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BCVA 2020 Congress cancelled
The BCVA Congress is a highlight in the farm vet calendar.
Organisers expanding 2020 CPD programme through webinars and podcasts.

The British Cattle Veterinary Association's (BCVA) Annual Congress, which was due to take place in Telford this October, has been cancelled owing to COVID-19 concerns.

BCVA president Nikki Hopkins said in a statement: “With the health and wellbeing of delegates, speakers, and our industry colleagues a clear priority, this sad decision has come after exploring all available options.

“For many in our profession, including me, this event is a highlight in the farm vet calendar, so it has been a hard decision to make, yet we know it is the right course of action.”

Offering a packed scientific and social programme, the BCVA Congress usually takes place over four days. BCVA says that it will continue to offer 'timely and relevant' resources to its members and has already expanded its 2020 CPD programme through webinars and podcasts.

Nikki added: “Our members have driven the way we’ve responded to the difficulties we’ve all faced this year, and as a vet in farm practice I’ve benefited from many of the resources my fellow BCVA Board members have produced.

“I’d like to thank the team and all our members for the support they’ve shown this year. We will work hard to make sure the BCVA Congress taking place 12-16 October 2021 in Celtic Manor will be one to remember.” 

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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.