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Young Dairy Vet of the Year 2024 winner revealed
Will Balhatchet has been named Young Dairy Vet of the Year 2024.

Will Balhatchet honoured for commitment to farm animal health and welfare.

A North Wiltshire dairy veterinary surgeon has been unveiled as Young Dairy Vet of the Year at the 2024 annual Cream Awards.

Will Balhatchet from George Farm Vets received the honour in recognition of his dedication to improving dairy farm health, welfare, and productivity, and for setting up an embryo transfer service and robot discussion group, which have significantly benefitted his clients.

Summarising the achievement, the judges said: "Will's dedication to improving health, welfare, and productivity on dairy farms, combined with his practical experience as a former dairy herdsperson and innovative approach, sets him apart.

"His clear advice and workable action plans, effective problem-solving, and proactive initiatives, such as the embryo transfer service he set up and robot discussion group he initiated, have made a significant impact to his dairy farming clients. His clients say he goes above and beyond to improve the health, welfare and productivity of the animals he cares for, and they strongly endorse him as a worthy winner of this award."

Dr Balhatchet said: “It was a real privilege to be awarded the Young Dairy Vet of the Year award amongst so many talented and dedicated farm vets in our line of work. Above all, it is a testimony to the farmers I work with day to day and the proactive attitude they take to improving their systems, which has given me so many opportunities to develop my career.”

The Cream Awards are presented annually by British Dairying magazine showcasing the best that the industry has to offer. This year’s sell-out event took place at the Chesford Grange in Warwickshire.

The runner-up was Hana Ward of Torch Vets in Barnstaple, Devon, who was commended for her impactful work in client training, student mentoring, and proactive herd management.

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...
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.