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Prestigious lifetime memberships awarded by BVNA
Sue Badger (left) receiving her award from outgoing BVNA president Louisa Baker
Sue Badger, Julian Hoad and Dr Anne McBride honoured at event

During its recent congress, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) awarded three prestigious lifetime honorary memberships, to Sue Badger, Julian Hoad and Dr Anne McBride.

Incoming president of the BVNA, Kirstie Shield, first welcomed Sue Badger to the stage and spoke of the influence that she has had on veterinary nursing, having been a prominent figure in the profession for many years.

Sue has served two separate terms on the BVNA Council, and was the association's president during 2010-11.

Commenting on her achievements, Kirstie said that Sue has worked extremely hard to develop the BVNA members' publication, the Veterinary Nursing Journal (VNJ), into a more professional source of information and education. Sue is currently the journal's Editor-in-Chief.

In addition, Sue represents the BVNA and veterinary nursing profession as a whole in her position on the RCVS VN Legislative Working Party, offering her insight, knowledge and experience.

Kirstie concluded by saying that it is an honour, not just to know Sue, but to work as part of a profession which has been so positively influenced by her.

Also to receive an honorary membership was Julian Hoad, who wrote the Handbook of Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Nurses in 2006. He was also asked to speak at the BVNA Roadshow this year, giving a series of anaesthetic lectures across the country.

In addition, Julian assists the BVNA Congress Committee by selecting topics and sourcing lecturers for the scientific programme.

Finally, Dr Anne McBride was awarded membership for her years of dedicated work and support for the veterinary profession. Anne has been asked to speak at BVNA congresses on a number of occasions and she also assists the association with putting together the scientific programme.

Along with Sarah Heath and John Fisher, Anne was instrumental in setting up the first course in animal behaviour counselling at Southampton University. She has also been a speaker for the BVNA's Companion Animal Behaviour Course since its inception.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.