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Nominations open for AMTRA council representatives
AMTRA is seeking representatives in the RAMA categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice.
The not-for-profit is seeking eight RAMA's to join its board.

Nominations for council representatives on the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) Board have opened.

AMTRA Council advises the board and AMTRA secretariet on various issues affecting Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) and ensures that their voices are represented on the Council.

This year there are eight available seats for council representatives compared to six in previous years. Representatives are elected by Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) to represent those working in the industry. 

Specifically, AMTRA Council is seeking two RAMAs each representing the categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice. The chair of council will also appointing a further four representatives to ensure that all voices and areas of the industry are covered.

John Blackwell, AMTRA vice-chair and AMTRA council chair, commented: “The inclusion of RAMAs who are working ‘on the front line’ is, for me, crucial in formulating strategy and policy, bringing current ideas to the table and helping the Council make good decisions.”

“It’s important that all areas of our industry are represented, and by further increasing the number of RAMAs on council, we are gold-plating and increasing the breadth and depth of the council." 

He added: “We encourage an open flow of communication, in both directions, but there’s scope to make of the role whatever you wish, and RAMAs may have some ideas we haven't thought of,” he adds.

Board members will be required to attend four Zoom meetings per year and to contribute to these in a meaningful way. Representatives may also be required to respond to occasional emails or correspondence from AMTRA staff on various topics.

Nominations should be emailed to stephen@amtra.org.uk with a 250-word explanation to fellow RAMAs about why they believe they are suitable for the role. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2022. 

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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.