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Vets working to reform OV training and revalidation
“The unprecedented response rate to this survey really hits home the strength of feeling on this issue."
BVA survey highlights frustration with current system

The BVA is spearheading reforms to the training and revalidation system for official veterinarians (OVs), after a survey revealed many are frustrated with the current process.

Nearly 1,300 BVA members responded to the survey, many of whom criticised the system.

Respondents who chose to drop qualifications cited reasons such as time, lack of relevance, the cumulative cost of renewing each module at regular intervals and duplication of learning across different modules.

Over a quarter (25.3 per cent) of vets who hold the Essential Skills OCQ under grandfather rights, said they were not planning to renew the qualification. Of these, 66 per cent said they find the requirements too onerous.

The survey suggests vets are particularly frustrated with export certification OCQs, most of which needed revalidation this summer. Under the current system, equine exports are included in the ungulate export OCQ, which was a concern for vets who only work with farm animals.

APHA and Improve International, which deliver the current system, have introduced an equine-only OCQ for exports, to better meet the needs of equine vets.

Nearly three-quarters (72.5 per cent) of respondents who hold grandfather rights to the avian export OCQ, and nearly half (47.1 per cent) of those who hold the animal products OCQ, are not planning to renew their qualifications.

BVA had a meeting with the APHA to discuss the survey results and explore practical solutions to these problems. BVA has agreed to review the modules and come up with a list of recommendations to improve the structure.

John Fishwick, BVA president, said: “The unprecedented response rate to this survey really hits home the strength of feeling on this issue. There is an urgent need to review and improve the revalidation process to safeguard against capacity and capability issues in this critical section of the workforce.
 
“It’s really positive that APHA recognises that there are issues with the current system and is keen to work with us to make it more proportionate and fit for purpose while continuing to maintain high standards.

“It’s more important than ever to retain skilled professionals so that the workforce is at full strength to respond robustly to disease outbreaks and meet demand for export certification after Brexit.”

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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.