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BVNA Congress 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19
The 47th BVNA Congress has been cancelled.
Organisers planning a virtual event in celebration of the veterinary nursing profession.

The British Veterinary Association (BVNA) has announced that the 47th BVNA Congress will not be taking place this year.

The announcement follows concerns raised in recent weeks by BVNA members, exhibitors and speakers about health and safety if they attended the event. Other said that their employers were not allowing them to travel to external events until after Christmas.

In a statement posted on its website, BVNA said that the final decision was founded on uncertainty facing large-scale events due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, as well as the health risks to BVNA members, speakers, staff and public.

But it is not all bad news. Congress organisers are planning a virtual event in celebration of both the BVNA and the veterinary nursing profession! More details are expected to be announced soon, but the programme is already set to include first-class keynote speakers, interactive workshops, live interviews, virtual networking and event social quizzes.

“This is the first time that the BVNA have not been able to hold our congress and it was an exceptionally sad decision to have to make, however, it is vital that we play our part in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and put public safety first,” commented BVNA president, Jo Hinde.

“However, we cannot let the occasion pass without marking it hence offering a weekend that celebrates all things vet nurse! Our congress has always been about more than just high-quality CPD; it’s where the BVNA family get together with friends – old and new.”

She continued: “We understand just how isolated and exhausted the veterinary community are feeling right now, and how this has negatively affected individual’s mental health. As such, we want to provide an online space to facilitate those catch-ups, hear from inspiring speakers and most of all…have fun!

“I am very excited about the new event and hope vet nurses and the wider veterinary community can join us for what promises to be a fabulous time."

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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.