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Mind Matters Campfire Chats return for fifth series
The sessions are open for any member of the veterinary profession.
The initiative invites vet professionals to discuss mental health issues.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced the return of their Campfire Chats for its fifth series.

The online sessions relaunch on 13 December with a webinar discussing ‘Self-care through Winter’, which will see a panel including Vetlife president James Russell discussing mental health during the winter months.

MMI first launched their Mind Matters Campfire Chats in 2021. The chats invite veterinary professionals to attend virtual, informal panel discussions which explore topics relating to veterinary mental health and wellbeing.

The sessions are open for any member of the veterinary profession, including surgeons, nurses, students, practice managers and receptionists.

This year’s Campfire Chats will also be recorded, so that those who are unable to attend the sessions live will be able to listen to them afterwards on the MMI website. The following Q and A section will not be recorded, to provide a safe space for those who wish to voice their thoughts on the topic.

The MMI hopes that the series will enable those working in the veterinary industry to pause, reflect and learn from each other.

Angharad Belcher, advancement of the professions and Mind Matters director, said: “We are really looking forward to bringing back our Campfire Chats, which offer a safe space for the veterinary community to come together for informal discussions on some of the issues impacting mental health and wellbeing.

“We have a brilliant panel lined up for the first session of the series and are keen to get as many people involved in the discussion as possible – however, if you simply want to grab a cup of tea and listen in to the discussion, you are absolutely welcome to do so.”

The sessions are designed to provide an informal space for veterinary professionals to discuss mental health, but does not replace professional or clinical advice. Veterinary professionals who are experiencing mental health challenges should contact Vetlife, the Samaritans or the NHS.

The first session, ‘Self-care through Winter’, takes place on Wednesday 13 December from 7.00pm-7.30pm. This is followed by ‘Managing Anxiety 101’, which is on Wednesday 24 January from 7.00pm-8.00pm.

To book a place in the first session, visit the MMI events page. Booking for ‘Managing Anxiety 101’ will become available in due course.

Image © Shutterstock

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.