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Rabbit and guinea pig veterinary awards open for nominations
Nominations are open until 22 November.
The winners will be revealed in December.

Nominations have opened for this year’s Burgess Excel Vet Awards, which celebrate the work of veterinary professionals to improve the health and welfare of pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

The awards, which are in their fifth year, are free to enter. There are seven categories:
  • Rabbit Vet of the Year: open to registered veterinary surgeons practising in the UK
  • Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year: open to registered veterinary nurses practising in the UK
  • Rabbit Support Staff of the Year: open to staff currently working in a registered practice in the UK
  • Rabbit Practice of the Year – in association with Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF): open to practices in the UK which are members of the RWAF and hold RWAF Gold or Silver accreditation  
  • Small Animal Student of the Year: open to students studying in the UK for a veterinary or animal-nutrition-related degree
  • Guinea Pig Practice of the Year: open to practices registered in the UK
  • Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year: open to any UK-based practice or individual.

The winner of each category will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £250. The winners will be announced on 17 December.

The judging panel for the awards is made up of Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care, and spokesperson for the Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) and RAW; Rae Walters, director of the RWAF; John Chitty , co-director of a small animals/ exotics practice; Sophie Jenkins, founder of a practice for rabbits, cats, small mammals and exotic pets in Cardiff; and Dani Sewell, communications director at Fred Marketing.

Dr Moyes said: “Both rabbits and guinea pigs have complex and very specific welfare needs, which is why it’s so important that owners have access to fantastic veterinary professionals who can help them care properly for these wonderful creatures.

“We would love to hear from owners about their veterinary heroes and why they should receive an award this year – this could be a vet, nurse, vet student or a whole practice! We also welcome nominations from veterinary professionals who want to highlight the fantastic work of one of their peers.”

Nominations are open until 22 November and can be made here. Veterinary practices and professionals can nominate themselves.

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...
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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.