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BVNA seeks vet nurses to stand in council election
Candidates must be nominated by the end of March.
Three RVN candidates will be elected this year.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) is asking its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members to consider standing in its upcoming council elections.

Nominations are open from 1 March to 31 March 2024. A BVNA member must be nominated by two other members to become a candidate.

Voting on candidates for the council will open in early June, with the results announced in July. Three council seats are available.

The BVNA Council is made up of 12 RVNs and three student veterinary nurses elected by the membership. The council decides on the BVNA’s strategic direction and represents the organisation at veterinary events.

Council members each serve for three years, with the terms staggered so that every year some of the council seats are up for election.

BVNA president Lyndsay Hughes said: “With ongoing work such as BVNA’s Protect the Title campaign, and lobbying towards wider legislative reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, it’s such an exciting time to be a veterinary nurse – and a BVNA Council Member.

“Putting yourself forwards for election onto BVNA Council is an incredible opportunity for veterinary nurses to represent and champion our members, being involved in conversations and decisions which impact our current and future profession.

“If you feel you have what it takes to contribute to BVNA’s ongoing work as the voice of the veterinary nursing profession, we would urge you to consider being nominated for election. Not only will you learn more about the profession, but you will also learn more about yourself and grow as an individual too.”

Nominations can be made via the BVNA’s online portal.

Image © 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...
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.