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Rabbit-friendly vet awards announces winners
Pictured: Dr Madonna Livingstone, Rabbit Vet of the Year 2022.
Full list of winners released by Burgess Excel.

The winners have been announced for the Burgess Excel Vet Awards, celebrating veterinary practices and professionals who improve the lives of the UK's pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

Comprised of veterinary professionals, industry experts and rabbit specialists, the judging panel selected one winner from each of the categories to receive a cash prize of £250 and a Burgess Excel Vet Awards trophy.

The winners are as follows:

Rabbit Vet of the Year

Winner - Dr Madonna Livingstone, Ark Veterinary Clinic, Coatbridge

Shortlisted
  •  Dr Amy Reynolds, Highcroft Vet Group, Bristol
  •  Dr Jenna Richardson, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh
  •  Dr Molly Varga Smith, Rutland House Exotics, St Helens
  •  Dr Heather Westron, Alma Veterinary Surgery, Scarborough

Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year

Winner - Abi Nell, Mill House Vets, Kings Lynn

Shortlisted
  •  Heidi Barringer, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Godmanchester
  •  Laura Chivers, Plymouth Veterinary Group, Plymouth  Sophie Enticknap, Vets4Pets, Hayling Island
  •  Emma Jeffrey, Galedin Vets, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Rabbit-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year

Winner - Origin Vets Clinic, Cardiff

Shortlisted
  •  Ashleigh Vets, Manchester
  •  Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk
  •  Valley Exotics, Cardiff
  •  Westfield Vets, Wells

Rabbit Support Staff of the Year

Winner - Paiton Barker, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Godmanchester

Shortlisted
  •  Jo Hambling, Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk
  •  Khloe McNeill, Braid Vets, Edinburgh
  •  Carly Sedgemore, Bridges Vets, Cardiff
  •  Sophie Staniland, Valley Vet Hospital, Cardiff

Rabbit Student of the Year

Winner - Maria Jackson, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire

Shortlisted
  •  Joshua Sancho, Blue Cross Animal Hospital, London

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year

Winner - Plymouth Vet Group, Plymouth

Shortlisted
  •  Mill House Vets, Kings Lynn
  •  Medivet, Burton-on-Trent
  •  Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk

Guinea Pig-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year

Winner - Holly House Vets, Leeds

Shortlisted
  •  Arun Vet Group, Chichester
  •  Derwent Valley Vets, Matlock
  •  Westfield Vets, Wells
  •  Woodlands Veterinary Group, Ivybridge.


Winner of Rabbit Vet of the Year, Dr Madonna Livingstone, celebrated the achievement: “To have reached the finals again was fantastic, but to have actually won the award is completely overwhelming, especially considering how brilliant the other finalists are. 

“I am a firm believer that rabbits - and all other species - deserve the same high level of care as dogs and cats and knowing how many other veterinary professionals feel the same makes rabbits the ultimate winners every time!”

Abi Nell, Rabbit Nurse of the Year 2022, said: “I am really thrilled to have been chosen for this award. I love meeting and connecting with clients; being able to offer tips and advice for the best care for their rabbits is my favourite part of my job. 

“When a client calls the practice to ask for my advice instead of relying on an internet search, that is when I know I have really made an impact and developed a relationship with the pet owners.”

 

Image (C) Burgess Excel Vet Awards

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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.