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Nominations open for Blue Cross vet nurse award
Pictured: 2020 Winner Chloe Mackintosh.
The charity is searching for 2021's 'top veterinary nurse'. 

Do you know a veterinary nurse who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for pet and pet owners this year?

Nominations have opened for the Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2021, and all are encouraged to nominate their top veterinary nurse of the year. 

Blue Cross pet charity is asking animal lovers, pet owners and veterinary teams across the UK to consider nominating a veterinary nurse for the award. 

Recognising the dedication of veterinary nurses, and the support they give to both their veterinary teams, and to pets and pet owners, the award is given to a veterinary nurse who goes above and beyond to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve pet welfare in their community.

Blue Cross director of veterinary clinical services, David Catlow, said: “The veterinary profession faced difficult times for much of the past couple of years but vet nurses strove on to provide their usual professionalism, compassion and special care for pets and their owners. 

“Now, more than ever, we need to recognise their invaluable work and the incredible reassurances and support they offer pet owners and how they are dedicated to helping the welfare of the nation’s pets in their communities.”

The most recent winner of the Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award was Chloe Mackintosh, a veterinary nurse working at the RSPCA in Harmsworth, North London. Chloe was nominated for the award for her passion for and commitment to animal welfare. 

The award will be presented at the BVNA Congress, held in Telford on Saturday 2 October 2021. 

Nominations close on Monday 20 September 2021, and entries can be made via the nomination form on the Blue Cross website here. 

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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.