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Guidance launched on supporting religious vet nurses
The guidance can be downloaded from the BVNA website.

VN Futures DIWP has published advice for practices and training providers.

A new free-to-access guidebook on how veterinary practices and training providers can support veterinary nurses who hold religious beliefs has been launched by the VN Futures Diversity, Inclusivity and Widening Participation Working Group (DIWP).

The guidebook provides advice on how to support veterinary nurses whose religious beliefs require them to wear particular clothes, avoid certain substances, or fit their work pattern around religious observance.

The advice builds on guidance created for veterinary students by the RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and the Veterinary Schools Council Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Support Working Group.

The digital booklet, ‘A Guide for Training Providers and Practices: Religious Clothing and Beliefs’, can be downloaded online.

A collaboration between the British Veterinary Nursing Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the VN Futures initiative aims to promote veterinary nursing as a career and support the existing workforce.

Alex Taylor, BVNA senior vice-president and chair of DIWP, said: “The VN Futures DIWP is proud to have been involved with putting together this guidance document.

“Not only will it provide reliable and useful advice about religious clothing and beliefs for educators, trainers and employers of veterinary nurses, but it will also help demonstrate that the veterinary nursing profession is open to people from all backgrounds, and everyone is valued in a supportive workplace environment.”
 
Jill Macdonald, VN Futures project lead, added: “The aim of the VN Futures DIWP is to actively address diversity and inclusivity, specifically within the veterinary nursing profession, and consider the support needed by those from diverse backgrounds who are already working within the profession.

“The publication of our religious clothing document is a massive step forward in helping to make sure that everybody not only feels included as valuable members of the veterinary team, but inherently respected for who they are as individuals.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

 

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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...
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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.