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Raising awareness of veterinary careers
Image: Countryfile
The stand was transformed into a 'make-believe' veterinary practice

College attends BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace

Staff from the RCVS talked to members of the public attending the event about veterinary careers, the Find a Vet search tool, the Practice Standards Scheme, and roles within a veterinary practice.
 
The stand was transformed into a ‘make-believe’ veterinary practice with activities for both children and adults, including a number of surgical models for prospective young veterinary surgeons to ‘operate’ on and a model dog on which future veterinary nurses could practice their bandaging skills.
 
There was also a game – ‘Who’s who in your vet practice?’ – to help explain to show-goers the different roles within a typical veterinary practice team, including animal care assistants, veterinary nurses, advanced practitioners and RCVS specialists.
 
Over the four days, College staff, along with RCVS and VN Council members – including RCVS president, Stephen May, handed out about 1,500 canvas bags to the public, all of which included information about the Find a Vet search tool, ‘Who’s who’ leaflets describing the different roles in a veterinary practice, and Practice Standards Scheme bookmarks.
 
Ian Holloway, head of communications at the RCVS, said: “Events such as BBC Countryfile Live and the National Pet Show present us with a great opportunity to meet members of the animal-owning public, chat to them about our role and the services we provide, and explain more about the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions.

“People seemed reassured to hear about the Practice Standards Scheme, and particularly interested in our Find a Vet service, so I would urge practices to ensure their details are up to date online.”

Photo (C) RCVS

 

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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.