and heading to Sri Lanka. Whilst there, she will help to tackle the country's stray dog problem and launch a new charity, WECare.

WECare was set up by Westway in partnership with Embark, a Sri Lankan campaign to improve the lives of stray dogs whilst controlling the population and preventing rabies. WECare's founding member Janey says: "WECare are going to save the world, one animal at a time!"

To date, Embark have succeeded in neutering close to 10,000 dogs, vaccinating 25,000 and rehoming nearly 2,000 puppies. WEcare will assist in this campaign and provide veterinary care to sick or injured animals.

When Janey travelled to Bali two years ago, she was shocked by the condition of the stray dogs there. She plans to set up a mobile clinic and run a mass neutering and vaccination campaign in Sri Lanka. Westway vets and nurses will travel to the country to assist with the campaign. WECare will initially focus on Sri Lanka's one million stray dogs, but the long-term aim is to roll out veterinary services across the globe.

Find out more and keep up to date on WECare's work through its Facebook page.
Abandoned puppy farm mum finds her perfect home
30th September 2014
An ex-puppy farm dog has found the perfect loving home after appearing at this year's Pup Aid event.

Violet, a six-year-old mastiff-cross, was taken in by Wood Green after she was found abandoned and suffering from serious health problems. It was obvious to staff that she had been used as a breeding bitch before being deemed too old.

The animal shelter thought she would make an excellent ambassador for the Pup Aid campaign, which fights to end puppy farming across the UK. Violet appeared at Parliament Square while MPs debated the issue of puppy farming recently, as well as visiting this year's Pup Aid event.

As if by fate, it was during this event that Violet found her new owner - dog groomer and devoted Mastiff lover Donna-Marie Law.

Donna said: "It was our third time at Pup Aid and as we went past Wood Green my eldest son actually said 'look Mum, there's your next dog'. I said 'no' but was back 20 minutes later, chatting to the Wood Green team and I was hooked."

(Image courtesy of Wood Green, the Animals Charity.)
British vets honoured with WSAVA awards
29th September 2014
British vets have been honoured for their contributions to veterinary medicine at an awards ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa.

At its World Congress this month, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) presented Dr Michael Herrtage with the International Award for Scientific Achievement. Dr Herrtage is a professor of small animal medicine at Cambridge Veterinary School. The award recognises his considerable contributions to small animal internal medicine, particularly endocrinology.

Scottish veterinary surgeon Dr Lawson Cairns was awarded the WSAVA's Global Meritorious Service Award. Dr Cairns has run a veterinary practice near Durban in South Africa for the past 40 years. His award recognises his work to raise standards of CPD across the African continent.

WSAVA president, Professor Colin Burrows, said: "We aim to encourage excellence in small animal practice, showcasing the ground-breaking work being done by our colleagues around the world to raise standards of global veterinary care. We congratulate this year's worthy winners on their great contribution, both to our profession and to the welfare of companion animals worldwide."

(Image: Dr Herrtage receiving his award from Prof Burrows.)
BSAVA offers enhanced legal service to veterinary nurse members
26th September 2014
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is offering an enhanced legal service for its members in conjunction with law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

From October 1, members of the BSAVA will be able to benefit from discounted ratesand special fixed-fee packages for both personal and professional legal needs. Harrison Clark Rickerbys has experience of actingfor small animal veterinary practices, as well as referral practices and animal hospitals.

Charlotte Thornton-Smith, of the legal firm, said; "The team is delighted to provide dedicated membership benefits to the BSAVA and keen to work with its members to advise on any of their legal issues."

For more information about this and all BSAVA members benefits visit www.bsava.com
World Rabies Day 2014
25th September 2014
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is marking World Rabies Day on September 28 by promoting the need for improved awareness among the public and the veterinary profession.

While the most devastating impact is seen on other continents, cases of the disease have been seen recently in Europe. There are also concerns that the illegal importation of dogs may pose a threat to the UK's rabies-free status.

BSAVA president Katie McConnell said: "We would encourage veterinary practices to contact their local authority to ensure that they know how to report suspected cases before the need arises. Veterinary surgeons need to remain vigilant for pets exhibiting clinical signs that might fit within the rabies spectrum, especially if there is a recent history of travel abroad."

For further details visit www.rabiesalliance.org
Annual renewal fee due for veterinary nurses
24th September 2014
The RCVS are reminding veterinary nurses that the annual renewal fee to remain on the RCVS register or list of veterinary nurses, is now due.

Listed and registered nurses need to pay the annual renewal fee of £61.00 by November 1, 2014. All veterinary nurses are required to confirm their register or list details and correspondence address. Registered veterinary nurses will also need to declare any convictions and confirm that they have complied with the RCVS requirement for CPD of 45 hours over a three-year period.

Any registered and listed veterinary nurses who have not paid their annual fee by December 31, 2014 will be removed from the register or list of veterinary nurses.

The annual renewal fee can be paid online in the 'my account' area at www.rcvs.org.uk/login. Any veterinary nurses who have not received their annual renewal fee letter or login details by October 1, 2014 should contact the registration department on 020 7202 0707.