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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th September 2018
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RCVS accepts proposal for Certification Support Officers
The Certification Support Officer would work under the direction of the Official Veterinarian responsible for signing export certificates.
Role developed in response to Brexit and vet shortage concerns
 
The RCVS has accepted the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (AHPA) proposal for the new role of Certification Support Officer (CSO), who would assist Official Veterinarians with tasks related to certification.

In a statement, the RCVS said: ‘RCVS Standards Committee considered the proposal on Wednesday 26 September at its regularly-scheduled meeting. The Committee’s fundamental focus was on retaining the value and integrity of veterinary certification.

‘The Committee concluded that the proposals were acceptable in principle and that further discussions should now proceed with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) before the proposal is referred to RCVS Council for ultimate decision at its meeting in November 2018.’

The proposal was developed in response to concerns over the existing veterinary workforce shortage and Brexit. In October 2017, chief vet Nigel Gibbens predicted this could lead to a 325 per cent rise in the need for veterinary certifications.

Under the AHPA’s proposal, the Certification Support Officer would work under the direction of the Official Veterinarian responsible for signing export certificates. The role would not involve the certification of live animals or germinal products, and the act of certification would still be the responsibility of a veterinary surgeon.

The RCVS said that applicants for the role would need to undergo identity checks, six hours of accredited online distance learning, a period of supervision under a qualified colleague and refresher training and revalidation every two years.

Commenting, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson said: “APHA has asked us to consider amending the RCVS Ten Principles of Certification and Supporting Guidance on Certification in order to recognise the role of CSOs in official certification, which they hope to have approved in time for the UK’s exit from the EU in March 2019.

“Throughout discussions, upholding the integrity and value of the veterinary signature has been our core principle when considering how CSOs could work as part of a vet-led team and support administrative tasks related to certification.”

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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.