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Research to investigate alcohol use among veterinary professionals
The project will build upon previous research into alcohol use in the veterinary profession.
The project has been funded by RCVS Mind Matters.

A new study is set to develop a better understanding of alcohol use, and the barriers to seeking help, among the veterinary profession in the UK.

It will be conducted by researchers from Oxford Brookes University and will be funded by a research grant from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI).

The £15,000 Impact Grant will allow the team, led by senior lecturer in psychology Jennifer Seddon, to build upon previous research into problem drinking in the profession. Alongside Olivia Cormier MRCVS and Emma Davies, Dr Seddon will seek to better understand factors relating to risky drinking and how veterinary professionals can be supported to reduce alcohol consumption.

It follows research conducted in 2009, which revealed that veterinary professionals were more likely to drink at risky levels compared to the general population.

The grant has been awarded as part of a new MMI mental health research grant programme, which launched in August 2024.

Angharad Belcher, RCVS director for the advancement of the professions, said: “We are pleased to be able to support Dr Seddon and her team in this very important research project.

“Our funding will help them to build on previous research into alcohol-related stigma within the UK veterinary professions and presents a positive opportunity for us to further explore alcohol use and mental health within the UK veterinary professions – a contemporary topic aligning with our current MMI strategy, looking at barriers to accessing help and the promotion of help seeking behaviours.”

RCVS says that it positively encourages its members to seek support for mental health and/or addiction issues, as part of its Code of Professional Conduct. It also has a Health Protocol in place, should mental health or addiction issues be a factor in an allegation of professional misconduct.

The mental health research grant programme is designed to fund projects that will positively impact mental health in the veterinary profession. It offers two research grants each year: a £5,000 Discovery Grant (for early career researchers) and a £15,000 Impact Grant.

Since no Discovery Grant was issued in this round of applications, there will be two Discovery Grants available next time.

More information about the MMI research grant programme can be found on the Mind Matters website. Applications for the second round of grants will open in spring 2025.

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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.