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Voting now open for BVNA Council elections
BVNA Council formulates the policies, direction and events of the largest VN representative body in the UK.
A record number of candidates are running for three seats

Voting is now open to BVNA members to choose who they would like to represent them on Council.

All BVNA members are encouraged to vote in the BVNA Council elections, which this year contains a record number of RVN candidates. Members are invited to vote for up to two candidates and can do so online via the Members Area.

BVNA Council formulates the policies, direction and events of the largest VN representative body in the UK. Representatives stand for a period of three years and no previous experience in governance or management is required.

There are nine RVN candidates standing for three council places this year - the highest number of candidates that have stood for election at one time on BVNA Council. They are as follows:

    •    Rachel Davis RVN
    •    Albert Holgate RVN
    •    Callum Ladell BSC (Hons) PgProfDev FdSc RVN
    •    Samantha Payne CertVN ECC RVN
    •    Lacey Pitcher RVN
    •    Sarah Ramsden RVN
    •    Louise Scott VNCert (ECC) Ncert(Anaesth) RVN
    •    Abigail Stanley-Jones RVN
    •    Alexandra Taylor RVN C&G Cert SAN ISFM Cert&DipFN.

“The number of candidates in the election speaks volumes. This is the highest number of candidates we have seen and is great for the profession and the BVNA,” said BVNA president Wendy Nevins. “I look forward to seeing all the candidates’ campaigns during voting period.

“I urge all of our members to use their vote and to encourage their fellow members to vote – this is their opportunity to decide who sits on Council to represent you.”

Voting will remain open until midnight on 18 July and all candidates' profiles and manifestos can be found on the BVNA website.

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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.