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What can practices learn from John Lewis?
Image Tracy Killen
John Lewis HR and main board director Tracy Killen
Director Tracy Killen set to open VMPA/SPVS Congress

Delegates at this year's VMPA/SPVS Congress will learn how to "thrive, not just survive" in tough economic times, taking advice from John Lewis director Tracy Killen, who is set to open the event.

Retail giant, The John Lewis Group, enjoyed a record-breaking Christmas period, with sales reportedly topping £35 million on December 27 alone.

But how have they managed to overcome tightening purse-strings and pressures on customer loyalty? Practice managers can find out on January 31 at the VPMA/SPVS Congress in Newport.

Main board director Tracy Killen will offer her take on what veterinary practices can learn from John Lewis. Being wife to the owner of Highcroft Vet Group, Richard Killen, Tracy is no stranger to the veterinary industry.

During the Congress, Tracy will also join accountant Mark Beaney on remuneration and bonuses, as well as taking part in the Leading your Team lecture stream alongside Katherine Eitel, US training and development expert.

For the full programme or to book online, visit the website.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.