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BVNA launches new guidance on delegating to RVNs
“RVNs are highly skilled and trained professionals” – Lyndsay Hughes.
The resource sets out how to maximise the role of vet nurses.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has published new guidance on delegating Schedule 3 tasks to veterinary nurses.

Although the organisation wants to see reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 in the long-term, BVNA believes that veterinary nurses can currently be better utilised under existing legislation.

The guidance also reflects the opportunities for veterinary nurses to take on additional clinical responsibilities identified by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in its review of how ‘under care’ is interpreted.

It is hoped that the new resources will improve the confidence of veterinary teams in understanding Schedule 3 and maximise the role played by RVNs. As well as supporting the workload of veterinary surgeons and improving efficiency, BVNA believes that this could also promote patient welfare and enhance job satisfaction.

BVNA is planning a series of activities and resources for next year to complement its new guidance, including interactive sessions at BVNA Congress in October 2025.

Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA president, said: “BVNA's position is clear - that reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act is urgently required. However, we are also aware that under this existing legislation, there are still missed opportunities to utilise RVNs to our full capability, often due to a lack of confidence and clarity in interpreting Schedule 3.

“RVNs are highly skilled and trained professionals. Full utilisation of our skillset means we can enhance the delivery of patient care, and do even more to contribute to the veterinary team and business. Importantly, this will also lead to a greater sense of fulfilment and job satisfaction in our roles.”

The full guidance can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.