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Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month goes virtual
RVNs are being urged to join in the campaign by recording videos about what they love about being a veterinary nurse.

Practices urged to go online to promote the importance of RVNs

It's almost time for Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM) (May), and with many people on lockdown, organisers have had to remove the face-to-face interactions and will be running the campaign 'online and virtual' instead.

VNAM aims to spread the word about the importance of the role of the veterinary nurse in practice and the provision of responsible pet care to the general public. It was first started by the BVNA in 2005 as National VN Day campaign and now takes place throughout May every year.

Each year, more and more veterinary practices and training colleges get involved in promoting the role of the veterinary nurse, running events such as sponsored skydives, practice open days and pet health checks

Owing to the outbreak if COVID-19, this year's campaign will be a little different, with participants being asked to take part in virtual activities that they can complete on their mobile phone, laptop or home PC.

RVNs are being urged to join in the campaign as much as possible by recording videos about why they decided to become a vet nurse and what they love about being a vet nurse. The videos should last no longer than a minute, and then shared to the VNAM Facebook page using the hashtag #whatVNsdo, #VNAM2020 and #vetnurses.

This year's competition details can be found here and consist of three categories:

  • design a digital poster or infographic 'Showing the role of the Veterinary Nurse’
  • record a short educational video of no longer than five minutes that helps pet owners care for their pets
  • take a picture of your pet and complete the sentence “I love my Vet Nurse because…..”

There is also a digital pack that practices can download containing posters, partner logos and leaflets about a career in veterinary nursing.

To find out more about this year's campaign, and to get involved, visit www.bvna.org.uk

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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.