Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th June 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Motorbiking vets raise thousands for Ukraine
The group regularly travel miles on their motorbikes to provide CPD lectures while raising funds for charity.

Vets with Horsepower helped BEVA reach their £20,000 target.

Vets with Horsepower, a charity group of equine vets with a passion for motorbiking, have helped the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) reach their £20,000 target to help veterinary surgeons in Ukraine.

The group raised £9,922 by travelling 1,600 miles from Northern Germany, across Scandinavia and back to the UK. They provided educational events for equine veterinary surgeons along the way.

Vets with Horsepower was first organised by Professor Derek Knottenbelt after he won a Harley Davidson motorbike in a raffle. Professor Knottenbelt decided to learn to ride the bike and, after discovering a passion for it, brought together other equine veterinary surgeons with a love of motorbiking to form the charitable group.

The group now regularly travel miles on their motorbikes to provide CPD lectures to equine veterinary surgeons, while simultaneously raising funds for various charities. They were awarded the Point of Light award by former Prime Minister Theresa May when she was in office.

Their latest fundraiser contributed towards BEVA’s Power for Ukraine initiative, which will help buy power generators for veterinary surgeons working in war-ravaged conditions in Ukraine. The generators will be transported to Poland, and will reach Ukraine in time for the winter.

BEVA Council member Alison Talbot said: “BEVA’s Power for Ukraine initiative is part of British Equestrians for Ukraine.

“Thanks to the generosity of equine vets in the UK we had just hit the halfway mark of raising £10,000, before Vets with Horsepower set off on their epic Scandinavian mission. We are so grateful for their donation of £9,922 which means we can now buy another five generators, to help twice as many vets and horses in extremely difficult circumstances during enforced power cuts.

“Thank you so much to Vets with Horsepower and to everyone who has donated to Power to Ukraine since we launched the campaign in February. I am proud to be a member of such a caring, brave and determined profession where we are able to come together to help colleagues and horses in need.”

To donate to BEVA Trust Power To Ukraine appeal, visit their JustGiving page.

Image (C) BEVA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.